Regulation
XRP Lawyer Spotlights Obstacles In Settlement

Pro-XRP lawyer Bill Morgan spotlighted the significant hurdles the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could pose to a settlement with Ripple. Amid the ongoing Ripple vs SEC legal battle, the regulatory agency is expected to make a slew of appeals to deter the blockchain payments firm’s victory.
Ripple Vs SEC Settlement To Delay
In a post on X, Morgan highlighted the SEC’s pursuit of an injunction to halt Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) sales and its intent to appeal programmatic sales as major obstacles. Morgan stated, “The SEC seeking an injunction that would stop ODL sales and the SEC’s intention to appeal on programmatic sales are bigger obstacles to settlement.”
Moreover, these actions by the SEC indicate a prolongation of the legal dispute between Ripple and the regulatory agency. Morgan’s remarks shed light on the complexities surrounding the ongoing litigation and the challenges faced by both parties in reaching a resolution. In addition, the XRP price is also expected to suffer amid the SEC’s pursuit of barring Ripple’s win.
Furthermore, the operations of Ripple and its subsidiaries could be compromised as ODL sales serve as one of the primary constituents. However, if the Ripple vs SEC case eventually reaches a settlement, XRP supporters believe that the crypto’s price will skyrocket. In addition, Morgan echoed the sentiment and predicted that the XRP price could hit $1 after the settlement, which is currently around $0.50.
Also Read: XRP Price: Whales Accumulating Heaviliy Ahead SEC Filing On April 29
April 29 Deadline Inches Closer
Furthermore, the SEC is expected to reply to Ripple’s motion that opposes the exorbitant penalty levied by the agency. Last week, Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn issued a new scheduling order. This order concerned Ripple’s plea to dismiss the SEC’s latest expert submissions, which are aimed at pushing the case for remedies and a final judgment.
Judge Netburn granted an extension for the SEC until April 29, 2024, to submit their rebuttal to Ripple’s motion. Subsequently, Ripple will have a three-day window to respond. Amid her recent nomination as District Judge in the Southern District of New York, Judge Netburn continues to preside over the Ripple vs. SEC case. Moreover, her consistent and fair rulings have garnered favor from the crypto community.
Ripple is pushing back against the SEC’s proposed civil penalties in the ongoing legal battle. The blockchain payments company opposes the SEC’s push for hefty civil penalties, suggesting instead a penalty capped at $10 million. Ripple argues that the SEC’s claims are exaggerated and lack substantial evidence.
Furthermore, Ripple has addressed the absence of evidence supporting future violations or reckless behavior in its institutional XRP sales. Hence, the SEC’s response and Ripple’s further counter would serve as focal points in determining whether the Ripple vs SEC case will reach a settlement soon.
Also Read: Charles Hoskinson Spooks XRP Community Again, Here’s Why
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.
Regulation
Japan Set To Classify Cryptocurrencies As Financial Products, Here’s All

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.
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.
Regulation
Kentucky Governor Signs Off On ‘Bitcoin Rights’ Bill, Strengthening Crypto Protections


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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Regulation
US SEC Drops Charges Against Hawk Tuah Girl Hailey Welch

Hawk Tuah girl Hailey Welch, known for her association with the controversial $HAWK token, has been cleared of any wrongdoing after a lengthy investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC has decided not to press charges against Welch in connection with the rapid rise and subsequent collapse of the meme-based cryptocurrency.
US SEC Investigation Into Hawk Tuah Girl Concludes Without Charges
The SEC had launched an investigation into the $HAWK token after its dramatic price drop. The token, which was linked to Welch’s viral persona, initially saw a market cap surge to $490 million before crashing by over 90%. Investors who were impacted by the crash filed a lawsuit against those behind the project, alleging that the coin had been promoted and sold without proper registration.
Hawk Tuah girl Hailey Welch, who cooperated fully with the investigation, expressed relief after the SEC’s decision. “For the past few months, I’ve been cooperating with all the authorities and attorneys, and finally, that work is complete,” Welch told TMZ.
Her attorney, James Sallah, confirmed that the SEC had closed the case without any findings against her, adding that there would be no monetary sanctions or restrictions on Welch’s future involvement in cryptocurrency or securities.
This Is A Developing News, Please Check Back For More
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.
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