TLDR
- Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse publicly praised Stuart Alderoty for leading the company’s legal defense in the XRP case.
- The court ruled in 2023 that XRP is not a security in most cases, limiting the SEC’s control over the token.
- Ripple spent over $150 million on legal fees during the three-year battle with the SEC.
- The ruling set a major precedent for how digital assets like XRP are regulated in the United States.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse publicly acknowledged Stuart Alderoty’s efforts after a major legal victory involving XRP. The case centered around whether XRP should be classified as a security under U.S. law. The outcome reshaped regulatory discussions and limited the SEC’s jurisdiction over digital asset markets.
Alderoty Leads Ripple’s Legal Victory
Ripple hired Alderoty shortly before the SEC initiated its lawsuit regarding XRP sales in late 2020. He led Ripple’s legal strategy and focused on distinguishing XRP itself from securities. This position became the core of Ripple’s defense throughout the multi-year case.
The court ultimately ruled in mid-2023 that XRP, particularly in secondary sales, does not qualify as a security. This ruling significantly reduced the SEC’s reach in overseeing cryptocurrencies. Ripple’s approach, under Alderoty’s guidance, prevented broader regulatory control over the digital asset space.
Love starting the day seeing my friend @s_alderoty getting the public recognition he deserves for the amazing work he’s done here at Ripple and in support of the crypto industry!https://t.co/ETd4nIz2cu
— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) May 15, 2025
The decision set a key precedent and reinforced market clarity, especially regarding XRP transactions. Ripple spent over $150 million on legal defense, highlighting the scale and importance of the case. The result also influenced how similar cases might be handled across the industry.
SEC’s Case Against Ripple Reshapes Crypto Regulation
The SEC alleged Ripple violated securities laws by selling XRP without proper registration. Ripple countered that XRP was a digital currency, not a security, especially when traded in open markets. The case attracted attention due to its potential to redefine crypto classifications.
Ripple maintained that the XRP token lacked the characteristics that typically define securities. The court partially agreed, clarifying that most XRP sales, especially on exchanges, did not involve securities. The judgment protected Ripple and sent a strong message about enforcement limits.
Legal experts acknowledged the decision as one of the most influential in cryptocurrency regulation. The case marked a boundary for federal regulators in handling decentralized tokens like XRP. Following the ruling, Ripple continued its operations without major regulatory disruption.
Alderoty Advances to New Crypto Leadership Role
Following Ripple’s legal win, Alderoty was appointed president of the National Cryptocurrency Association in early 2024. The organization promotes policy discussions and aims to shape the evolving narrative around digital assets like XRP. His appointment reflects growing trust in legal voices within crypto leadership.
Garlinghouse praised Alderoty’s leadership and highlighted his role in protecting XRP and limiting SEC authority. His strategic direction helped Ripple resist sweeping regulatory classifications and preserve XRP’s market position. Alderoty’s transition marks a shift from courtroom battles to policy influence.
His leadership is expected to guide wider efforts in restoring public and legal trust in crypto. XRP remains central in these discussions, especially following the landmark court decision. Ripple, with XRP at its core, continues advancing under strengthened legal and industry backing.
