XRP vs. SEC: Could a Ripple Settlement and ETF Approval Drive Prices to $2.40?

The crypto market experienced a decline yesterday, and today, we are seeing a general consolidation in prices. XRP is experiencing the same trend, and its value hovers around $2.06. We might see an XRP price surge in the near future if the XRP SEC lawsuit ends. Such positive XRP news will make the market sentiment bullish and create excitement around it. However, there are several legal and fundamental problems in the way of reaching this end. Crypto-friendly lawyer James Farrell has also shared the next steps for the XRP SEC case.

What Are the Latest Updates on the XRP SEC Lawsuit?

Farrell explained the status of the XRP SEC lawsuit and the upcoming developments. He shared his insights in a series of X posts and said that Ripple will face many challenges. Additionally, this company has filed a motion for dismissal of its appeal, hoping for a change in Judge Torres’s ruling. As of now, both sides of the case are silent as they have filed a motion for dismissal. As such, both parties are now negotiating the settlement offers without any data in sight.

The settlement will involve a request for an indicative ruling to lift the ban on XRP institutional trades. Such a change is necessary for XRP, as Ripple needs to be able to make private sales before the start of the IPO. Farrell stated, “Why do they want it? Because without it, the possibility of an IPO in the next 3+ years is basically zero. So while the cool kids are going public, Ripple practically cannot.” However, to reach a change in the previous ruling, the Ripplr company needs to jump through multiple hoops.

How Long Could the XRP vs. SEC Legal Battle Last?

Based on Farrell’s reports to kickstart the legal process, XRP needs to first present a settlement request. Then, an indicative ruling request needs to be added or sent separately or in a joint request. Among these steps, I think getting the settlement and reduced fees are the easiest steps to take. However, the most challenging part comes in persuading the Judge to impose an indicative new punishment. As per previous estimations, we would need nearly 60 days for something important to happen. If the Judge does not modify the ruling, the XRP SEC case will continue till January 2027.

Is XRP Price Surge Expected in The Coming Days?

As per the XRP price prediction, it seems that most technical signals are bullish, while the price nears a breakout. The technical projections reveal the most important resistance and support levels in the near future of XRP price action. One bullish indicator is that the MACD has crossed above the signal line, which is a bullish sign for incoming surges. 

Chart 1 – XRP/USDT Price, published on TradingView, April 17, 2025.

Based on Chart 1, we can also see that the first support comes at $1.93. This will likely stop any falls before the price hits the $1.61 level. Additionally, we can also see a bull move towards the $2.25 mark, which could lead to a $2.40 climb. As such, the XRP bullish target seems to be very realistic as a short-term target. 

Could XRP ETFs Spark the Next Surge in Crypto?

With more bullish XRP news about the approval of XRP ETFs on the way, this token is set for massive growth. As such, in the long term, XRP is set to rise in value. This is because both a new ruling and ETFs can create a surge in institutional investments. With all that said, investors should still monitor the global economic news closely and stay ahead.