SEC’s Crypto Lawsuit Strategy in Flux

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may be reassessing its legal approach to cryptocurrency lawsuits, particularly in high-profile cases like XRP and Coinbase. Recent shifts in the SEC’s handling of the Coinbase case suggest a potential precedent for other legal battles, raising speculation about how XRP’s case might evolve.

According to legal expert James Murphy, the SEC could enter a defense phase that could extend for several months, depending on the Second Circuit Court’s decision.

“If the Second Circuit accepts the case, preparing the SEC’s defense could take several months,” Murphy explained.

Ripple Case Takes a New Turn

The ongoing Ripple lawsuit, often referred to as the “$2 case,” is also drawing significant market attention. Reports indicate that the case has been removed from the SEC’s website and now appears under a new file number on the Supreme Court’s site.

Ripple is set to submit its appeal petition by April 16, and XRP supporter and attorney Jeremy Hogan has hinted that major procedural changes could be on the horizon.

Leadership Uncertainty Complicates the SEC’s Approach

The lack of a Senate-confirmed SEC chairperson adds another layer of complexity to ongoing legal matters. Market analysts suggest that the absence of clear leadership raises concerns about inconsistent legal approaches across cases.

Speculation is mounting that a new SEC chairperson could be nominated in March or April, which could impact how pending crypto cases are handled.

Currently, major decisions are being shaped by the votes of three commission members, making it difficult for an interim chair to introduce any significant regulatory shifts.

What’s Next for Crypto Regulation?

With crypto legal battles intensifying, the SEC is under pressure to clarify its regulatory stance. Market participants believe that changes in leadership could bring a more structured approach to crypto litigation.

For now, the future of XRP, Coinbase, and other crypto cases remains uncertain. If the SEC’s legal strategy shifts, it could reshape the regulatory landscape for digital assets—for better or worse.