Ripple Seeks to Lift XRP Institutional Sales Ban as Ex-SEC Official Debunks Delay Claims
Ripple has filed a motion asking U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres to lift the court-imposed ban on institutional sales of XRP—a request unexpectedly backed by the SEC. Under the proposal, Ripple would pay a $50 million fine, suspend all appeals, and resume selling XRP to institutional clients. Although the next procedural update is slated for August 15, 2025, former SEC regional director Marc Fagel clarified there is no formal extension and Judge Torres can rule on the motion at any time. The legal move comes amid growing frustration over U.S. regulatory delays, especially compared to Canada’s approval of spot XRP ETFs, which could channel $200–300 million into XRP. Meanwhile, the SEC has opened formal proceedings on the Franklin XRP Spot ETF, further extending its review. Traders should watch for a swift ruling, as lifting the ban and SEC support could unlock renewed institutional demand for XRP and influence price dynamics.
Bullish
Lifting the ban on institutional XRP sales—supported by the SEC—reduces legal uncertainty and paves the way for renewed institutional demand. Clarification by ex-SEC official Marc Fagel that Judge Torres can rule anytime removes the misconception of fixed delays, potentially accelerating a positive catalyst. Combined with growing inflows from Canadian spot XRP ETFs and ongoing U.S. ETF reviews, these developments signal stronger market confidence and upside pressure on XRP in both the short and long term.