Ripple has officially ended its legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), agreeing to drop its counter-appeal in exchange for a final settlement of $50 million. The resolution comes just days after the SEC withdrew its own appeal against the blockchain company.

In a post on X, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, confirmed that both parties had agreed to withdraw their respective appeals, marking the conclusion of the high-profile case. The initial penalty of $125 million, which had been placed in an escrow account, was negotiated down to $50 million, with the remaining balance returned to Ripple. The settlement is still subject to a final Commission vote and court formalities, but once finalized, it will officially close the case that has lasted since December 2020.

This decision reflects a broader shift in the SEC’s stance on crypto regulation. Following the exit of former Chair Gary Gensler, the agency has taken a more pro-innovation approach under interim Chair Mark Uyeda. In recent weeks, the SEC has dropped lawsuits against major crypto exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken, signaling a departure from the aggressive enforcement seen during Gensler’s tenure.

Another major change within the SEC includes the rise of the Crypto Task Force, now led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, which has been hosting roundtable discussions on regulatory frameworks. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee for SEC Chair, Paul Atkins, is expected to take over soon, further shaping the agency’s new direction.

The Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit has been a landmark case for the crypto industry, with its resolution potentially setting a precedent for how digital assets will be regulated in the United States. With the legal battle behind it, Ripple can now move forward, focusing on expanding its blockchain and payment solutions without the looming threat of regulatory hurdles.