The future of XRP on major U.S. cryptocurrency exchanges may hinge on the outcome of Ripple’s ongoing legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In a significant development, Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer (CLO) of Coinbase, has confirmed that the exchange could relist XRP promptly if Ripple emerges victorious in the lawsuit.
This statement has reignited optimism among XRP holders and crypto investors who have long awaited clarity on the token’s regulatory status. When the SEC filed its lawsuit against Ripple in December 2020, claiming that XRP was an unregistered security, most major exchanges — including Coinbase — delisted the token. This move significantly impacted XRP’s liquidity and market visibility.
Why Was XRP Delisted from Coinbase?
Coinbase’s initial delisting of XRP was based on its internal Digital Assets Framework, a compliance policy used to evaluate whether digital assets meet U.S. securities laws. At the time, the exchange determined that due to the ongoing litigation, continuing to list XRP posed regulatory and legal risks.
Grewal emphasized that as a publicly traded company, Coinbase must exercise caution when dealing with assets involved in federal court proceedings. However, he acknowledged the frustration this decision caused within the XRP community.
“I know that’s not going to be terribly satisfying to some, but we do have a responsibility as a publicly listed company to tread carefully in this area and with respect to any token that’s a subject of federal court litigation.”
Despite these constraints, Grewal offered a strong signal of intent: Coinbase will begin reviewing XRP for potential relisting immediately after the court issues its final ruling.
👉 Discover how regulatory clarity could unlock new opportunities for digital assets like XRP.
What Happens After the Court Ruling?
The key factor determining whether XRP returns to Coinbase isn’t just if Ripple wins — it’s how the court rules.
Grewal explained that the exchange will closely analyze:
- The specific grounds of the ruling
- The judge’s legal reasoning
- Whether the decision provides sufficient regulatory clarity
- The likelihood of appeal or further litigation
“If the court rules in a way that gives us confidence that XRP is not a security under U.S. law — and that such a determination would likely be upheld on appeal — then we would move quickly to reassess our listing decision,” Grewal stated.
He added:
“But I am very eager as anyone else to see how the court rules — and what I can say is, as soon as we have the ruling, we will put in our process to see if we need to revisit our listing decision.”
This means that a favorable, well-reasoned judgment in Ripple’s favor could trigger an almost immediate relisting process at one of the largest crypto platforms in the world.
Coinbase Backs Ripple: Amicus Brief and Legal Support
In a notable show of support, Coinbase previously filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in the SEC vs. Ripple case. This rare move underscores the broader implications of the lawsuit for the entire crypto industry.
Grewal praised Ripple’s legal team — particularly Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty — for their strategic and rigorous defense, which has challenged the SEC’s enforcement approach and raised fundamental questions about how digital assets are regulated.
“I certainly paid attention to the fact that the defendants in this case have done a masterful job of pushing the SEC and raising serious questions about the SEC’s entire theory.”
By supporting Ripple, Coinbase is advocating not just for XRP, but for clearer, more consistent regulatory standards that protect innovation while ensuring compliance.
👉 Learn how institutional support is shaping the future of crypto regulation.
FAQ: Your Questions About XRP Relisting Answered
Will XRP definitely be relisted on Coinbase if Ripple wins?
Not automatically — but it's highly likely. A clear win that establishes XRP as non-security under U.S. law would strongly support relisting. However, Coinbase will conduct its own internal review before making a final decision.
How soon could XRP return to Coinbase after a favorable ruling?
Coinbase has committed to beginning the review “immediately” after the ruling. While no exact timeline is given, past relistings suggest it could take a few weeks once compliance and technical checks are complete.
Does Coinbase’s stance reflect other major exchanges?
While each exchange operates independently, Coinbase’s position often sets industry precedent. A Coinbase relisting could encourage others like Kraken or Binance.US to follow suit.
What if the SEC appeals the decision?
If there's an appeal, Coinbase may wait for greater legal certainty before relisting. However, even during appeals, exchanges can choose to relist based on preliminary rulings — especially if they believe the original decision is sound.
Is XRP considered a security under current U.S. law?
There is no definitive answer yet. The outcome of SEC v. Ripple is expected to provide critical guidance on whether certain cryptocurrencies qualify as securities under the Howey Test and U.S. securities law.
What impact would relisting have on XRP’s price?
Historically, exchange listings correlate with increased trading volume and price momentum. A Coinbase relisting could bring back institutional access, improve liquidity, and boost investor confidence — all potential catalysts for upward price movement.
👉 See how exchange listings influence cryptocurrency market dynamics.
The Bigger Picture: Regulatory Clarity and Market Confidence
The Ripple-SEC case has become a landmark moment for crypto regulation in the United States. Beyond XRP’s fate, it tests how existing securities laws apply to decentralized digital assets.
Coinbase’s proactive engagement — both through public statements and legal filings — reflects a growing consensus among industry leaders: the current regulatory environment is unclear and unsustainable.
A favorable ruling for Ripple could establish a precedent allowing other tokens to operate without being automatically classified as securities, fostering innovation and investment in blockchain technology.
For XRP holders, the message is clear: regulatory resolution is within reach, and one of the most influential gatekeepers in U.S. crypto — Coinbase — is ready to act swiftly once clarity emerges.
Final Thoughts
While no promises have been made, Paul Grewal’s comments represent one of the strongest indications yet that XRP could return to Coinbase shortly after a positive court decision. The exchange’s commitment to a fast-tracked review process offers tangible hope to millions of investors who have supported XRP through years of uncertainty.
As the crypto community awaits the final judgment, all eyes are on both the courtroom and Wall Street — where exchanges like Coinbase hold the keys to broader market reintegration.
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