SEC Delays Ripple Appeal to 2025—Experts Call It “Paperwork”

• Ripple has relied on paperwork for their appeal, avoiding a trial or new evidence.
• The SEC has requested a filing extension, pushing the timeline to 2025.
• Amicus briefs from third parties have the potential to impact the outcome.

Ripple’s showdown with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is grinding forward, with the SEC requesting yet another extension—this time to January 2025. The agency’s push to delay its main brief submission reveals more than logistical delays, according to legal analyst Fred Rispoli. 

He suggests that the move signals how stretched the SEC’s resources have become in tackling crypto cases, adding pressure to an already overloaded agenda. Meanwhile, Ripple’s legal team is doubling down on strategy, opting for a focused, document-based approach rather than a courtroom clash. 

Ripple’s High-Stakes Appeal Unfolds

Rispoli highlighted on the “Good Morning Crypto Show” that Ripple’s appeal will rely solely on written filings, describing the case as a “battle of briefs” rather than live courtroom sparring. The appeal structure involves three essential filings from each side, designed to incrementally strengthen each party’s arguments. 

The process isn’t about bringing in new evidence or dramatic witness testimonies but proving each side’s stance through compelling written arguments. The strategy may be low-drama, but the stakes are high. Ripple and the SEC will eventually meet for oral arguments—likely in late 2025—offering a chance for each side to sharpen its case. 

Yet, in appellate court, these arguments are often secondary to the weight of the written filings. The outcome might hinge more on precise legal documentation than any last-minute courtroom twists.

14 Amicus Briefs Back Ripple

Ripple has garnered support from 14 third-party entities through amicus briefs, each bringing unique industry perspectives to bolster Ripple’s defense. The surge in amicus briefs reflects the crypto industry’s hunger for regulatory clarity, with these documents proving influential in previous federal crypto cases. 

Unlike district courts, appellate judges often welcome the added insight from amicus briefs, and according to Rispoli, they can play a crucial role in shaping the court’s opinion. Ripple’s strategy and amicus support underscore this case’s potential impact beyond the company itself. 

A favorable decision could set a precedent, reshaping the regulatory framework for crypto. With Ripple positioning itself as a leader in this document-driven battle, the stakes extend beyond one company’s future, touching the broader trajectory of crypto regulation in the U.S.

On the Flipside

• The SEC’s delay has the potential to extend the appeals process even further, frustrating Ripple supporters.
• A surge in amicus briefs highlights crypto’s regulatory uncertainty and wide interest.
• A new SEC chair could alter the agency’s stance on Ripple and crypto regulation.

Why This Matters

The SEC’s extension request could prolong Ripple’s fight for regulatory clarity, affecting XRP’s stability and investor confidence in the near term. Additionally, the role of amicus briefs, bringing diverse industry perspectives, may prove pivotal in shaping the court’s final decision and influencing the broader crypto landscape.