Regulation
Ripple Faces Risk Of Another SEC Lawsuit
XRP News: Ripple’s launch of the RLUSD stablecoin website has ignited speculation within the XRP community about the potential conclusion of the ongoing lawsuit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Some see this move as a sign that Ripple is nearing the end of its legal battles with the SEC. However, prominent voices in the crypto space suggest caution, indicating that a new lawsuit might be on the horizon.
Ripple To Face Another SEC Lawsuit?
When a crypto influencer questioned the impact of the RLUSD in the ongoing Ripple SEC lawsuit, lawyer Fred Rispoli offered his take. Rispoli, a staunch XRP supporter, recently commented on the potential implications of the RLUSD website going live. He stated, “Any issues the SEC has with $RLUSD is for another lawsuit and cannot be bootstrapped to one that is about to end!”
This remark underscores the possibility that even if the current lawsuit concludes, Ripple could face fresh scrutiny over its new stablecoin venture. Earlier, the blockchain firm’s President Monica Long had previously indicated a 2024 launch date for RLUSD. Moreover, the creation of a dedicated website suggests that the company is in the final stages of preparation.
Although the exact launch date remains undisclosed, industry watchers are closely monitoring the RLUSD stablecoin progress. The anticipation is understandable as many XRP enthusiasts many hoping that the launch of RLUSD signifies a nearing resolution of the Ripple SEC lawsuit.
However, the blockchain firm might be able to avert the risk of another lawsuit if a pro-crypto administration takes over after the November elections. Presidential candidate Donald Trump has affirmed his pro-crypto stance multiple times. Furthermore, former SEC attorney Marc Fagel believe that the agency’s approach toward the crypto industry might change in case a pro-crypto candidate wins.
Also Read: Ethereum ETF Outflows Hit $170M In A Week, What’s Next For ETH?
Remedies Ruling Timeline
Former Ripple director Sean McBride recently fueled further speculation by posting on X about the odds of Judge Torres ruling in August. His post has garnered significant attention from both the XRP community and the broader crypto space. McBride suggested a “50/50” chance of Judge Torres issuing a decision in August.
Commenting on the post, one user noted that Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse had previously predicted a XRP lawsuit resolution by the end of summer. Thereafter, McBride responded that if there is a delay in the ruling, it is highly likely that Judge Torres will give her decision by the end of September.
However, speculations about a possible settlement between Ripple and the SEC have been debunked by legal experts. Pro-XRP lawyer Bill Morgan and former SEC attorney Marc Fagel have downplayed the likelihood of a settlement.
Morgan recently described a potential settlement as “unlikely.” He also suggested that if a settlement does occur, it would be a compromise rather than a significant victory. In addition, he pointed out that Ripple might still face significant challenges related to XRP sales beyond December 2020 and future sales of the token.
XRP News: 1 Billion Token Unlock
The ongoing XRP lawsuit has drawn varied opinions from legal experts and the token’s supporters. Ripple executives, including Brad Garlinghouse, have made comments that fuel speculation about a potential conclusion.
Additionally, Ripple’s Q2 2024 XRP market report expressed confidence in a “fair” ruling. It stated that they believe the central ruling that XRP is not a security will remain unchanged, regardless of the outcome.
The SEC has sought a substantial $1 billion (excluding interest) penalty from the crypto firm for alleged violations. Conversely, Ripple has indicated it is willing to settle for no more than $10 million. This significant gap suggests that reaching a settlement might be challenging.
However, according to the latest XRP news, 1 billion XRP worth approximately $579.43 million was unlocked. This led to an 8% slump in XRP price, breaching the $0.6 psychological support level. This move has further ignited speculations of a Ripple SEC lawsuit settlement. Netizens view this initiative as a means to pay off penalties and reach a resolution.
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Kritika Mehta
Kritika boasts over 2 years of experience in the financial news sector. Currently working as a crypto journalist at Coingape, she has consistently shown a knack for blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. Kritika combines insightful analysis with a deep understanding of market trends. With a keen interest in technical analysis, she brings a nuanced perspective to her reporting, exploring the intersection of finance, technology, and emerging trends in the crypto space.
Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.
USDC issuer Circle is reportedly set to file its initial public offering (IPO) in April as part of the firm’s plans to finally go public. The stablecoin issuer is allegedly already working with top financial institutions to achieve this move.
Circle To File IPO In Late April
According to a Fortune report, Circle is looking to file its IPO in late April, although the listing period remains uncertain. The report noted that when a company files to go public, its shares usually begin trading four weeks later, indicating that the listing could occur in May. However, there is also a scenario where the IPO process could drag on for months.
The stablecoin issuer is reportedly working with investment banks JPMorgan Chase and Citi to achieve its long-anticipated IPO. The firm had previously tried to go public in 2021 under a SPAC arrangement with a shell company.
The US SEC failed to sign off on this arrangement back then, and the company eventually scrapped these IPO plans by the end of 2022 when the crypto exchange FTX collapsed and the broader crypto market experienced a downturn.
Revelation about Circle’s IPO plans comes just days after the stablecoin issuer partnered with NYSE’s parent company to explore USDC’s use in traditional finance (TradFi). Meanwhile, the USDC stablecoin recently launched in Japan following approval from the country’s regulator. Notably, USDC is the first and only global dollar stablecoin approved under Japan’s stablecoin framework.
An Easier Path Now For The Stablecoin Issuer
Circle will likely face less resistance for its IPO plans under the current SEC administration. Under acting Chair Mark Uyeda, the Commission has shown its willingness to work hand in hand with crypto firms, which was missing under Gary Gensler’s administration.
