In a significant development, US Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn has ordered Ripple and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to agree on potential dates for a settlement conference. This order came after US District Court Judge Analisa Torres referred the next phase of the Ripple vs. SEC court battle to Judge Netburn.
The referral to Judge Netburn follows last week’s ruling by Judge Torres, stating that XRP, the cryptocurrency associated with Ripple, is not a security. This ruling had a profound impact on both XRP and the broader crypto market, triggering a substantial rally.
According to a court document filed on July 17, Judge Netburn, who will oversee the General Pretrial, has recommended that both parties agree on three mutually convenient dates for the settlement conference. Given the court’s busy schedule, the suggested timeline is 6-8 weeks in advance.
The pretrial phase encompasses various aspects of the case, including scheduling, discovery, and non-dispositive pretrial motions. It is during this stage that parties often consider settlement discussions. While there is speculation that the SEC may be inclined to pursue a settlement with Ripple, it remains to be seen if either side will view this as a viable option.
The crypto industry has closely followed the Ripple vs. SEC case, and Judge Torres’ declaration that XRP is not a security was seen as a partial victory for Ripple. This outcome has been viewed as a potential turning point, as it could pave the way for much-needed regulatory clarity in the cryptocurrency space.
Eleanor Terrett, a journalist from Fox Business, shared her perspective on Twitter, acknowledging the impact of Judge Torres’ ruling and highlighting the industry’s anticipation of further developments in the case.
As the Ripple vs. SEC case continues, the crypto community eagerly awaits updates on the potential settlement conference and its implications for both Ripple and the wider regulatory landscape. The outcome of this high-profile case could have far-reaching consequences for the future of cryptocurrencies.
