- Marc Fagel confirms Ripple fine was paid strictly in cash.
- XRP community speculation debunked amid ongoing lawsuit developments.
- Court order demanded cash, not crypto, for the Ripple settlement.
Former SEC attorney Marc Fagel has clarified a key detail in the ongoing Ripple vs SEC lawsuit, countering recent speculation within the XRP community. According to Fagel, Ripple has already paid its $125 million fine in cash, not in XRP as some had claimed.
The conversation began after social media users reignited the idea that Ripple could use its native token, XRP, to settle the penalty. A user known as “XRP Savant” suggested that Ripple might pay the SEC using XRP, and that the asset would be moved into reserve following the transaction.
This claim referenced earlier comments from April suggesting a possible non-cash settlement.
Also Read: Ripple Named One of CNBC’s World’s Top Fintech Companies – Here’s What it Means
Responding to these statements, Marc Fagel dismissed the rumor and stated that the fine had already been paid in cash. He added that the payment was made into an escrow account, in accordance with a court order.
The funds are to remain in escrow until all remaining legal procedures between the parties are finalized.
Fagel emphasized that the settlement terms are clear, stating that the court explicitly required cash payment and not cryptocurrency.
Why argue with The Savant, when you can argue with this guy instead?:https://t.co/02h8rsMrtW
— XRP Savant (@isthisthingon93) July 16, 2025
He also pointed out that Ripple’s penalty was reduced, with only $50 million paid, while the remaining $75 million was returned to the company, pending the conclusion of the case.
Ongoing Appeals Delay Final Resolution
Despite the payment being made, the case has not yet reached a complete resolution. The delay stems from unresolved appeals filed by both Ripple and the SEC. SEC appealed the ruling that XRP sales in secondary markets are not subject to securities laws.
Meanwhile, Ripple fought the decision that defined its institutional sales of XRP as an unregistered offering of securities.
According to Marc Fagel, when both parties agree to abandon their appeals, the court will proceed with closing the case, and the escrow money will be released. He noted that this process generally takes one to two months following mutual withdrawal of legal challenges.
In the meantime, XRP has become very popular in the market. The currency recently achieved third place in terms of market cap, with an increase of 29 percent within the last seven days.
It is already trading close to $3.19, which shows growing interest even when legal proceedings still hang in the balance.
Marc Fagel’s update confirms that Ripple’s fine was paid in cash, not XRP, and the funds remain locked in escrow. The legal battle will remain active until both parties formally conclude their appeals, allowing the court to close the case.
Also Read: 4 Reasons Why XRP Price Is Surging Today
