Ripple entered the crypto space back in 2012 as a promising project. It offered a low-priced, fast, and cross-border money transferring service that gained great popularity. However, in 2020, it faced a severe [lawsuit](/news/article/ripple-xrp-latest-news) from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States. The case is yet to be concluded, but it has affected the popularity of XRP.

Ripple faced a lawsuit because it deviated from its fundamental goal of providing secure cross-border money transferring service. However, its impact on the token’s price is still unclear. So, if you are wondering about the XRP price in the UK, here are some insights!

## What is the SEC vs Ripple case?

The US’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a case on Ripple Labs in December 2020 for raising funds through XRP. In 2013, the firm allegedly raised more than $1.3 billion through illicit means. The complaint from the SEC involved charges against the current and previous executives for making gains. 

## SEC’s complaint

As per the SEC’s complaint, the company raised capital by holding its native token’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) without registering it as a security. The firm sold XRP as an unregistered security to the investors. Investors bought the tokens considering their shares in a venture, hoping their price would gradually increase.

According to the [SEC press release](https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2020-338) ‘Ripple allegedly distributed billions of XRP in exchange for non-cash consideration, such as labor and market-making services. According to the complaint, in addition to structuring and promoting the XRP sales used to finance the company's business, the founders Larsen and Garlinghouse also effected personal unregistered sales of XRP totaling approximately $600 million’. SEC advocates that these tokens should be classified as securities rather than utility tokens.

## Ripple’s Stance

On the other hand, Ripple claims that the SEC did not warn the firm about the issue. According to its lawyers, the SEC did not notify Ripple’s executives about the classification of XRP as a security. The US regulator also confirms this stance. 

Moreover, lawyers also claim that the SEC has been biased towards the firm. They have claimed that various crypto firms like Ethereum have connections with a few SEC members. However, it has not been established in court yet.
 
## What will be the implications on XRP price (UK)?

So far, the US court has not announced a date for giving the verdict, but the case is approaching conclusion. The proceedings of the case might not only affect Ripple Labs but can also negatively impact the crypto market. The reason is that if the court weighs in with SEC’s claim of XRP being declared a security, it would also apply to various other virtual currencies working with the exact mechanism. 

If the court declares the token a security, the XRP price will come crashing down. The XRP price in the UK might not be able to recover. Also, as it can be a legal precedent for all the countries, it will likely affect the entire crypto market. Moreover, Ripple can question Ethereum too, as it can also fall under the definition of security. This might further aggravate the ongoing crypto winter. 

Nonetheless, this would be the case only if the SEC wins the case. Otherwise, if Ripple Labs wins this court battle, we might see the XRP price (UK) getting strengthened. 




SEC vs Ripple case influence on XRP price in UK

The [senate bill proposed on Wednesday](https://www.protocol.com/bulletins/senate-bill-cftc-crypto) by Michigan Democrat Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Arkansas Republican Sen. John Boozman is the latest attempt in Washington to establish more defined government laws for digital assets. Under this law, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission would be given power over the markets for Bitcoin and Ether, the two major cryptocurrencies.

The CFTC and the SEC have been wrangling for control of cryptocurrencies. Tensions recently heightened when the SEC classified a list of crypto tokens as securities in an insider trading lawsuit, triggering public criticism from Caroline Pham, a CFTC commissioner.

## Senate bill could give clarification

The senate bill proposed could give some clarification. It would give the CFTC direct authority over tokens classified as "digital commodities." According to the bill summary, this covers bitcoin and ether.

Online exchanges and other businesses that assist in token trading would have to register with the CFTC. The bill would also mandate the CFTC to verify crypto businesses, avoid abusive trading practices, have adequate financial resources and appropriate cybersecurity safeguards.

The bill also acknowledges the role of other financial bodies in regulating digital assets that are not commodities but act more like securities or means of payment.

The emphasis on Ether and Bitcoin as commodities is consistent with the views of SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who has stated that most other tokens are likely to be securities.

However, the bill only briefly mentions the classification and uses the examples of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH), which the SEC previously classified as commodities. In addition, the law states that any crypto assets that are not deemed as securities by the SEC may bear the CFTC's commodities stamp.

Rostin Behnman, the head of the CFTC, has been vying for a new authority to oversee digital commodities spot markets, where the assets are traded directly. The new legislation would give that power. The bill states that the CFTC would have "exclusive authority over any account, agreement, contract, or transaction involving a digital commodities trade."

A broader [crypto regulation](/news/article/us-sec-regulation) bill submitted in June by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Cynthia Lummis considers the CFTC to play a leading role in crypto regulation. Gillibrand and Lummis recently admitted that the complete legislative package was unlikely to pass this year but that some provisions, such as those defining the function of the CFTC, may go through Senate committees.



