The legal battle between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has dragged on for years, casting a shadow over the XRP market and the broader cryptocurrency industry.

After countless legal filings, hearings, and court rulings, speculation is once again swirling that a settlement could be on the horizon. With April 16 looming as a key date, investors and legal analysts alike are wondering: Is this finally the end?

Although the SEC has dropped lawsuits against other crypto-related firms recently, the XRP lawsuit remains unresolved. Adding to the mystery, the SEC has removed the case from its official website, leading some to believe a major decision is being prepared behind closed doors.

While no official  declaration has been made, legal experts and industry insiders are closely monitoring developments—many of whom believe that a resolution may be closer than expected.

Could the XRP Lawsuit Wrap Up Before April?

One of the most talked-about theories comes from Fred Rispoli, an attorney who has been actively following the case. He points to April 16—the deadline for Ripple’s appellate brief submission—as a possible turning point.

Rispoli suggests that the SEC might settle the case before this deadline, as it would avoid further legal complications. He remains optimistic, urging XRP holders to keep a close eye on the approaching date.

Adding weight to this theory, legal expert Meta Law Man has also predicted a resolution before mid-April. While both experts foresee positive momentum, others remain skeptical, warning that further delays could still be in store.

Settlement, Appeal, or Further Delays – What’s Next?

While the crypto community is hopeful for a swift resolution, several legal hurdles still stand in the way. One major obstacle is the $125 million financial penalty imposed on Ripple.

Even Fred Rispoli has acknowledged that this massive judgment could be a sticking point, potentially slowing down settlement talks. However, some analysts believe that the SEC may drop its appeal before the end of March, which could speed up the resolution process.

Yet, nothing is certain. SEC Chair Gary Gensler has remained firm in pursuing legal action against Ripple, and given the history of this case, further delays are always a possibility.

What Happens to XRP If the Case Ends?

Regardless of how the lawsuit concludes, most experts agree that XRP’s price will be heavily impacted.

For years, the ongoing legal battle has suppressed XRP’s growth, preventing it from fully participating in bullish market cycles. However, if the lawsuit ends in Ripple’s favor, analysts predict that XRP could experience a significant rally.

Crypto strategist Matt Hougan has stated that once the lawsuit is over, the floodgates of institutional investment could open, allowing XRP to reach its true market potential.

This sentiment appears to be reflected in recent market activity. On March 10, 2025, XRP surged to $2.25, gaining 5% in just one day. Analysts attributed this sudden price jump to growing optimism that a lawsuit resolution is imminent.

Will April 16 Mark the End of the XRP Lawsuit?

With the April 16 deadline approaching, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. While some legal experts remain cautiously optimistic, others warn that delays could push the case into late 2025.

Regardless of whether a settlement happens before April or the case drags on for several more months, one thing is clear—the final verdict will be a defining moment for XRP.

As the crypto world watches closely, one question remains: Will the lawsuit finally conclude, or will Ripple and the SEC continue their battle in court? The coming weeks will provide the answer.