XRP legal status examined in ECGI research

A recent research paper by the European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI) sheds light on the regulatory landscape surrounding Ripple (XRP), the cryptocurrency associated with Ripple Labs. Titled “Corporate Governance Meets Data and Technology,” the study, authored by Wei Jiang of Emory University and Tao Li of the University of Florida, delves into the evolving fundraising methods in blockchain startups and the accompanying regulatory scrutiny.

The study notably acknowledges the legal status of XRP, emphasizing a U.S. federal court ruling from July 13, 2023, which deemed XRP not to be a security when sold to the public on exchanges. However, the court classified XRP as a security when sold directly to institutional investors, adding nuance to its regulatory classification.

Regulatory scrutiny and token offerings

Jiang and Li’s research underscores the regulatory challenges surrounding token offerings, including initial coin offerings (ICOs), initial exchange offerings (IEOs), and security token offerings (STOs). It highlights the concerns raised by regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding the classification of tokens issued through these fundraising mechanisms.

The regulatory debate often revolves around whether certain tokens should be classified as securities, subjecting them to stringent securities laws and regulations. The SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple Labs serves as a pivotal case study in this regard. The SEC alleged that Ripple’s XRP sales violated U.S. securities laws, sparking a legal battle that culminated in the court ruling mentioned in the study.

Clarifying XRP’s legal position

In response to the ECGI study, legal expert Bill Morgan provided additional context to clarify XRP’s legal status. Morgan asserted that XRP itself is not inherently security but cautioned that it could be involved in transactions or schemes that fall under securities regulations.

The distinction is crucial in understanding the regulatory treatment of Ripple and similar cryptocurrencies within the broader framework of token offerings. While the court ruling provided clarity on XRP’s status regarding public sales, ongoing regulatory scrutiny underscores the need for compliance and legal clarity in the cryptocurrency space.

Throughout the study and subsequent discussions, the role of regulatory authorities in determining the classification of cryptocurrencies like Ripple remains central. The ECGI acknowledges XRP’s legal status and adds a significant dimension to the ongoing discourse surrounding token offerings and regulatory compliance. As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders navigate the complexities of regulatory frameworks to ensure transparency and legal adherence.