The XRP community is abuzz with speculation following Grayscale’s recent launch of an XRP Trust, a move that has sparked rumors of a potential settlement between Ripple and the SEC. Luke Thomas, a prominent figure in the XRP community, believes that Grayscale’s decision to re-introduce the XRP Trust could indicate a willingness on the part of the SEC to settle with Ripple, paving the way for the long-awaited XRP ETF and a possible Ripple IPO.
Grayscale’s re-launch of the XRP Trust comes after the asset manager terminated its previous trust in January 2021, citing the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple as the reason for the decision. Despite Ripple securing a partial victory in the legal battle, Grayscale chose not to reintroduce the XRP Trust until now, raising eyebrows in the XRP community.
The timing of Grayscale’s move is particularly interesting, as it comes on the heels of Ripple setting up a trust with the SEC’s approval in anticipation of a potential appeal. Ripple has earmarked $138.75 million for this purpose, with the funds set to be released after a 30-day waiting period following the conclusion of an appeal or the expiration of the deadline to file an appeal notice.
The speculation within the XRP community is that Grayscale’s re-launch of the XRP Trust could signal that a settlement between Ripple and the SEC is on the horizon. Luke Thomas has suggested that the SEC may be open to accepting a $125 million fine from Ripple in exchange for resolving the lawsuit, a development that could pave the way for an XRP ETF and a Ripple IPO by 2025.
The possibility of an XRP ETF and a Ripple IPO has long been a topic of discussion within the crypto community. Ripple has expressed interest in going public through an IPO but has faced regulatory challenges in the U.S. that have hindered progress. Similarly, the potential for an XRP ETF has been stymied by the ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the SEC, which would require regulatory approval for such products to launch.
If the SEC does indeed accept a settlement with Ripple, it could signal a turning point for the XRP ecosystem, potentially opening the door for an XRP ETF and a Ripple IPO in the near future. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the lawsuit will be resolved through a settlement or if it will continue to drag on through an appeal process. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.