The ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has kept the crypto world on edge for years. With the political landscape becoming more favorable to cryptocurrency under the Trump administration, the XRP community is hoping for a swift resolution. As the lawsuit nears its conclusion, there’s growing speculation about a potential private settlement between Ripple and the SEC.

Jeremy Hogan Predicts a Private Settlement

Prominent crypto legal expert Jeremy Hogan recently made waves with a bold prediction: the SEC and Ripple could settle the lawsuit privately. If this happens, it would mean no prolonged court battles, no appeals, and most importantly, clear legal guidance for Ripple and its native token, XRP. This development could significantly impact the crypto market by giving financial institutions and banks the confidence to adopt XRP without fearing legal repercussions.

Supporting Hogan’s view, crypto analyst X Finance Bull echoed the sentiment, stating that once regulatory clarity is established, XRP’s true value will be unleashed. According to Bull, XRP has already been outperforming major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, and with legal clarity, a massive price surge could be in the cards. He urged long-term holders to be patient, as the resolution of the case could lead to a substantial rally in XRP’s price.

Not Everyone Is Convinced

Despite Hogan’s optimism, some analysts aren’t as hopeful about a quick settlement. X user Steven Hausser, a vocal critic of the private settlement theory, believes the resolution is still a long way off. He predicts that Ripple’s legal battle will remain ongoing until at least mid-2023 when former SEC commissioner Paul Atkins is expected to weigh in. Hausser suggests that the broader regulatory framework for the crypto space will need to be addressed before XRP can achieve its full potential.

However, Hausser remains optimistic about XRP’s future. He anticipates a gradual price increase for XRP starting in spring and continuing into summer. By 2026, he forecasts the price could reach as high as $6 or $8, once regulatory clarity is in place. Both Hausser and X Finance Bull agree that patience will ultimately reward XRP holders.

SEC’s Potential Classification of XRP as a Commodity

In another twist, recent reports suggest the SEC may be considering classifying XRP as a commodity rather than a security. Crypto journalist Eleanor Terrett revealed that the lawsuit is nearing a conclusion, and the SEC may soon make a crucial decision. This development comes after a 2023 ruling by Judge Analisa Torres, who sided with Ripple in finding that its open-market sales of XRP did not constitute securities. However, she agreed with the SEC that Ripple’s direct sales to institutional investors could be classified as securities.

Ripple’s legal team is still pushing to reduce the hefty $125 million fine imposed as part of the case, which has caused delays. Meanwhile, Fox Business reporter Charles Gasparino confirmed that the SEC is actively discussing how to classify XRP, with the possibility of it being labeled a commodity.

What’s Next for XRP?

The fate of XRP’s legal battle remains uncertain, but a potential decision on its classification as a commodity could pave the way for wider adoption and a resolution to the legal uncertainty surrounding the token. With the Trump administration advocating for more crypto-friendly policies and the SEC backing off from other legal actions, the timing appears ripe for change.

Currently, XRP is trading at $2.24, having dipped 14% this week. However, if the lawsuit reaches a favorable conclusion, XRP could experience a significant price surge. Crypto enthusiasts and XRP holders are hopeful that a breakthrough is just around the corner, marking the end of the prolonged legal drama and signaling a bright future for the token.