A Bold Theory: XRP as Settlement Currency?
A hot theory is entering crypto circles: What if the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) would actually accept as part of a settlement with Ripple Labs not dollars but XRP?
It sounds very improbable but the recent context events and delays in strategy seem to suggest that may be a game changer; and if it does turn out that Xbox is the future-attendee, it may redefine the clarity of regulation and blow up an XRP bull run-and finally give away the real reason behind the delay of XRP ETF approvals.
Let’s unpack what this all could mean.
Ripple vs. SEC: A Long Legal Battle Nears Its Climax
Both Ripple and SEC are in heated engagement in a lawsuit since 2020 with the pivotal question-whether XRP is an unregistered security. Several years of courtroom drama might finally be coming to an end.
Now, if the SEC is willing to work out a settlement involving XRP tokens, it would represent a tremendous shift in its position-from seeing XRP as a “security” to an indirect acknowledgment of it as a medium of value.
The ETF Delay: A Strategic Move?
Fox Business reporter Eleanor Terrett confirmed the SEC delayed Franklin Templeton’s XRP spot ETF decision to June 17, 2025. The delay might not really be procedural in nature, but it may be viewed as strategic. Crypto analyst @JadedInvesting argued that if the SEC is looking at settling in XRP, they would not approve an ETF first. Why? Because:
• A pump in XRP price would follow an approval of an ETF.
• High price implies besically more clout in bargaining for Ripple.
• Higher costs would need to be incurred in settling costs.
In this way, the SEC could delay the approval of the ETF to keep a lid on the XRP price while finalizing the terms.
Connecting the Dots: XRP, ETF, and Regulatory Optics
Such precedent would be set if XRP payment were accepted by the SEC. Would an “illegal security” be accepted as payment by the U.S. Government? Very unlikely.
It would cement XRP’s legitimacy in the background, with no need to say so. It would serve as a silent green light, signaling somewhat regulatory clarity without direct reclassification.
As soon as a settlement materializes here, the SEC will approve the ETF on XRP and different institutional investors will rush in right in time for the post-settlement rally.
Market Implications: What Happens If This Theory is True?
If this theory holds water, here’s what could follow:
- XRP Price Surge: Post-settlement + ETF approval = parabolic move
- Ripple Validation: Global recognition and U.S. regulatory clarity
- ETF Inflows: Institutional money floods into a now-legitimized asset
- Bull Run Catalyst: A Ripple victory could ignite broader altcoin momentum
Why June 17 Matters More Than Ever
The SEC’s ETF delay to June 17 isn’t just a simple bureaucratic delay. It is actually quite a strategic move in a long chess match, where each delay buys time for the best outcome for regulators.
And if it does use XRP in the agreement, axpect the usual fireworks and challenges on the market and probably the start of a new dawn for Ripple and the entire world of crypto.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Endgame?
The theory is speculative, nevertheless, it is an intriguing one. In an effort to suppress XRP’s price, the SEC could be using its tactical delays to settle on favorable terms and then unleash the floodgates on an ETF. If true, it is a brilliant tactical move, giving them control and cover where needed.
Until then, everyone’s eyes will be on June 17. For holders, traders, or anyone just watching from the sidelines with popcorn, the Ripple-SEC drama is about to shift the narrative of all things XRP.