Ripple Cross-Appeal Deadline Nears, SEC Form C Delayed

The ongoing legal battle between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple Labs have taken a new turn as the SEC is yet to file its crucial Form C with the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. This form is essential for detailing the specifics of the SEC’s appeal against a ruling that partially favored Ripple, which declared that XRP is not a security in certain contexts. 

🚨NEW: The @SECGov has not filed its Form C with the Second Circuit yet which will detail what exactly they’re appealing. They need to do that pronto so that @Ripple knows how to proceed. Ripple also has 14 days from today to file a cross-appeal if they choose to.

Form C: pic.twitter.com/IomvRZXw9N

— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) October 3, 2024

The SEC filed a notice of appeal on October 2, 2024 against Judge Torres ruling from July that found Ripple’s sale of XRP to retail investors did not constitute securities transactions. 

However, the failure in filing form C (which plays a vital role in ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance in crowdfunding efforts, impacting both investor confidence and legal processes in cases like Ripple’s appeal) has sparked confusion regarding its legal strategy. 

Form C, Part A

Form C, Part B and C

Reasons for the Delay

The could be various reasons for the delay but the community speculate the reasons for delays as follows:

• Strategic Positioning: The SEC may be using the delay to prepare solid arguments. 
• Negotiating Leverage: The delay could also provide the SEC time to explore settlement opportunities with Ripple that could avoid prolonged litigation. 
• Market Impact: The appeal itself has negatively impacted the token’s price, and this delay could further cause a dip in the price, shaking the investor confidence in Ripple and its future. 

Ripple’s Cross Appeal

Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty indicated that the company is considering filing a cross-appeal against the aspects of Judge Torres decision, particularly concerning the $125 million penalty imposed on XRP. The filing of Form C from SEC’s side becomes crucial because after it is filed, XRP would know in which direction to go about and how to proceed with the cross-appeal. 

If Ripple decides to proceed with the cross-appeal, it has to be filed 14 days from October 3. Delay from SEC will not work in XRP’s favor as they would be shooting in the blind with the cross-appeal. 

Legal experts speculate that such delays could cause delay in proceedings, potentially extending the case until 2026.

As the XRP community closely monitors the entire situation, there are concerns hovering over the implications of these appeals on cryptocurrency regulations and market dynamics. The situation remains haywire as of now but will set a significant precedent for future cases in the crypto market after the case is resolved. 

Also Read: UK FCA’s Secret Inquiry Into Crypto Firm BCB Closed: Insider Reports