Senate bill to strengthen CFTC's crypto authority

The first case of Coinbase insider trading has resulted in charges. US prosecutors in Manhattan have charged a former product manager with wire fraud, according to the New York Times.

Product manager Ishan Wahi and his brother, Nikhil Wahi, were taken into custody in Seattle on Thursday. Another defendant, Sameer Ramani, remains at large, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed civil accusations against him as well.

## Coinbase insider trading is the subject of an investigation by the SEC

Lawyers representing Ishan Wahi, 32, released a statement saying that he is "innocent of all crime and intends to defend himself forcefully."

Requests for feedback from Nikhil Wahi's lawyer were not immediately returned. A lawyer for Ramani was not immediately available to Reuters.

Prosecutors allege that[ Ishan Wahi divulged sensitive information](https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/ex-coinbase-manager-charged-crypto-insider-trading-case) on upcoming Coinbase announcements about additional cryptocurrency assets that users would soon be able to trade on the exchange. He booked a flight to India after being summoned to Coinbase's Seattle headquarters by the company's security director, according to the report.

For the first time in insider trading of digital assets, an ex-NFT marketplace employee has been charged. Law enforcement prevented him from boarding that flight on May 16. The bond for Ishan Wahi was set at $1 million and his passports had to be surrendered.

Despite his alleged attempt to run, prosecutors did not urge that he be arrested. On August 2, he will appear in federal court in Manhattan.

A total of 25 crypto assets were allegedly bought and sold for a profit by Nikhil Wahi (26) and Ramani (33), it states in the related civil accusations, nine of which the SEC said it had classified as securities.

## Cryptoqueen added to FBI's list of top 10 most wanted

The SEC's investigation into Coinbase's listing of the coins deemed securities in the complaint is ongoing, according to an SEC official.
At least 14 times before Coinbase's statements in June 2021 and April 2022, Ethereum blockchain wallets were used to acquire the assets, according to prosecutors.

At least $1.5 million in ill-gotten gains were generated as a result of these transactions.

An internal investigation into the trading was shared with authorities, according to Coinbase's chief security officer Philip Martin. 

For breaking crypto news on Coinbase and more, go to [Latest Moni](/news).


Insider Trading Charges Filed Against Ex-Coinbase Manager

US SEC chairman [outlines what to expect](https://beat.10ztalk.com/2022/07/18/sec-chairman-gary-gensler-outlines-details-of-crypto-regulation/) from the authority regarding crypto regulation. SEC’s duties being the primary watchdog for securities, finance, and investments will expand. 

## Global cryptocurrency regulations

The need for crypto laws arose after a down market and the [collapse of Terra UST](/news/article/terra-luna-collapse), which caused investors to lose a massive amount of their investments. As a result, China openly prohibited the use of cryptocurrencies, while Russia prohibited its use as a payment alternative.

The US remained hesitant to finalise the proposed crypto regulations until Biden requested the crypto regulation draft from the US SEC authority. The regulation draft is submitted for review and is anticipated to be deployed shortly.

As the deadline for implementing crypto laws approaches, the SEC has geared itself for the duties that will fall on its shoulders soon. US SEC chairman spoke to Yahoo Finance about the details of their forthcoming duties once the laws are implemented.

## US SEC and cryptocurrency regulation

Gensler stated that the new cryptocurrency regulation would assist investors and customers by protecting them from any difficulties caused by service providers. Their primary focus areas, according to Gensler, will be exchanges, brokerage, and loans. He stated that they are contacting stakeholders to notify them of their needs.

While stating that they are open to conversations and discussions, he also invited exchangers, lenders, and other dealers to come and speak with them. 

He noted that Congress had given the SEC authority to change some laws to better safeguard investors, stating:

“We do have robust authorities from Congress also to use our exemptive authorities that we can tailor investor protection.”

They even have the authority, he claims, to request tokens for disclosures. He stated that the public has the right to comprehensive and honest disclosures, which would serve as their primary safeguard.

Because the SEC is obliged to cover tokens, stablecoins, and volatile coins, they will also have the power to consult with banking authorities and the CFTC. He has emphasised that Bitcoin is not a security coin and that the CFTC would decide the remainder of the coins and tokens status. He has also cautioned that many crypto coins will fail, so investors should exercise caution.







US SEC Chairman outlines crypto regulation

Despite the company's significant efforts to obtain clearance, the SEC denied Grayscale Investments' approval to transform its $13.5 billion [Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC)](https://cointelegraph.com/news/breaking-grayscale-launches-legal-challenge-to-bitcoin-spot-etf-rejection) into a spot-based bitcoin ETF on Wednesday.

