• ECGI research paper affirms XRP’s non-security status, shedding light on regulatory scrutiny surrounding token offerings and Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC.
• U.S. federal court ruling provides clarity on XRP’s classification, emphasizing its significance in understanding regulatory compliance.

The European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI) has released a new research paper affirming the non-security status of XRP, a decision previously upheld by a U.S. federal court.

Titled “Corporate Governance Meets Data and Technology,” the study was authored by Wei Jiang from Emory University and Tao Li from the University of Florida. It delves into regulatory issues surrounding token offerings, specifically addressing securities regulations and token classification, with Ripple and XRP serving as notable examples.

The research findings were brought to the attention of a prominent member of the XRP community known by the pseudonym “WrathofKahneman.”

Affirming Non-Security Status to XRP

The report initially explores the evolving landscape of fundraising within blockchain-based startups, focusing on various methods such as initial coin offerings (ICOs), initial exchange offerings (IEOs), and security token offerings (STOs).

Emphasizing the regulatory scrutiny accompanying these fundraising mechanisms, particularly in terms of token classification, the report delves into concerns regarding the potential categorization of certain tokens as securities. This classification would subject issued tokens to compliance with securities laws and regulations.

Drawing attention to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) legal action against Ripple Labs, the report serves as a case study. The SEC contended that XRP, a digital asset issued by Ripple, qualified as a security, alleging violations of U.S. securities laws in XRP sales.

Furthermore, the report notes a significant development on July 13, 2023, when a U.S. court ruled that XRP did not hold security status when sold on public exchanges. However, it was deemed a security when directly distributed to institutional investors.

This recognition holds significance in the broader discourse surrounding token offerings and regulatory compliance, offering insight into how regulatory bodies approach the classification of cryptocurrencies like XRP.

In response to the research, legal expert Bill Morgan clarified XRP’s status, stating that XRP itself is not considered a security. However, he acknowledged that XRP may be involved in transactions or schemes that fall under the securities category.

Developments in the SEC Lawsuit

The next two months will be very critical considering that there are crucial hearings in the ongoing Ripple vs SEC lawsuit, reports Crypto News Flash.

March 22 marks a pivotal moment for XRP and the wider cryptocurrency sphere. On this date, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will present its opening brief for remedies, with Ripple granted until April 22 to respond. Subsequently, on May 6, the SEC will have its final chance to counter Ripple’s opposition, as shared by Attorney James Filan today.

With the impending showdown drawing near, many legal analysts express optimism regarding Ripple’s prospects for success. The blockchain payment firm has secured significant victories against the SEC over the past year.

XRP investors have been early awaiting the final outcome of the case. Some XRP fans also believe that if XRP wins this case, it could propel the XRP price to $3 and beyond by the year-end, per Crypto News Flash report.