On April 13, Ripple and the SEC submitted a joint request to the court to pause appeal proceedings concerning Judge Analisa Torres’ prior ruling on XRP’s programmatic sales. The filing arrived just ahead of Ripple’s reply brief deadline scheduled for April 16.
This legal move has significantly boosted optimism among XRP investors who anticipate a favorable conclusion. If the SEC decides to withdraw its appeal, it could pave the way for a final judgment and potential regulatory clarity for XRP.
🔍 OIG Clears Hinman, But Legal Experts Remain Skeptical
Meanwhile, the OIG’s recent investigation into the infamous “Hinman Speech” has drawn criticism from the crypto legal community. While the report found no criminal wrongdoing and concluded Hinman followed SEC ethics rules, experts argue the investigation lacked depth and transparency.
Jason Foster, founder of Empower Oversight, slammed the narrow focus of the probe, stating it failed to address public trust concerns and possible ethical lapses within the SEC’s crypto enforcement strategy.
📉 XRP and BTC React to Market Pressures
Following a 6.81% weekend rally, XRP dipped 1.88% on April 13 to close at $2.1186, mirroring losses in the broader crypto market. Bitcoin also slipped 1.88%, closing at $83,777, amid renewed tensions around U.S. tariffs.
Key XRP Price Influencers:
- Ongoing developments in the SEC vs. Ripple lawsuit.
- Potential approval or delay of XRP-Spot ETFs.
- Global trade tensions and interest rate signals from the Fed.
While XRP’s price hovers near the $2 mark, a settlement with the SEC or ETF approval could push it toward its all-time high of $3.5505. However, macroeconomic factors may cap gains or trigger corrections toward $1.70.
💬 Crypto Community Reacts to OIG Findings
Crypto attorneys, including James “MetaLawMan” Murphy and Bill Morgan, questioned the OIG’s approach. They highlighted the lack of subpoenas or in-depth interviews and labeled the review as more procedural than investigative.
The concerns center around Hinman’s ties to his former employer, Simpson Thacher, which is associated with the Ethereum Enterprise Alliance. The timing of his ETH-favorable speech, which coincided with Ethereum overtaking XRP in market cap, remains a talking point.
📈 BTC Outlook: Tariff Fears vs. Institutional Inflows
Bitcoin’s movement also reflects global uncertainties. On April 13, President Trump dismissed reports of tariff exemptions and hinted at new levies on semiconductors and electronics. This caused volatility across crypto assets.
BTC could face the following scenarios:
- Bearish: Rising tariffs, aggressive Fed policies, or negative ETF flows could drag BTC below $75,000.
- Bullish: Easing trade tensions, bipartisan support for the Bitcoin Act, and ETF inflows may send BTC soaring past $90,000.
📊 Final Thoughts: What to Watch
XRP’s future remains closely tied to three critical elements:
- The court’s response to the SEC and Ripple’s joint appeal pause request.
- Approval timelines for XRP-Spot ETFs.
- Macro-level policy developments from the U.S. government.
For investors, staying informed and cautious is crucial as the crypto market continues to react to both legal and economic variables.
🧠 Extra Insight: Could a Clear Regulatory Path Make XRP the Next Big Gainer?
If Ripple secures regulatory clarity and an ETF approval follows, XRP may emerge as a frontrunner in the crypto race. As institutional money seeks stability, transparent and compliant tokens like XRP could become top picks for hedge funds and ETFs.
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