The decision follows the SEC's rejection of Bitwise's application for a spot bitcoin ETF on Wednesday.

After a protracted struggle to convince the SEC that the product had enough investor security, the refusal is a blow not only to Grayscale but to the whole cryptocurrency industry.

## The significance of a BTC spot ETF in the U.S. markets

The significance of a Bitcoin based spot ETF being available on the listed U.S. markets cannot be overstated. It would mean that institutional and everyday investors could buy and sell Bitcoin like any other security on the market.

This would give institutional investors more confidence in the market and could help to fuel the next bull run. It would also make it much easier for average people to invest in Bitcoin, which could help further mainstream adoption.

## Why was Grayscale's BTC trust spot ETF approval denied?

Grayscale's BTC Trust Spot ETF application was recently rejected by the SEC. The reason behind the rejection is:

1) The SEC is concerned about Bitcoin's volatility and its potential to cause market instability.
2) The SEC is concerned investors would lack sufficient protections under the Grayscale proposal.

## Grayscale's legal action
 
In October 2021, Grayscale filed to have its Bitcoin Trust known as GBTC, become an ETF, but the decision was repeatedly postponed. Grayscale has increased pressure on the authority to support it, including by providing a means for individuals to email their support immediately.

In a petition, Grayscale promptly challenged the SEC's judgment to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Donald B. Verrilli Jr., a former solicitor general of the United States, is Grayscale's senior legal strategist and is leading a group of lawyers from Davis Polk & Wardwell in this case.

According to Verrilli, the SEC is "failing to apply consistent treatment to similar investment vehicles, and acting arbitrarily and capriciously in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act and Securities Exchange Act of 1934."

SEC Chair Gary Gensler has repeatedly stated that he wants to see greater control of cryptocurrency exchanges before authorising a BTC spot ETF.

The focus of investors and cryptocurrency experts will now shift to what Grayscale can and will do to secure permission for conversion. On June 27, CEO Michael Sonnenshein stated that the business will be "preparing for all possible post-ruling scenarios." On the same day, Grayscale also said that if its application were to be approved, it would work with market makers Virtu Financial and Jane Street to assist in turning GBTC into an ETF.

Stay tuned with [Moni Talks](https://monitalks.io/news) for the latest crypto news.


Grayscale sues SEC for denying BTC ETF approval

According to Gary Gensler, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairman, Bitcoin is a commodity. In a recent interview with CNBC, he elaborated on the SEC's plans to collaborate with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and banking regulators in order to oversee the crypto sector.

In an [interview](https://www.cnbc.com/video/2022/06/27/sec-chair-gary-gensler-discusses-potential-crypto-regulation-and-stablecoins.html?&qsearchterm=gary%20gensler) with Mad Money presenter Jim Cramer on CNBC on Monday, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler reiterated his views on cryptocurrencies, namely Bitcoin (BTC).

The SEC head, stated that while several crypto-financial assets like Ethereum (ETH), [Dogecoin](https://www.monitalks.io/news/article/elon-musk-dogecoin), etc. contain the essential characteristics of securities, Bitcoin is the "only one" he feels confident officially classifying as a commodity:

"Some, like Bitcoin — and that's the only one I'm going to say because I'm not going to talk about any one of these tokens, but my predecessors and others have said Bitcoin is a commodity."

## Crypto community reaction to SEC chair interview

The crypto community raised questions about the statement's influence on Grayscales' proposed Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), and the omission ETH as a commodity was questioned.

The comments sparked discussion over Grayscale's proposal to turn its Bitcoin Trust into a spot-based ETF, which is anticipated to get a yes-or-no answer from the SEC on July 6.

Even though the regulator and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CTFC) earlier concurred that Ethereum (ETH) was a commodity exactly like BTC, Gensler chose not to specify whether he placed ETH in the same commodities boat. This was picked up on Twitter.

The prices of digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum have plummeted sharply in recent weeks, though they have lately shown signs of stabilization.

Bitcoin has decreased by around 60% over the last six months, but it has increased by roughly 1% in the past week.





Latest Moni

Crypto SEC News

Read the latest SEC news.

SEC vs Ripple case influence on XRP price in UK

Senate bill to strengthen CFTC's crypto authority

Insider Trading Charges Filed Against Ex-Coinbase Manager

US SEC Chairman outlines crypto regulation

Grayscale sues SEC for denying BTC ETF approval

SEC crypto chronicles- Gary Gensler affirms BTC as commodity

SEC vs Ripple case influence on XRP price in UK

The Solana blockchain & current price in GBP

Blackrock investing strengthens crypto’s position