Ripple’s General Counsel accuses SEC of “rug pull” in XRP lawsuit

Rick Steves

Alderoty ended his statement by explaining that if Ripple didn’t agree to the very long briefing schedule, the SEC would likely cause even longer delays to the case. 

Ripple, the individual defendants, and the SEC have reached an agreement as to the summary judgment briefing schedule as the XRP lawsuit enters a new phase.

All final briefs are due December 20, 2022, which comes as a hard blow to the many parties interested in a quick resolution to the SEC v. Ripple.

Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s General Counsel, took to Twitter to express his gratitude for the public attention and patience as well as sorrow for the hurt that the XRP lawsuit has caused to “US citizens who were essentially the victims of a rug pull by the SEC”.

His statement includes criticism toward the SEC, Chair Gary Gensler, and a warning that crypto talent, tech, and wealth is moving offshore to safer jurisdictions.

Alderoty ended by explaining that, while Ripple agreed to the briefing schedule, if it didn’t the SEC would likely cause even longer delays to the case.

Full transcript of Stuart Alderoty’s statement:

“To all that have been following the case thus far – thank you. Know that Ripple is pushing hard (and the Court is working hard) to resolve the case as soon as possible, despite the SEC time and again doing everything they can to delay.

It now looks like a resolution will come in 2023 – and each day that passes is hurting US citizens who were essentially the victims of a rug pull by the SEC. $15B in XRP market cap was destroyed the day the suit was filed, hurting the very people the SEC purports to protect.

In Dec 2020 (as Clayton & Hinman packed their bags), the SEC didn’t seek a Court injunction to stop XRP trading in the US when they filed the suit because they knew they couldn’t get one. Effectively, the case has done so anyway – prime example of regulation by enforcement.

Chair Gensler preaches “justice delayed is justice denied” when firms defend themselves from SEC bullying investigations / inquiries – quite the contrast from the SEC using every tactic at their disposal to keep this cloud of uncertainty over the market. Justice delayed indeed.

The Biden EO estimated that 40M Americans own crypto today – no thanks to the SEC who insist on saying that all – or most tokens – are securities, and that US exchanges are running unlawful security exchanges. If you ask which ones? No comment. No disclosure.

Gensler refuses to offer any specifics whatsoever, and the SEC hasn’t sought to shut down any exchange b/c they know they don’t have any real jurisdiction over this $2T industry. In the meantime though – they’ll leverage every tactic to create market confusion.

Already, we’re seeing a massive transfer of crypto talent, tech and wealth moving offshore to jurisdictions with rational regulatory frameworks. Entrepreneurs are being advised to not start their projects in the US. How long can this be allowed to continue?

And to those asking if this is a joint filing – yes it is. But, based on the SEC’s track record, if we didn’t agree to this, the next iteration would have very likely been even longer.”

Read this next

Chainwire

BloFin Sponsors TOKEN2049 Dubai and Celebrates the SideEvent: WhalesNight AfterParty 2024

Platinum Spotlight: BloFin dazzles as the top sponsor of TOKEN2049 Dubai, elevating its status with the electrifying WhalesNight AfterParty 2024. Celebrate blockchain innovation and join the night where industry leaders and pioneers connect.

Institutional FX

Eddid helps HK crypto platforms with Bitcoin and Ether ETFs

The brokerage firm will help SFC-licensed virtual asset trading platforms with Bitcoin and Ether ETFs in Hong Kong.

Digital Assets

Cboe can save up to $15 million by closing crypto exchange

“Refocusing our digital asset business enables us to refine our strategy, leveraging our core strengths in derivatives, technology excellence and product innovation to help maximize opportunities for our business and deliver efficiencies for Cboe and our clients.”

Fintech

Sumsub adopts Europe’s new KYC standards for crypto

“Businesses are facing a rising regulatory tide where properly preparing for compliance is crucial. There is now a simple choice, whether to implement solutions that can deliver this, or instead risk significant financial and reputational damages.”

Chainwire

Bybit Web3 Launches Industry’s First Bitcoin Layer 2 Airdrop Campaign, Paving the Way for a New Bitcoin Era

Bybit, one of the world’s top three crypto exchanges by volume, is excited to announce that Bybit Web3 is launching the industry’s first Bitcoin Layer 2 Airdrop campaign through its Airdrop Arcade.

Retail FX

Vantage observes results of US$100,000 donation to UNHCR

Vantage’s US$100,000 donation has helped approximately 788 refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returnees in 2023 alone.

Executive Moves

Tradition hires Michel Everaert to integrate data science and AI

“I am excited about the potential this offers, and look forward to building relationships and working with teams across the global business.”

Retail FX

IBKR extends US Treasury bond trading to 22 hours per day

US Treasury bonds are highly sought after by investors seeking stability and security in their portfolios as these instruments are often considered one of the safest investment options. 

Market News

Navigating Yen Depreciation and Euro Resilience in Global Markets

Amidst the persistent depreciation of the Japanese yen against the US dollar, pressure mounts on Japanese policymakers to translate their verbal assurances into tangible actions.

<