Ripple’s $125M SEC Fine: Will It Vanish or be Reduced?!
Ripple‘s long-running legal saga with the SEC might be reaching a surprising conclusion — and one that will cost the crypto company far less than the court originally mandated. Legal expert Fred Rispoli now believes Ripple will only have to pay a fraction of the original $125 million fine, with the ultimate fine being in the range of $10–12 million.
Attorney Fred Rispoli shares his thoughts on what may happen to Ripple’s $125 million fine following the SEC’s decision to drop its appeal in the XRP case. Watch the full episode here #xrp#ripple#sec…pic.twitter.com/fho8K9nfqm
— Tony Edward (Thinking Crypto Podcast) (@ThinkingCrypto1) March 20, 2025
Ripple’s Counterpunch: A $10M Offer Still on the Table
Months before the court’s decision, Ripple had offered something very different. In April 2024, when responding to the SEC’s motion for remedies, the company floated a $10 million civil penalty instead of the SEC’s aggressive $2 billion ask. Ripple also asked that any additional disgorgement or interest be thrown out.
The proposal didn’t seem to impress Judge Torres at the time. She imposed a significant monetary fine on Ripple and a permanent injunction. However, the court fight didn’t end there. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently said that while the company placed the full $125 million in escrow, it’s taking back that money now that the SEC is backing down on its appeal.
Garlinghouse stated that Ripple is also asking for the removal of the injunction — another significant condition in talks that might lead the company to drop its own cross-appeal. The SEC’s retreat has clearly emboldened Ripple’s stance, and company leaders aren’t hiding their optimism.
Ripple in Control: SEC’s Setback and Public Push Plans
Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty responded positively, pointing to Ripple’s strengthened legal standing and strategic advantage. He confirmed the company’s intention to carefully decide on the next best course of action regarding its cross-appeal.
“Ripple is now in the driver’s seat and we’ll evaluate how best to pursue our cross appeal. Regardless, today is a day to celebrate,” said Stuart.
The SEC’s case against Ripple began with a loss in July 2023 when Judge Torres ruled that XRP sold to the general public wasn’t a security. But she also gave the agency a win by ruling that Ripple’s $728 million in institutional XRP sales did break securities laws.