Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced Friday that the company is officially dropping its cross-appeal in its long-running legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), signaling a final move toward ending the years-long case.
In a post shared on X, Garlinghouse stated:
“We’re closing this chapter once and for all, and focusing on what’s most important – building the Internet of Value. Lock in.”
A cross-appeal allows a party to challenge a different portion of a court ruling after an appeal has already been initiated. Ripple’s decision to drop the challenge suggests the company is now prioritizing regulatory closure and operational focus over further courtroom engagement.
The announcement follows Judge Analisa Torres’ denial of a joint request by Ripple and the SEC to dissolve a standing injunction. Under the proposed motion, $50 million of the $75 million fine would have been directed to the SEC, with the remaining $25 million allocated to Ripple — an arrangement both parties agreed to.
The judge, however, declined the motion, citing the lack of any substantial change in facts since the original ruling. Ripple’s decision to withdraw its cross-appeal may reflect a strategic shift to end further delays and uncertainty.
With the legal battle now effectively closed, Garlinghouse emphasized that the company will redirect its energy toward its core mission of enabling blockchain-based value transfer. Ripple has continued building out its global payment infrastructure during the case, and Friday’s statement marks a symbolic end to one of the most high-profile regulatory fights in crypto history.
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