XRP Lawyer Reacts to Ripple SEC Lawsuit: Coinbase’s Silence Slammed

Bill Morgan, an XRP lawyer, sharply criticized Coinbase and its CLO Paul Grewal. He argued that the platform behaved in a self-serving manner in the Ripple SEC lawsuit. Morgan emphasized that Coinbase remained silent throughout Ripple’s prolonged confrontation with the U.S. regulator. He noted that the company only criticized regulatory overreach when the platform then faced legal scrutiny.

Morgan’s comments have intensified debates regarding the responsibilities of Coinbase within the broader industry. Many within the XRP community believe that the decision not to act during Ripple’s extended legal difficulties shows a lack of unity in the crypto space. They believe Coinbase could have shaped U.S. crypto regulations by taking a stance earlier.

Fred Rispoli Reinforces Morgan’s Claims

Fred Rispoli, another pro-XRP lawyer, expressed similar concerns over Coinbase’s self-interest. He argued that financial gain remained the primary motivation rather than advancing broader industry concerns. Moreover, Rispoli claimed that the company’s policies stressed profitability over user empowerment. He argued that these approaches contradicted the public image of a digital asset‐friendly service. Additionally, he observed that public relations efforts did not align with the firm’s actual practices.

💯Everything this company does is purely out of self-interest. Not saying corps shouldn't look after the bottom line but don't pretend you were "for the people" from Day 1 (b/c your ToS with customer restrictions is exactly the opposite of this).

— Fred Rispoli (@freddyriz) March 24, 2025

He argued that the platform purposefully distanced itself from the legal fight to preserve its market position. His critique raised deeper issues regarding whether excessive corporate self-interest critically undermines collective industry action.

Paul Grewal Acknowledges Ripple’s Efforts

Paul Grewal broke his silence by acknowledging the role the Ripple SEC lawsuit played against aggressive U.S. crypto regulations. During an in-depth interview with MetaLawMan, he praised the legal team’s persistent struggle. He specifically mentioned team members Stuart Alderoty and John Deaton for their contributions. However, many XRP community members consider his remarks too late. MetaLawMan further stressed that Ripple’s legal battle was vital for the crypto industry’s survival in America. He argued that Coinbase benefited from Ripple’s efforts before facing its own legal challenges.

Ripple’s Legal Victory and Its Impact on the Industry

The dismissal of the Ripple SEC lawsuit recently marked a significant legal milestone for the company. CEO Brad Garlinghouse celebrated the win as transformative for the sector. He emphasized that early resistance against overreaching policies proves essential for growth. Critics now accuse Coinbase of neglecting this proactive approach until it was forced to participate. Industry participants now call for increased unity to prevent recurring regulatory setbacks effectively. They believe a proactive approach by Coinbase and others would have secured stronger industry-wide policies over time.

A Divided Crypto Community or a Path Forward?

The emerging split between XRP supporters and Coinbase has revealed internal tensions among Coinbase users. While Grewal’s recent acknowledgement of Ripple’s efforts might indicate a subtle shift, many investors remain unconvinced. XRP lawyers Morgan and Rispoli believe that excessive corporate self-interest critically undermines collective industry action. They argue that earlier advocacy would have better influenced U.S. crypto regulations.

@coinbase and @iampaulgrewal were silent until the SEC targeted Coinbase. https://t.co/sqbHm1oq4e

— bill morgan (@Belisarius2020) March 24, 2025

Looking ahead, the resolution of the legal battle opens opportunities for greater cooperation. Many industry experts urge firms to unite over regulatory challenges instead of acting solely on self-preservation. The community now watches closely to determine if Coinbase is willing to strengthen its commitment to the broader crypto sector. Ultimately, the decision will have a significant impact on both regulatory progress and the future of decentralization.