Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has provided fresh insights into the company’s legal resolution with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the future direction of the crypto giant. In a recent interview on Fox Business, Garlinghouse discussed the end of Ripple’s prolonged legal battle with the SEC and revealed details about how Ripple plans to settle the $125 million fine imposed by the regulatory body.

The End of Ripple’s Legal Battle with the SEC

Ripple’s legal struggle with the SEC has been one of the most high-profile cases in the cryptocurrency world. The SEC alleged that Ripple had sold its native token, XRP, as an unregistered security. This case has caused significant uncertainty for Ripple and the broader crypto market. However, in recent comments, Garlinghouse expressed relief that the legal battle is now behind them.

He also noted that with the SEC under new leadership and the U.S. government’s evolving stance on crypto, the regulatory environment is becoming more favorable for the crypto industry. Ripple, which has faced scrutiny from the SEC under the previous administration, is now able to focus on growth and future expansion.

$125 Million Fine: What Happens Next?

Garlinghouse also provided details about the $125 million fine Ripple was required to pay as part of the settlement. While Ripple had set aside this amount in escrow, Garlinghouse revealed that the company is now in a position to reclaim a significant portion of those funds, including the interest that accumulated during the escrow period.

However, not all of the funds will be retained by Ripple. Garlinghouse confirmed that $50 million will still be paid to the SEC, and another $50 million will be allocated to the U.S. government. But the most interesting part of this settlement is how the payments will be made: Ripple is negotiating to pay these amounts in XRP rather than in U.S. dollars.

This move highlights Ripple’s continued confidence in XRP and its potential role in the future of global finance. Paying the fine in XRP could further integrate the cryptocurrency into traditional financial systems, setting a precedent for the use of digital assets in government and corporate transactions.

Ripple’s Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Garlinghouse made it clear that Ripple is entering a new phase of its development. With the legal hurdles largely behind them, the company is focused on expanding its role in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. Garlinghouse pointed to Ripple’s recent acquisition of Hidden Road for nearly $2 billion as an indication of the company’s growing influence in the crypto space. This acquisition marks one of the largest deals in crypto history and is a significant step toward Ripple’s goal of bridging the gap between traditional financial institutions and blockchain technology.

XRP’s Role Moving Forward

The decision to pay part of the $125 million fine in XRP signals Ripple’s belief in the long-term viability of the token. As Ripple continues to integrate decentralized finance solutions into the traditional financial sector, XRP could play an increasingly important role in global financial systems.

As the crypto market continues to evolve, Ripple’s ability to navigate regulatory challenges and expand its presence in institutional markets will be key to its future success.

Conclusion

Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC may have been long and complex, but it appears the company has emerged stronger, with a renewed focus on growth and innovation. By paying part of its fine in XRP, Ripple is not only signaling its confidence in the token but also paving the way for greater acceptance of digital assets in mainstream finance. As Ripple moves forward, the future looks bright, with the company poised to play a major role in the ongoing evolution of the crypto industry.