XRP is holding steady near the $2 mark as the legal battle between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enters a potentially decisive phase. A joint filing on April 10 confirmed that both parties have agreed to pause appeal proceedings, which has fueled speculation of a possible settlement.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins started his position as the regulator one day after Senate approval of his appointment. Since taking office, Paul Atkins has brought attention to a softer stance the SEC intends to display when examining crypto cases.
The market expects the leadership transition at the SEC to expedite essential settlements. XRP’s price action has remained relatively stable despite broader market fluctuations. At the time of reporting, the token is trading at $2.06, reflecting a 3.9 percent dip on the day.
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However, attention has turned sharply toward April 16—a date originally set for Ripple’s legal response. The cancellation of that filing deadline, combined with a sudden increase in whale activity and institutional wallet movements, suggests significant developments could be imminent.
Settlement Expectations Grow as Institutions Begin Positioning
According to crypto analyst John Squire, the legal pause should not be viewed as a procedural delay. In a post shared on X, Squire highlighted a pattern of early positioning by institutional players, calling it a sign of advanced knowledge regarding the direction of the case.
He also noted that the activity is consistent with behind-the-scenes negotiations, potentially paving the way for a full settlement.
Squire believes a resolution would not only close a lengthy legal process but also serve as a formal clarification of XRP’s regulatory standing. A validation of XRP from the SEC that enables it to function under existing rules without classification as a security would open substantial opportunities for institutional uptake.
The regulatory clarity would benefit XRP exchange-traded fund applications that Bitwise, 21Shares, Grayscale, and ProShare recently submitted for review.
When speaking with the media, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse declared that the lawsuit was about to resolve itself. Additionally, legal expert Fred Rispoli predicts that the lawsuit will settle or the plaintiffs will withdraw from the case soon.
The convergence of market dynamics among technical factors has been followed by institutional investors who see April 16 as an essential timeframe for XRP.
Conclusion
As XRP maintains its position near $2, the joint legal pause between Ripple and the SEC has raised expectations for a settlement announcement. With institutional interest increasing and a more crypto-aligned SEC Chair now in office, today could mark a significant moment in the ongoing Ripple case.
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