Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Reveals SEC Settlement Details and XRP Payment Option

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently appeared on Fox Business’ "The Claman Countdown" to discuss Ripple’s settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The lawsuit, which had long plagued Ripple’s operations, has now been resolved following the appointment of a new SEC chairman—ushering in what Garlinghouse described as a more constructive stance toward crypto by the U.S. government.

During the interview, Garlinghouse pointed to lingering regulatory uncertainty in the digital asset space, emphasizing that despite progress, there are still key areas requiring clearer guidelines. One of the major topics addressed was the $125 million penalty Ripple was previously expected to pay under the Gensler-led SEC administration.

Garlinghouse confirmed that Ripple had placed the full amount into escrow in preparation for payment. However, with the new agreement in place, most of those funds—along with accrued interest—are being withdrawn. He explained that under the revised terms, the SEC will receive $50 million, while another $50 million will go to the U.S. government.

In a notable twist, Garlinghouse mentioned that Ripple is even considering making those payments in XRP, its native cryptocurrency. This move underscores Ripple’s continued commitment to promoting real-world utility for XRP in financial settlements and global payments.

The announcement has been welcomed by many in the crypto community as a step forward for regulatory clarity and a sign of thawing tensions between blockchain companies and U.S. regulators. It also signals Ripple’s strengthened position as the company looks to expand its global reach, particularly in markets that are embracing crypto innovation.

With regulatory headwinds easing and legal risks behind them, Ripple and XRP may now be better positioned to capitalize on broader institutional adoption.