US SEC Chair nominee Paul Atkins has also shown his willingness to change the approach that Gensler’s administration adopted towards crypto firms. During his nomination hearing, the SEC Chair nominee promised to prioritize providing regulatory clarity for the industry.
Circle’s IPO listing would be the biggest since the top crypto exchange Coinbase went public in 2021. Interestingly, Coinbase owns an equity stake in the crypto firm.
The firm’s USDC is currently the second-largest stablecoin by market cap, only behind Tether’s USDT. The stablecoin industry is heating up as more financial institutions look to develop their own stablecoin.
Donald Trump’s World Liberty Financial recently revealed plans to launch its USD1 stablecoin, while asset manager Fidelity is also considering doing so.
Boluwatife Adeyemi
Boluwatife Adeyemi is a well-experienced crypto news writer and editor who has covered topics that cut across several topics and niches. Boluwatife has a knack for simplifying the most technical concepts and making it easy for crypto newbies to understand. Away from writing, He is an avid basketball lover, a traveler and a part-time degen.
Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.
Cryptocurrency investors in Japan are bracing for impact following a plan to reclassify digital assets as financial products. While the plan has elicited excitement from cryptocurrency enthusiasts in the Far East, the ambitious plan will have to scale several legislative hurdles.
Japan Targets Reclassification Of Cryptocurrencies As Financial Products
According to a report by Nikkei, Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is inching toward classifying cryptocurrencies as financial products. Per the report, the FSA intends to achieve the reclassification via an amendment to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
Currently, digital assets in Japan are considered crypto assets conferred with property rights and seen as payment means. Under the FSA’s plans, cryptocurrencies in Japan will be treated as financial products in the same manner as traditional financial products.
The FSA says it will adopt a slow and steady approach toward the reclassification, carrying out “a private expert study group” to test the waters. If everything goes according to plan, the FSA will submit the amended bill to Parliament in early 2026.
The classification of cryptocurrencies as financial products will have far-reaching consequences for the local ecosystem. Experts say treating cryptocurrencies as financial products will bring Japan closer to a crypto ETF launch amid a changing regulatory landscape.
Furthermore, the move may lower current cryptocurrency taxation for local investors since existing capital market rules will apply to the asset class.
A Fresh Bill For Crypto Insider Trading Is Underway
Apart from the reclassification, the FSA disclosed plans for new legislation against insider trading. The move flows treating cryptocurrencies as financial products and will strengthen existing investor protection rules.
“It is a direction to establish a new insider trading regulation that prohibits trading based on unpublished internal information,” said the FSA. “We will develop laws to prevent unfair transactions.”
However, Japan’s cryptocurrency scene is heating up to a boil, driven by local and international players. Last week, stablecoin issuer Circle secured approval from the FSA for USDC with top exchanges set to list the stablecoin.
Japan’s Metaplanet has tapped Eric Trump to join its Strategic Board of Advisors as it continues to load up Bitcoin.
Aliyu Pokima
Aliyu Pokima is a seasoned cryptocurrency and emerging technologies journalist with a knack for covering needle-moving stories in the space. Aliyu delivers breaking news stories, regulatory updates, and insightful analysis with depth and precision. When he’s not poring over charts or following leads, Aliyu enjoys playing the bass guitar, lifting weights and running marathons.
Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.
In what is being dubbed a major development in the crypto regulation space, the Governor of the US state of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, has signed the ‘Bitcoin Rights’ bill into law. The law promises to safeguard protections for Bitcoin (BTC) users.
Bitcoin Rights Bill Comes Into Effect
Crypto regulations continue to evolve under pro-crypto US President Donald Trump’s administration. In the latest development, Kentucky has become the newest state to enshrine protections for digital asset users.
In an X post published on March 24, crypto advocacy group Satoshi Action Fund announced that Governor Beshear had signed the much-anticipated Bitcoin Rights bill into law. The post stated:
The right to self-custody, run a node, and use of digital assets is now protected for millions of Americans without fear of discrimination.
The bill was first introduced to the Kentucky House by Rep. Adam Bowling on February 19. According to the bill’s description, it seeks to safeguard users’ rights to use digital assets and self-custody wallets. Additionally, it aims to prohibit local zoning changes that discriminate against crypto mining operations.
The legislation outlines guidelines for running a digital asset node and excludes digital asset mining from money transmitter license requirements. It also clarifies that crypto mining or staking is not considered an offer or sale of securities.
On February 28, the bill passed Kentucky’s House of Representatives with a unanimous vote of all 91 representatives in favor. It later passed the Kentucky Senate on March 13, receiving backing from all 37 senators.
Kentucky’s proactive stance toward cryptocurrencies isn’t new. Earlier this year, the state became the 16th US state to introduce legislation seeking to create a Bitcoin strategic reserve.
Meanwhile, neighboring state Arizona is also joining the crypto movement. A recent X post by Bitcoin Laws revealed that Arizona’s House Rules Committee has passed two Bitcoin reserve bills — SB1373 and SB1025. These bills will now head to a full floor vote.
Renewed Optimism Under Trump Administration
Following Trump’s victory in the November presidential election, cryptocurrency regulations in the US are evolving rapidly, with many states introducing legislation aimed at strengthening their digital asset ecosystems and attracting crypto businesses.
Positive changes in crypto regulations are encouraging industry businesses to expand. For instance, leading crypto trading platform Coinbase recently announced plans to hire 1,000 employees in the US.
The Trump administration has also witnessed several lawsuits being dropped against major crypto entities, including Kraken, Coinbase, Gemini, and others. At press time, Bitcoin trades at $87,399, down 0.2% in the past 24 hours.
Featured Image from Unsplash.com, chart from TradingView.com
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