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How Ripple is outsmarting the SEC

May 24, 2023
24 May 2023 : 17:30
Updated : 31 May 2023 : 20:29
5 min read

Ripple and the SEC are locked in a crucial battle, a showdown much like an electrifying game of checkers.

Get ready, as buried papers, including conversations within the SEC about the game-changing “Hinman speech” of 2018, are set to surface. This could be a knockout punch to the SEC’s case against Ripple.

While the SEC plays checkers, Ripple plays chess, crafting tactical moves that echo beyond the courtroom walls. Join us as we dive into the significance of these looming discoveries and the clever strategic plays of Ripple.

TLDR 📃

  • Ripple vs. SEC: As secret documents see daylight, it’s heating up.
  • Ripple-Hong Kong Monetary Authority: A showcase of Ripple’s CBDC platform.
  • Acquiring Metaco: A strategic move to power up Ripple’s tokenized assets.
  • Abu Dhabi-bound: Ripple’s Middle Eastern adventure with cross-border payments.
  • XRP’s popularity: It’s a hit with institutions, even as other digital assets face outflows
Disclaimer: Not financial nor investment advice. Any capital-related decisions you make are your responsibility and yours only.

New documents tipping the balance? ⚖️

The SEC v. Ripple case has hit a thrilling checkpoint, as a court order unveils long-hidden documents.

This cache could reveal the SEC’s inner talks about the famed “Hinman speech” of 2018. To fill you in, this is when the then SEC Director, William Hinman, broke the ice, saying Bitcoin and Ether weren’t securities.

His speech was a milestone, hinting cryptos might morph from securities to commodities with enough decentralisation. Notice the language Hinman used then versus the SEC’s rhetoric under Gary Gensler now?

Hinman speech

Well, the SEC didn’t want to share those old documents. But the judge, understanding their importance to Ripple, ordered their release within 15 days.

Why the fuss? These documents might show the SEC’s real thoughts on cryptos, possibly including Ripple. Imagine if they contradict the SEC’s current stance? Total game-changer!

Here’s why it matters: if the SEC’s crypto views in 2018 were different and shared internally, Ripple can claim they were left without clear guidelines.

In other words, if the regulator’s views kept shifting, how clear could things have been?

Ripple isn’t just playing checkers with the SEC. They’re also playing chess, strategically making moves outside the U.S.

Curious about Ripple’s grand strategy beyond American shores? Let’s dive in👇

Ripple’s double game♟️

Ripple has learnt from their U.S. challenges, deciding to flex their muscles on the global stage, focusing on crypto-friendly countries to grow their business and dodge legal hurdles.

Just this past week, Ripple has made power moves in Switzerland, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong. Let’s dive into the specifics:

Ripple collaborates with the Hong Kong government on CBDCs 

On May 18, Ripple made waves by launching their own central bank digital currency (CBDC) platform, a tool for banks, governments, and financial institutions to craft digital currencies.

The cool part? Ripple will test their platform live with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in an e-HKD pilot, showing off its potential.

Ripple’s partnership with Hong Kong is strategic, given the city’s recent crypto-friendly regulations allowing retail trading of certain crypto assets starting from June 1.

Ripple acquires institutional crypto custody firm Metaco for $250 million

But Ripple’s game doesn’t stop there! They’ve shelled out a cool $250 million to acquire Metaco, a Swiss digital asset custody firm operating under clear crypto regulations.

With heavyweight clients like Citi, BNP Paribas, and Societe Generale’s digital asset arm, Metaco brings an impressive roster and expertise to Ripple’s portfolio.

More than just a client list, the acquisition expands Ripple’s offerings, enabling them to custody, issue, and settle any type of tokenised asset.

Ripple expands into the Middle East

Lastly, Ripple is making a splash in the Middle East.

They’ve partnered with Lulo Money, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s Lulu Financial Holdings, through a payment service provider called Tranglo.

The goal? Streamline cross-border payments in Abu Dhabi. Lulo Money, linked to Lulu Exchange, is well-positioned for this, transacting over $6.73 billion annually.

While this isn’t as monumental as the other moves, it signals Ripple’s expansion into another crypto-friendly region.

Institutions buying XRP 🏦

Ripple’s strategic chess moves amidst their SEC battle seem to be paying off.

Despite a five-week-long drain from digital asset investment products, adding up to $232 million, XRP stands strong, pulling in positive inflows.

Ripple Hinman speech

Just last week, XRP enjoyed over $200,000 in inflows, totalling up to a cool $3 million since the year’s start. Quite a feat, considering the current market downtrend!

Wondering how these institutional inflows impact XRP’s price? No worries, we’re about to break it down for you.

Price analysis 📊

XRP Ripple SEC Hinman speech

In a bearish market, XRP is standing out with strong demand. Last week’s bullish engulfing candle hints that buyers are running the show, possibly pushing prices up. Our first resistance? $0.51.

However, XRP’s further rise hinges on BTC’s price action, which looks gloomy currently. So, while sellers might step in at $0.51, a bearish BTC could prevent XRP from hitting this mark.

Cryptonary’s take 🧠

It’s a thrilling time for Ripple, navigating U.S. roadblocks while eyeing potential benefits from newly revealed documents. While we await the specifics, chances are these documents might turn the tide for Ripple.

The impact largely rests on the degree of the SEC’s self-contradictions over the years. From an investor’s lens, it seems Ripple stands on stronger ground than the SEC.

Ripple’s global chess game is captivating. They’re aligning with crypto-friendly governments, like Hong Kong, to showcase their tech and broaden their Middle East footprint. Plus, acquiring crypto custody firm Metaco is a key piece in Ripple’s strategic puzzle.

And there’s more good news! XRP’s chart is pointing upwards. A bullish engulfing candle last week signals buyers are stepping in, likely driving prices higher.


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