The documents are likely to intensify the move among major cryptocurrencies to become more decentralized and look more like ether, the report said.
Ripple vs. SEC: Could newly released documents tip the balance?
The court case between SEC and Ripple Labs has been ongoing for nearly two and a half years, but a summary judgment ruling could be made any day.
SEC seeks to keep Hinman documents hidden in Ripple case
SEC’s request to seal documents in the Ripple Labs case has sparked criticism from the community.
Ripple files final submission against SEC as landmark case nears end
The two-year-long battle between SEC and Ripple is approaching the end, with Ripple filing its final submission in its case against the US regulator on Dec. 2.
Ripple (XRP) Price Picks Up As SEC Legal Showdown Drags On
Ripple (XRP) rallied to $0.439217 Friday from $0.377384 on Thursday in the face of an ongoing Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit following the comments of William Hinman, former SEC Corporate Finance director.
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Ether are not securities, Hinman said. (Bitrates.com)
William Hinman: Ether Not a Security
A judge has granted the request of SEC to file a reply concerning the case against Ripple Lab. The case was ignited by the speech of Hinman, stating that Ethereum is not a security.
Emails recovered as evidence strengthened claims that Hinman had some conflict of interest connected to those comments.
In 2018, Hinman’s speech included this statement:
“Based on my understanding of the present state of ether, the Ethereum network and its decentralized structure, current offers and sales of Ether are not securities transactions.”
Hinman’s speech stated that Ethereum is not a security which insofar is tagged as an opinion based on his own understanding of Ether and the Ethereum Network.
More so, the decentralized nature, and Ether transactions and sales are not secure, according to his personal knowledge and understanding.
On the other hand, Hinman attested that there are four criteria barring the rationale rendered by SEC, stating that said communications made in 2018 won’t fall under the attorney-client privilege.
XRP total market cap at $20.60 billion on the weekend chart | Source: TradingView.com
In addition, communications made by Hinman isn’t confidential information. Further, if in case SEC discovers any other information that can be protected, the only person who can claim that is Hinman.
Ripple Violated Securities Act of 1933?
Ripple’s defense on this case is that XRP’s purpose can’t classify the coin as a security. SEC has no power or authority over Ripple considering that XRP’s function is as a medium of exchange.
Further, Ripple states that the currency is utilized as an intermediary intended for remittance and not a security.
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Ripple also defended that SEC did not clarify the classification of digital assets which failed to provide Ripple Labs timely guidance or warning as to how the current laws apply to XRP.
However, SEC contested that Ripple has in fact obtained advice from them in 2012 identifying its product as an investment which requires SEC regulation.
Hinman’s speech, however, further strengthens Ripple’s defense as it implied that if Ether or XRP was bought to participate in a decentralized platform and not for earning from trading activity, then it’s definitely not a security.
Featured image from CryptoGlobe, chart from TradingView.com
Could the SEC case against Ripple falter over a conflict of interest?
Newly discovered documents suggest a possible conflict of interest from a former SEC official when he made a speech about Ethereum which some claim could jeopardize the SEC’s case against Ripple.
Judge allows Ripple to depose SEC official who decided ETH is not a security
Bill Hinman could be called to testify on his 2018 comments regarding Ethereum’s security status.
First SEC Official to Say Ether Is Not a Security Is Leaving the Agency Later This Year
William Hinman, the director of the SEC’s division of corporation finance, is planning to conclude his tenure later this year.
SEC’s Hinman Says Some ICOs May Be Eligible for ‘No-Action’ Relief
Startups that conducted ICOs may be eligible for relief from SEC enforcement actions, an agency official said.