The United States Third Circuit Court of Appeals issued a critical ruling in the Coinbase lawsuit against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The court’s decision criticized the SEC for not being transparent in addressing Coinbase’s request for crypto-specific regulations. The case adds to ongoing debates surrounding SEC enforcement policies and their impact on the cryptocurrency industry under Chairman Gary Gensler’s leadership.
SEC Ordered to Reevaluate Rulemaking Petition
On January 13, 2025, the court determined that the SEC’s denial of Coinbase’s 2022 petition lacked sufficient justification. Coinbase had sought new regulatory rules addressing how digital assets should be assessed for classification as securities.
The SEC’s brief two-page denial in 2023 prompted Coinbase to seek judicial intervention. Judge Thomas L. Ambro described the SEC’s actions as conclusory and insufficiently reasoned, emphasizing the need for a more substantive explanation. While the court did not mandate immediate rulemaking, it directed the SEC to articulate its position more comprehensively.
Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, acknowledged Coinbase’s partial victory and described the ruling as a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency industry. Alderoty criticized the SEC’s selective enforcement practices, which he argued have caused significant challenges for businesses attempting to comply with regulations.
SEC Criticized for Regulatory Ambiguity
The court’s ruling mandated the SEC to clarify its denial of Coinbase’s 2022 petition for rulemaking. Coinbase’s petition sought detailed regulatory guidelines, including asset classification and rules tailored for the cryptocurrency market.
The SEC rejected the petition without providing sufficient explanations, prompting the court to demand an account of this decision. The judgment stated, “Rather than force the agency to make a rule, we order it to explain its decision not to.” The court further noted that the SEC could resolve issues by clearly stating its stance on cryptocurrency assets.
In a recent social media post, pro-XRP lawyer John E. Deaton criticized Gary Gensler’s tenure as SEC Chair. Deaton accused Gensler of harming the SEC’s reputation by avoiding regulatory clarity.
He also emphasized the need for structural reforms within the SEC and acknowledged the challenges facing new Chair Paul Atkins. Deaton expressed concerns about the accreditor investor rule, which he described as inconsistent with free market principles. The rule currently restricts investment opportunities based on wealth and income thresholds.
Coinbase Secures Legal Victory
Coinbase achieved a partial victory as the court ruled in favor of their petition for a writ of mandamus. Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal shared the outcome on his X account, revealing that the court deemed the SEC’s actions arbitrary and capricious.
The decision highlighted regulatory gaps and emphasized the importance of clarity in navigating the evolving cryptocurrency landscape. Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty and other legal experts, including former SEC officials, acknowledged the significance of this development.
The court’s ruling is expected to influence ongoing and future crypto-related lawsuits, with broader implications for regulatory policies. Legal experts noted that incoming SEC Chair Paul Atkins is responsible for shaping the agency’s cryptocurrency approach. The judgment reinforces calls for transparent and comprehensive regulatory frameworks to address market complexities.
The crypto community has largely welcomed Coinbase’s partial victory as a step toward more explicit regulations. Lawyers, including former SEC official James Farrell and pro-XRP advocate Fred Rispoli, have pointed to the ruling’s potential impact. They argue that the decision could prompt a reassessment of enforcement strategies and foster a more structured regulatory environment under new leadership.
Ripple CEO Criticizes SEC Leadership Amid Appeal Efforts
As the SEC’s appeal of Ripple’s legal victory moves forward, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has openly criticized outgoing SEC Chair Gary Gensler. The ongoing legal dispute, centered around classifying XRP as a security, has highlighted broader concerns about the SEC’s regulatory approach. Gensler’s tenure has faced scrutiny for prioritizing enforcement over clear regulatory frameworks.
Ripple vs SEC: Legal Updates
The SEC is preparing to file its opening brief in its appeal of Ripple’s legal victory on January 15. The dispute originates from a 2020 lawsuit where the SEC alleged that Ripple’s sale of XRP constituted an unregistered securities offering. In 2023, a federal court ruled that XRP sales to retail investors were not securities, dealing a significant blow to the SEC’s case. However, the agency’s appeal aims to overturn portions of that ruling.
Ripple’s legal team sought an extension for the SEC’s filing deadline, which the agency denied. Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty criticized the denial, labeling it inefficient and wasteful. He expressed hope for a more constructive approach under new SEC leadership.
Gensler’s Stance on Cryptocurrencies
In an interview with CNBC, Gary Gensler reflected on his policies before his departure from the SEC. He reiterated that Bitcoin is not a security compared to commodities like gold. Gensler emphasized that most tokens other than Bitcoin fall under securities regulations. He criticized the cryptocurrency industry for failing to comply with anti-money laundering and securities laws.
Gensler’s enforcement-focused approach has drawn criticism from Ripple and other industry participants. This strategy, often described as “regulation-by-enforcement,” has been a central issue in the Ripple case and other legal battles.
Market Activity and Regulatory Implications
As the SEC’s appeal unfolds, significant XRP transactions have drawn attention. A transfer of 100 million XRP, valued at over $265 million, was recorded between anonymous wallets. This transaction occurred amid rising speculation about regulatory clarity and its potential impact on XRP’s price.
Industry observers anticipate changes with the departure of Gary Gensler on January 20 as Paul Atkins is expected to take the position. Ripple executives, including Brad Garlinghouse, have expressed optimism about engaging with new SEC leadership. Legal experts and analysts are closely watching for possible regulatory reforms, including clearer guidelines for digital asset classification coupled with the Trump White House takeover.
The Ripple case coincides with broader concerns about the SEC’s enforcement practices. In a separate case, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals recently criticized the SEC for arbitrary decision-making in its dealings with Coinbase. These developments have amplified calls for transparency and well-defined regulations in the cryptocurrency market.
