Could a Settlement Between Ripple and the SEC Be Reached in Mid-August?

A recent post by the account WF on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has sparked considerable attention from the cryptocurrency community, particularly among XRP supporters. The post suggests there is a 70–90% chance that Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will reach a settlement by August 15, 2025.

However, experts warn that while this date may carry symbolic weight and hint at possible developments, it is not a decisive deadline for the final outcome of the case.

August 15 – A Procedural Deadline, Not a Settlement Trigger

In reality, August 15 is simply the court-mandated deadline for Ripple and the SEC to file a joint status report — a standard procedural requirement in legal proceedings. While it is not a direct trigger for settlement, the XRP community views this as a potential indication that both sides may be moving closer to a resolution.

Should the court receive filings indicating that both parties intend to withdraw their appeals, the case could be swiftly concluded. However, any such resolution still hinges on the SEC’s internal processes, which require a formal enforcement recommendation and a vote by its five commissioners — a process that can take one to two months or even longer.

New Development: Ripple Moves to Withdraw, SEC May Follow

Ripple has recently announced its intention to withdraw its cross-appeal, and CEO Brad Garlinghouse has hinted that the SEC may do the same. This is a positive sign that both parties may be leaning toward ending the prolonged legal battle.

Former SEC attorney Marc Fagel has clarified that any dismissal of the case must go through the agency’s internal procedures, including the preparation of an official enforcement recommendation followed by a vote by the SEC commissioners.

Potential Implications for XRP and the Crypto Market

A finalized settlement would mark a significant milestone, closing a legal chapter that began in December 2020. Previously, Judge Analisa Torres ruled that XRP sales on public exchanges did not constitute securities, while institutional sales did.

An official settlement could eliminate much of the regulatory uncertainty surrounding XRP and pave the way for clearer guidelines across the broader digital asset industry. Conversely, if the SEC delays action or either party fails to withdraw its appeal, the lawsuit could drag on into 2026, negatively impacting investor sentiment.