Why Did the Judge Reject the Settlement in the Ripple-SEC Case? Three Legal Sources Respond

A critical development has occurred in the long-running litigation between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Judge Analisa Torres rejected the settlement plan that was presented between the parties. Fox Business reporter Eleanor Terrett reportedly described Judge Torres as taking a “tough stance” in her assessment of the development.

After interviewing three legal sources and participating in a live analysis by attorney John E. Deaton, Eleanor Terrett commented:

“Judge Torres is taking a serious tone here, not wanting the parties to simply agree to drop the case; he’s pushing them to really work through the process.”

According to Deaton’s analysis, from Torres’ perspective, the SEC has stuck to the narrative and legal strategy it has developed over the last five years, which has involved thousands of hours of litigation and legal work. But now Judge Torres is questioning the SEC’s decision to backpedal in a way that would render that process ineffective.

According to Terrett, although Torres denied the parties’ initial request, he provided a clear path forward if the SEC and Ripple could prove, in accordance with legal standards, that the decision to withdraw was in the public interest and XRP’s institutional investors’ best interest.

Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty stated that Ripple will re-evaluate this issue with the SEC. Terrett added on this point:

“This is a very unusual situation because they have been on completely opposing sides for almost five years. If the parties do their due diligence, it remains to be seen whether Judge Torres will relent or whether he will turn this into a more ‘political’ fight.”

*This is not investment advice.