Ripple Holds the Power in SEC Lawsuit Negotiations, Says Wall Street Veteran
Wall Street veteran and financial analyst Linda P. Jones believes that Ripple is not just negotiating with the SEC in the ongoing lawsuit but has the upper hand to define the terms of a potential settlement. Jones refers to Ripple’s recent legal victories as a “royal flush,” indicating their strong position. The withdrawal of charges against Ripple executives Bradley Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen has shifted the power dynamics in favor of Ripple.
The Hinman Docs: Ripple’s Advantage
Jones attributes Ripple’s newfound bargaining power to the exposure of the Hinman documents, which reveal William Hinman’s 2018 speech declaring Bitcoin and Ethereum as non-securities. This revelation has put the SEC at a significant disadvantage and stripped them of any negotiation leverage.
The SEC’s case against Ripple has been riddled with setbacks, including surrendering the Hinman documents and facing denials for an interlocutory appeal. The voluntary dismissal of charges against Ripple’s top executives further solidifies Ripple’s position in the lawsuit.
SEC Faces Two Options
Currently, the SEC has two options: appeal the case to the Second Circuit or reach a settlement. According to Jones and legal experts, the likelihood of a settlement has significantly increased. This decision could have far-reaching implications for the crypto industry as a whole, providing more regulatory clarity.
Hot Take: Ripple Takes Control of Negotiations with SEC
As the SEC v. Ripple lawsuit unfolds, it becomes evident that Ripple is now in a position of power. With recent legal victories and favorable developments, such as the withdrawal of charges against its executives, Ripple holds significant leverage over the SEC. This gives them the ability to dictate the terms of a potential settlement. The exposure of the Hinman documents has further weakened the SEC’s bargaining position. If Ripple successfully defines the terms of the settlement or secures a victory, it could set legal precedents and bring greater regulatory clarity to the broader crypto ecosystem.