- Ripple could potentially satisfy the $125 million penalty by transferring XRP to a federal address, setting a new precedent for digital asset settlements.
- If Ripple’s settlement includes XRP, it could legitimize cryptocurrencies within U.S. financial frameworks and influence future regulatory decisions.
Reports are evolving regarding the legal saga between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with a novel proposition emerging: settling Ripple’s $125 million penalty using XRP, its native cryptocurrency.
As reported earlier by CNF, the SEC discussed settlement options in a key meeting in February. From a legal perspective, it remains uncertain whether the U.S. could secure $100 million in XRP overnight. This concept, introduced by attorney Jeremy Hogan, has sparked discussions about the feasibility and implications of such a settlement.
Legal Expert’s Perspective
Jeremy Hogan, a prominent figure in the XRP community, recently suggested that Ripple could satisfy its financial judgment by transferring an equivalent value of XRP to a federal address.
He highlighted historical precedents dating back to the Civil War era, where judgments were settled using assets other than traditional currency. Hogan’s insights have reignited debates on the flexibility of settlement methods in modern regulatory contexts.
Community Reactions
The crypto community has been abuzz with reactions to Hogan’s proposition. Some enthusiasts view this potential move as a step toward integrating digital assets into mainstream financial systems, while others express skepticism about regulatory acceptance.
As shared in a tweet by a community member, Hogan said:
It IS possible that Ripple could satisfy the judgment against it by transferring the same amount of XRP to a Federal XRP ‘stockpile’ address.
BREAKING: Pro #XRP lawyer – Jeremy Hogan says: “It IS possible that @Ripple could satisfy the judgment against it by transferring the same amount of XRP to a Federal XRP "stockpile" address.” pic.twitter.com/RNHjXA2Gay
— JackTheRippler © (@RippleXrpie) March 7, 2025
The notion of a “Federal XRP stockpile” has also surfaced, prompting discussions on how government agencies might manage and utilize such digital assets.
Implications for Ripple and the U.S. Government
Should Ripple settle its penalty using XRP, it could set a precedent for future regulatory settlements involving digital currencies. This approach might validate the utility of cryptocurrencies in official capacities and influence how other blockchain companies navigate legal challenges.
For the U.S. government, accepting XRP could necessitate establishing frameworks for holding and possibly liquidating digital assets, signaling a shift toward embracing the evolving financial landscape.
The court has mandated a response by April 16, with speculation mounting about a potential settlement. The possibility of Ripple paying the $125 million fine in XRP adds another layer of complexity to the proceedings.
Meanwhile, a CNF report suggests that a U.S. XRP reserve could push the asset to $15. As of now, the Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit is approaching a critical juncture. At the time of writing, XRP is trading at $2.20, reflecting a 1.13% decrease in the past day and a 17.02% decline in the past week.