Ripple Blasts SEC for Rushing Appeal Ahead of Leadership Shake-Up

Ripple’s top execs are calling out the SEC for moving ahead with its appeal, even though the agency is about to get a new boss.

Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, shared his frustration online, saying the SEC won’t delay filing its brief. The case dates back to 2020 when the SEC claimed Ripple used XRP as an unregistered security. In August 2024, a judge ruled Ripple owed $125 million but decided XRP wasn’t necessarily a security.

Alderoty thinks the SEC is wasting time and taxpayer money but says Ripple is confident about its chances on appeal. CEO Brad Garlinghouse chimed in, suggesting things could change after Trump becomes president.

Gary Gensler, the current SEC chair, steps down on Jan. 20. Trump has said he’ll nominate former commissioner Paul Atkins to replace him, but the Senate still needs to approve it. Whether the new SEC will keep pursuing Ripple remains to be seen.

Ripple has been pouring money into pro-crypto political efforts, donating millions to support candidates who back blockchain-friendly policies.