The future of XRP on one of the largest U.S. crypto exchanges may hinge on the outcome of Ripple’s ongoing legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In a recent interview, Coinbase’s chief legal officer, Paul Grewal, provided significant insight into the exchange’s potential next steps—offering a glimmer of hope for XRP supporters worldwide.
If Ripple emerges victorious in its landmark case against the SEC, a prompt relisting of XRP on Coinbase could follow. While no definitive promises were made, Grewal emphasized that the exchange would act swiftly to reassess its stance the moment a court decision is issued.
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The Road to XRP Relisting: What’s at Stake?
When the SEC filed its lawsuit against Ripple Labs in December 2020, the crypto market reacted swiftly. XRP was delisted from nearly all major exchanges—including Coinbase—due to regulatory uncertainty. At the time, Coinbase cited its internal Digital Assets Framework, which evaluates tokens based on compliance with securities laws, as the rationale behind the delisting.
For years, XRP holders have watched the legal proceedings closely, hoping for a resolution that would pave the way for reinstatement on top trading platforms. Now, with a verdict potentially imminent, the spotlight is on how exchanges like Coinbase will respond.
Paul Grewal, speaking with Tony Edward of the Thinking Crypto podcast, acknowledged the frustration felt by the XRP community. He confirmed that while Coinbase cannot pre-commit to relisting, it will initiate a formal review process immediately upon the court’s ruling.
“But I am very eager as anyone else to see how the court rules—and what I can say is, as soon as we have the ruling, we will put in our process to see if we need to revisit our listing decision.”
This statement signals a proactive approach rather than a passive wait-and-see strategy. The key factors influencing Coinbase’s decision will include:
- The specifics of the court’s ruling
- The legal reasoning provided by the judge
- The likelihood of appeal or higher court intervention
As a publicly traded company, Coinbase must navigate regulatory risks carefully. However, Grewal’s comments suggest that XRP’s return is not off the table—it may simply depend on legal clarity.
Why Legal Clarity Matters for Crypto Exchanges
The SEC’s case against Ripple has far-reaching implications beyond XRP alone. At its core, the lawsuit questions whether certain digital assets qualify as securities under U.S. law. A favorable ruling for Ripple could set a precedent that benefits dozens of other cryptocurrencies currently in regulatory gray zones.
Grewal praised Ripple’s legal team for their rigorous defense and for challenging the SEC’s broader enforcement approach.
“I certainly paid attention to the fact that the defendants in this case have done a masterful job of pushing the SEC and raising serious questions about the SEC’s entire theory.”
He specifically highlighted the work of Ripple’s chief legal officer, Stuart Alderoty, whose aggressive yet strategic litigation tactics have drawn widespread respect across the industry. These efforts ultimately influenced Coinbase to file an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in support of Ripple—an unusual but telling move from a major exchange.
This support underscores a growing consensus within the crypto industry: clear regulation is essential for innovation and investor protection alike.
Core Keywords Driving Market Sentiment
Understanding the dynamics of this case requires familiarity with several core keywords that define its significance:
- XRP relisting
- SEC vs Ripple lawsuit
- Coinbase listing policy
- Digital asset regulation
- Cryptocurrency legal precedent
- Ripple court ruling
- Crypto exchange compliance
- XRP price impact
These terms reflect both user search intent and the broader conversation shaping investor decisions. They also highlight why timely, accurate information is crucial for traders and long-term holders alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will Coinbase relist XRP immediately if Ripple wins?
A: While not guaranteed, Coinbase has committed to starting its review process immediately after the court ruling. A relisting could follow if regulatory conditions are met.
Q: Why was XRP delisted from Coinbase in 2020?
A: It was removed due to regulatory uncertainty following the SEC’s lawsuit, based on Coinbase’s Digital Assets Framework, which assesses compliance with securities laws.
Q: What factors will Coinbase consider before relisting XRP?
A: The exchange will evaluate the court’s legal reasoning, potential appeals, and whether XRP is deemed a security or commodity post-ruling.
Q: Did Coinbase take any action during the SEC-Ripple case?
A: Yes. Coinbase filed an amicus brief supporting Ripple’s position, signaling concern over the SEC’s regulatory overreach in crypto markets.
Q: How might a Ripple victory affect other cryptocurrencies?
A: A favorable ruling could establish legal precedent, helping other digital assets avoid being classified as unregistered securities.
Q: When will the final decision in the SEC vs Ripple case be made?
A: No official date has been set, though industry observers anticipate a ruling in 2025. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse previously suggested June, but noted it was only an estimate.
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The Broader Impact on U.S. Crypto Innovation
The outcome of the SEC vs Ripple case isn’t just about one token—it’s about the future of blockchain innovation in the United States. Many fear that aggressive enforcement without clear rules stifles technological progress and drives companies overseas.
By voicing support for Ripple and emphasizing the need for transparent regulation, Coinbase is positioning itself as a defender of responsible innovation. This aligns with growing calls from lawmakers, investors, and developers for a balanced regulatory framework that protects consumers without crushing competition.
A win for Ripple could catalyze renewed listings across multiple platforms—not just Coinbase—and potentially trigger a broader reevaluation of how digital assets are classified and traded in the U.S.
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Final Outlook: A Pivotal Moment for XRP and Crypto Regulation
As anticipation builds for the court’s decision, all eyes are on Washington D.C. and San Francisco. The ripple effect—pun intended—of this case extends far beyond price charts and trading volumes.
For XRP holders, a favorable verdict could mean more than just relisting; it could represent validation of decentralized digital currencies as legitimate financial instruments. For exchanges like Coinbase, it presents an opportunity to restore trust and expand offerings in a compliant, sustainable way.
While nothing is certain until the gavel falls, Paul Grewal’s remarks offer cautious optimism. One thing is clear: once the ruling lands, Coinbase won’t wait long to act.
In a rapidly evolving digital economy, agility and regulatory clarity go hand in hand—and XRP may soon find itself at the center of both.