The XRP community, known as the 'XRP Army,' played a pivotal role in securing Ripple's favorable outcome in its lengthy legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Attorney John E. Deaton, who acted as amicus counsel in the case, revealed that over 75,000 XRP holders submitted affidavits and statements supporting Ripple's position, which were directly cited by Judge Analisa Torres in her final decision.
Deaton stated emphatically: "No credible person can argue that the XRP Army didn't make a difference in the Ripple case. The proof is in the decision itself." Judge Torres referenced XRP holder affidavits, the amicus brief, and Deaton's oral argument from the LBRY case in her ruling, which created a crucial legal distinction between institutional sales and programmatic/exchange sales of XRP.
The legal resolution resulted in Ripple agreeing to pay a $125 million fine - a manageable amount relative to the company's reserves - and triggered an immediate 4.5% price surge for XRP, reflecting renewed market confidence. Ripple's Deputy General Counsel Deborah McCrimmon acknowledged the coordinated efforts between the legal team and community supporters.
The case has set significant legal precedents for cryptocurrency regulation, with judges already citing the XRP ruling in ongoing proceedings. The resolution also has potential implications for other major tokens like ETH and SOL regarding regulatory classification.
Following the legal victory, Ripple has made strategic moves including the $1.25 billion acquisition of firm Hidden Road to enhance liquidity for its clients, signaling renewed expansion efforts post-lawsuit.