- Ripple Chairman Chris Larsen’s private meeting with SEC Chair Paul Atkins sparked speculation but did not signal any immediate legal resolution, according to former SEC attorney Marc Fagel.
- Despite the uncertainty, XRP remains strong as optimism around a potential ETF approval continues to grow.
Behind Closed Doors: What Really Happened Between Larsen and Atkins?
In a move that has the crypto world buzzing, Ripple Executive Chairman Chris Larsen held a private, undisclosed meeting with newly appointed SEC Chair Paul Atkins on May 2. With Ripple’s lawsuit over XRP’s classification still ongoing, the high-level sit-down instantly fueled rumors of a possible breakthrough or even a quiet settlement. But legal experts say—don’t hold your breath.
Former SEC attorney Marc Fagel was quick to throw cold water on the excitement. Taking to social media, Fagel stressed that complex regulatory disputes like Ripple’s are rarely, if ever, resolved through private discussions. “Litigation of this magnitude follows strict procedural channels,” Fagel noted, warning that any hope for a backroom deal is likely misplaced.
A Crypto-Friendly Chair—But No Guarantees
Paul Atkins holds a progressive stance on crypto and openly supports a “regulatory sandbox” approach, but no one has confirmed whether he and Larsen discussed such initiatives during the meeting. The parties did not release an agenda, which has led to speculation that they may have focused more on future frameworks for digital assets than on Ripple’s immediate legal challenges.
Insiders have floated the idea that topics such as blockchain innovation, compliance modernization, and crypto policy direction could have been on the table. Still, there’s nothing solid linking the meeting to the ongoing XRP lawsuit.
Ripple Holds Strong as ETF Hopes Grow
Despite the ambiguity, XRP has shown resilience, holding around the $2.19 mark. After a brief dip to $2.12—coinciding with the SEC’s delay on other crypto filings—XRP quickly rebounded. Investor sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, further fueled by bullish ETF projections.
Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas recently estimated an 85% chance of an XRP ETF being approved this year. With increasing demand from institutional players and regulatory momentum building, an XRP-based ETF is starting to feel more plausible—though still not guaranteed.
Tempered Expectations, But Eyes Still on Ripple
Ultimately, the Larsen-Atkins meeting might not be the watershed moment some were hoping for. As Fagel reminds us, meaningful regulatory change happens in courtrooms, not boardrooms. Yet with XRP’s price stability and ETF anticipation growing, Ripple’s next chapter is shaping up to be anything but dull.
