Ripple CEO expects 'answer' in SEC suit by first half of 2023

Brad Garlinghouse expects an "answer" in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's suit against his crypto payments company, Ripple Labs, by the first half of next year.

The SEC sued Ripple in 2020. The regulator alleged that Ripple and its top executives misled XRP investors because it failed to register the digital asset as a security and did not provide adequate disclosure.

Key Speakers At The 2022 Milken Conference
Brad Garlinghouse.
Lauren Justice/Bloomberg

Garlinghouse, Ripple's chief executive, said on Tuesday that it is hard to predict the pace of court proceedings.

"I think we'll have an answer in the first half of next year," Garlinghouse said during an event for DC Fintech Week. "Whether that's the first quarter or second quarter, we shall see."

In September, Ripple filed a motion seeking to dismiss the suit, claiming its XRP token is not a security that is subject to SEC authority. The SEC has also asked for a ruling in its favor without a trial.

Ripple would consider a settlement with the SEC if the regulator states that XRP is not a security, Garlinghouse said Tuesday. The case "is about the whole industry" he said. "Everyone acknowledges how important this is."

Already, Ripple's business in the U.S. is limited, according to Garlinghouse. "For all intents and purposes, XRP does not have liquidity in the United States," he said.

XRP is the sixth-largest cryptocurrency, with a market value of about $25 billion. The token fell about 5% to 49 cents on Tuesday, and is down around 40% this year.

— With assistance from Chris Dolmetsch.

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