New Crypto Projects to Watch After Ripple-SEC Case Ends

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Crypto investors woke up to a refreshing change of tone this week. The long-running courtroom drama between Ripple and the SEC, one of the most talked-about sagas in crypto history, has finally wrapped up.

With years of legal fog now lifting, a clearer path is emerging for blockchain builders and token projects.

For many in the industry, this moment feels like a release valve has been opened. There’s a renewed sense of optimism and possibility, especially for teams working on real-world applications like payments, remittances, and decentralized finance.

Regulation clarity, even in small doses, gives developers and investors the confidence to build and back bold ideas.

And that’s exactly what we’re seeing. As one door closes on Ripple’s legal battle, another opens for new crypto projects – some of which could carry the torch forward.

Ripple vs. SEC: The Legal Drama Finally Ends

The Ripple-SEC case, which began in December 2020, has finally wrapped.

The SEC accused Ripple Labs of selling XRP as an unregistered security, triggering years of courtroom back-and-forth.

In August 2024, the court ruled that XRP wasn’t a security when traded on exchanges, but said institutional sales did break securities laws.

Ripple pushed back with a cross-appeal, while the SEC filed its own.

Now, both sides are dropping their appeals and calling it quits. Ripple will pay a $125M fine and accept a permanent ban on institutional XRP sales.

While neither side got a total win, the fight is over. More importantly, this outcome clears a path for the crypto industry, showing that even high-stakes regulatory battles can end without killing innovation.