The recent appointment of Paul Atkins as Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has sparked renewed speculation about the ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the SEC.
While some in the crypto community believe the leadership change could fast-track a resolution, former SEC insiders suggest otherwise.
Shortly after Atkins was sworn in on April 22, pro-XRP attorney Fred Rispoli voiced strong expectations for faster case progress. He stated publicly that with the full Commission now in place, there are “no more excuses for delays.”
Rispoli suggested that the SEC’s attitude toward digital assets would now be tested through its handling of the Ripple case.
However, that view was quickly challenged by former SEC attorney James Farrell. Responding to the growing optimism, Farrell noted that key actions in the case had already been taken before Atkins assumed office.
Also Read: Trump Backs Off Firing Fed Chair Powell But Demands Immediate Rate Cuts
These included the Commission’s approval of Ripple’s stay request and other dismissals. He argued that any current delays are more likely tied to ongoing internal regulatory work, not the absence of leadership.
Farrell explained that the SEC may be gathering industry input or refining proposed rules, which could naturally slow down the legal process. His comments point to a more procedural cause behind the timeline rather than the leadership transition alone.
This insight has tempered expectations that Atkins’ appointment will immediately impact the case’s outcome.
Joint Request Pauses Appeal, Signals Ongoing Settlement Talks
The case itself entered a temporary pause last week when the U.S. Court of Appeals accepted a joint request from Ripple and the SEC to halt the appeals process. The pause was granted to allow both sides to explore potential settlement options.
As part of the decision, the SEC has been ordered to submit a progress report within 60 days. This pause reflects significant movement behind the scenes but does not confirm that the case will be dismissed or concluded in the near term.
XRP’s market response was modest but notable, as the token slipped about 7.56 percent to $2.25 while trading volume increased to $5.02 billion.
The timing of the pause, combined with the leadership change, has fueled speculation. However, legal analysts continue to stress that regulatory decisions and legal outcomes are typically driven by broader agency procedures rather than individual appointments.
Conclusion
Despite the high hopes following Paul Atkins’ swearing-in, legal experts maintain that the Ripple-SEC case will likely not see immediate dismissal. Internal regulatory processes and ongoing settlement discussions remain the central factors, suggesting that further delays should still be expected.
Also Read: BTC Surges Past $93K, Here’s Why the Crypto Market is Up Today
