Crypto Crackdown Unraveling? SEC Pauses Cases—But What About Ripple?

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is prioritizing cryptocurrency cases with imminent court deadlines while pausing others, Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett reported on Feb. 19.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has shifted its focus to prioritizing cryptocurrency lawsuits with upcoming court deadlines, pausing some cases while others continue as scheduled.

This move comes amid broader discussions on crypto regulations and the Trump administration’s efforts to establish a clear regulatory framework for digital assets.

According to multiple legal sources, the SEC is prioritizing cases with imminent court deadlines, which may explain why requests for pausing lawsuits in the Ripple and Kraken cases have not yet been filed.

Ripple’s next court deadline is April 16, while Kraken’s is March 31.

Some analysts believe that the SEC may be preparing for a leadership transition as President Donald Trump’s nominee for SEC chair, Paul Atkins, nears confirmation.

However, no concrete date has been set for Atkins’ confirmation hearing.

In January, the SEC agreed to pause its lawsuit against Binance for 60 days, following a joint request highlighting the potential impact of a new SEC crypto task force.

This task force, led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, aims to create a clearer regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies.

The pause is part of a broader shift toward a more crypto-friendly stance by the Trump administration, which seeks to position the U.S. as a global hub for the industry.

Additionally, the Commission has agreed to pause its lawsuit against Coinbase Inc., allowing Coinbase to appeal a previous ruling that denied its motion to dismiss the SEC’s lawsuit.

According to Terrett, the crypto task force, Congress, and the Presidential Working Group on Digital Assets are likely working to address the regulatory gaps that led to these lawsuits.