Ripple vs. SEC: Will Regulatory Clarity Push XRP Price Toward the $3.55 Target?

The Securities and Exchange Commission has still not provided an official statement about withdrawing its appeal concerning the Programmatic Sales of XRP ruling. This silence shifts market focus toward broader regulatory transparency questions, especially regarding the agency’s internal approach to cryptocurrency oversight. Ripple’s CEO Brad Garlinghouse confirmed the withdrawal on March 19, yet investors remain cautious due to the regulator’s continued silence.

Intensifying scrutiny over the regulator’s internal affairs shifts focus to an ongoing conflict of interest investigation. Reportedly, the Office of Inspector General nears completion of its findings about William Hinman. The former SEC director faces accusations of financial links to Ethereum affiliates while shaping important regulatory policy. Transparency in this investigation may influence future market confidence in XRP.

Hinman’s ETH Speech and Its Effect on XRP

Hinman’s 2018 speech significantly influenced the cryptocurrency space by declaring that Bitcoin and Ethereum are non-securities. Now, new concerns have surfaced regarding his connections to Simpson Thacher, a law firm linked to the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance. These connections prompt questions about potential bias within the regulatory body that could unfairly influence XRP’s market standing.

The commission tried repeatedly during the Ripple lawsuit to keep Hinman speech documents private using attorney-client privilege. Although the court ordered the release of these documents, Hinman’s interactions with Simpson Thacher still face scrutiny. Releasing the Inspector General’s report could either confirm conflict of interest concerns or help rebuild trust in the agency’s practices, impacting XRP price.

XRP Price Struggles Amid Market Uncertainty

XRP broke its five-day losing trend on March 30, closing with a small 0.13% gain at $2.0922. The cryptocurrency still finished the week down 12.43% and has since fallen to $2.06 on March 31, reflecting market uncertainty and macroeconomic strain. Concerns over American trade policies and inflation contributed to the overall crypto market cap dropping 4.99% to $2.63 trillion.

Chart 1 – Published on TradingView, March 31, 2025.

Ripple price has not recovered significantly even after the SEC’s decision to withdraw its appeal. Potential regulatory changes and the Ripple lawsuit’s formal conclusion keep investors cautious about upcoming XRP news. Renewed investor interest could emerge if the market senses greater regulatory clarity from the agency. However, continued lack of clarity might maintain short-term pressure on the price.

Future Outlook: XRP’s Potential Catalysts

Multiple factors might shape the XRP price over the next few months. Potential approval for XRP-Spot Exchange-Traded Funds represents one major influence, with eighteen applications currently pending review. Approval could trigger a substantial price increase for the digital currency, possibly hitting $3.5505. Conversely, delays regarding these fund approvals might reduce investor optimism and restrict price advances.

Macroeconomic conditions represent another crucial element influencing the outlook. Increased trade tensions or worries about a potential recession could drive the Ripple price toward $1.7938. On the other hand, reduced economic uncertainty alongside better risk tolerance might support a recovery toward $3. XRP’s performance ultimately depends on regulatory clarity and broader market trends.

Will Transparency Reignite Momentum?

Investor uncertainty persists due to the SEC’s silence regarding the Inspector General probe and its lawsuit withdrawal. Renewed confidence in XRP could come from regulatory clarity, but the continuing lack of transparency puts pressure on the market. Market participants are now demanding that the agency release its findings about Hinman’s potential conflict of interest.

XRP’s price path ultimately relies on several factors like regulatory progress, exchange-traded fund approvals, and macroeconomic shifts. Investors will watch the commission’s moves closely while the market anticipates more XRP news. They hope a clearer and more stable regulatory environment will emerge for XRP and the crypto industry.