The future of XRP on Coinbase remains a hot topic in the crypto community, especially as regulatory clarity continues to evolve. With ongoing legal battles between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), major exchanges like Coinbase are closely monitoring the situation before making any decisions about relisting XRP.
Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer at Coinbase, recently addressed the possibility of XRP’s return to the platform during a public interview. His comments have sparked renewed speculation and interest among investors and traders alike.
Understanding the Current Regulatory Landscape
At the heart of the debate is whether XRP qualifies as a security under U.S. law. The SEC filed a lawsuit against Ripple Labs in December 2020, alleging that the company conducted an unregistered securities offering through the sale of XRP. This legal action prompted several U.S.-based exchanges, including Coinbase, to delist XRP to avoid potential regulatory risk.
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Since then, the case has progressed through the courts, with mixed rulings—some favorable to Ripple, particularly regarding institutional sales. However, the broader classification of XRP in secondary markets remains unresolved.
Grewal emphasized that Coinbase continuously evaluates token listings based on evolving legal frameworks. "The nature of XRP was subject to litigation," he noted, "and two years later, the matter is still pending." This cautious stance reflects the exchange’s commitment to compliance while remaining open to future opportunities.
What Did Coinbase’s Legal Chief Say About XRP Relisting?
During a recent appearance on RealVision Crypto, Grewal was asked a direct question: If a court ultimately rules that secondary market sales of XRP are not securities, would that pave the way for relisting?
His response was measured but revealing. He stated that while Coinbase actively reassesses its listing policies, any move to bring back XRP would depend heavily on the final court decision—and more importantly, how it's interpreted by regulators.
"We’re watching the appeal process closely," Grewal said. "Whatever the court determines, we will follow the regulatory implications carefully before making any moves."
This indicates that even if Ripple wins a favorable ruling, Coinbase won’t rush to relist XRP without clear guidance from the SEC or further judicial interpretation.
Why This Meeting With Ripple Matters
Adding fuel to the fire, reports emerged that Grewal met privately with Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s General Counsel. While both parties described the discussion as part of broader industry efforts to advocate for clearer crypto regulations, the timing raised eyebrows.
The meeting occurred amid growing pressure on the SEC to define digital asset classifications. Both companies have publicly criticized the regulator for its lack of transparency and inconsistent enforcement.
Such high-level dialogue suggests a potential thaw in relations and hints at possible collaboration in shaping future policy. While no formal agreement was announced, the fact that legal leaders from two major players engaged in direct conversation signals a shift toward proactive engagement rather than adversarial positioning.
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Key Factors Influencing XRP’s Return to Coinbase
Several critical factors will determine whether XRP makes a comeback on Coinbase:
- Final Court Ruling: A definitive judgment on XRP’s status—especially concerning retail and secondary market transactions—is essential.
- SEC Guidance: Even with a court win, Coinbase will likely wait for explicit regulatory signals before relisting.
- Market Demand: Sustained user interest and trading volume outside the U.S. show strong global demand.
- Compliance Infrastructure: Coinbase must ensure internal systems can handle any compliance requirements tied to XRP.
Until these elements align, uncertainty will persist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Has Coinbase officially announced plans to relist XRP?
A: No. As of now, there is no official announcement regarding XRP relisting. The exchange continues to monitor legal developments.
Q: Why did Coinbase delist XRP in the first place?
A: It was removed in January 2021 following the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple, due to concerns over potential regulatory violations.
Q: Can U.S. users currently buy XRP on any major exchange?
A: Most major U.S.-compliant exchanges still do not offer XRP trading. Some international platforms allow access, but with geographic restrictions.
Q: Does a favorable court ruling guarantee XRP will return to Coinbase?
A: Not necessarily. Legal clarity helps, but Coinbase also considers business risk, compliance frameworks, and regulatory expectations.
Q: How long might it take for XRP to be relisted?
A: It depends on the appeals process and subsequent regulatory actions. It could take months—or longer—if further litigation ensues.
Q: Is XRP considered a security by the SEC?
A: The SEC maintains that XRP was sold as part of an unregistered securities offering. However, court rulings have differentiated between types of sales (institutional vs. programmatic vs. retail).
The Bigger Picture: Crypto Regulation and Exchange Responsibility
Coinbase’s approach underscores a broader trend in the crypto industry: exchanges are no longer willing to take regulatory gambles. After recent enforcement actions against Binance and others, platforms are prioritizing compliance over speed.
This means that even popular tokens like XRP, ADA, or SOL must pass rigorous legal scrutiny before being listed or relisted. For users, this offers greater protection; for innovators, it presents a higher barrier to entry.
Ultimately, Coinbase’s stance isn’t just about one token—it reflects a maturing market where legitimacy and regulation go hand in hand.
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Conclusion
While there’s no definitive timeline for XRP’s return to Coinbase, the conversation is clearly shifting. With ongoing litigation, executive dialogues, and increasing calls for regulatory clarity, the foundation is being laid for a potential relisting.
For now, investors should remain patient and informed. The outcome of the Ripple vs. SEC case may be the key that unlocks broader access to XRP across major U.S. exchanges.
As always, staying updated through reliable sources and understanding the legal nuances behind token listings can make all the difference in navigating today’s complex crypto landscape.
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