The future of XRP on major U.S. cryptocurrency exchanges may be brighter than ever. With Ripple’s high-stakes legal battle against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nearing a pivotal conclusion, speculation is mounting about the potential relisting of XRP on Coinbase, one of the largest and most influential crypto platforms in America.
Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer (CLO) at Coinbase, recently offered a significant hint: if Ripple secures a favorable ruling, the exchange could move quickly to reassess its stance on XRP.
The Road to XRP Relisting: What’s at Stake?
When the SEC filed its lawsuit against Ripple Labs in December 2020, the ripple effects were immediate and severe. One of the most impactful consequences was the delisting of XRP from nearly all major U.S.-based exchanges — including Coinbase. At the time, Coinbase cited its internal Digital Assets Framework, which evaluates tokens based on regulatory compliance, particularly around securities laws.
This decision left millions of XRP holders frustrated, watching their access to one of the top digital assets evaporate overnight.
Now, nearly four years later, the legal landscape is shifting. And with it comes renewed hope.
👉 Discover how regulatory clarity could unlock new opportunities for digital assets like XRP.
“We Will Reassess Immediately” — Coinbase’s Message to XRP Holders
In a recent interview with Tony Edward, host of the Thinking Crypto podcast, Paul Grewal addressed the long-standing question: Will Coinbase relist XRP?
His answer wasn’t a simple yes or no — but it was far from noncommittal.
Grewal emphasized that any decision would depend heavily on the specifics of the court ruling, including the judge’s legal reasoning and whether the decision provides sufficient regulatory clarity. As a publicly traded company, Coinbase must proceed with caution when dealing with assets involved in federal litigation.
“A lot is going to depend on the particulars of that court ruling. 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.”
Still, he delivered a powerful reassurance:
“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.”
In other words: the review will begin immediately after a verdict is issued.
This suggests that if Ripple wins — especially in a way that establishes XRP as not a security — Coinbase could move swiftly to bring XRP back to its platform.
Why Ripple’s Legal Strategy Matters to Coinbase
What makes this case unique isn’t just its duration or financial stakes — it’s the broader implications for the entire crypto industry.
Grewal praised Ripple’s legal team for mounting a “masterful” defense that has challenged the SEC’s regulatory overreach and forced a national conversation about how digital assets should be classified under U.S. law.
“The defendants in this case have done a masterful job of pushing back against the SEC and raising serious questions about the SEC’s entire theory.”
That pushback didn’t go unnoticed. In fact, it directly influenced Coinbase’s own actions. The exchange previously filed an amicus curiae (friend-of-the-court) brief in support of Ripple — a rare move that underscores how deeply exchanges are invested in clear, fair crypto regulations.
Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, and his team have framed the case not just as a defense of XRP, but as a fight for innovation and regulatory clarity in the U.S. digital asset space.
And now, with a ruling potentially just weeks away, all eyes are on the judge’s bench.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will Coinbase definitely relist XRP after Ripple wins?
While no official commitment has been made, Paul Grewal confirmed that Coinbase will immediately begin reviewing XRP for potential relisting once a court ruling is issued. A decisive win for Ripple — especially one declaring XRP is not a security — would significantly increase the likelihood of relisting.
Why was XRP delisted from Coinbase in the first place?
XRP was delisted in December 2020 following the SEC’s lawsuit alleging that Ripple had conducted an unregistered securities offering through XRP sales. Under Coinbase’s Digital Assets Framework, tokens involved in active litigation or deemed potential securities are often suspended to mitigate legal risk.
What does “not a security” mean for XRP?
If XRP is legally determined not to be a security, it means the token functions more like a currency or commodity rather than an investment contract. This distinction is crucial because securities are subject to stricter regulations, including registration requirements and investor restrictions. A non-security classification opens the door for broader trading, listing, and institutional adoption.
Has any major exchange already relisted XRP?
Yes. Several international exchanges never fully delisted XRP, and some U.S.-facing platforms have begun easing restrictions. Notably, Kraken resumed XRP trading for U.S. users in 2023 after partial rulings favored Ripple. This trend could accelerate if Ripple achieves a full legal victory.
When will the final ruling in the Ripple vs SEC case happen?
While no exact date has been set, legal analysts expect a decision in mid-to-late 2025. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse previously suggested June as a possible timeline, though he acknowledged it was speculative.
How does this affect other cryptocurrencies?
The Ripple case sets a precedent for how digital assets are classified under U.S. securities law. A favorable outcome could provide clarity for projects like Cardano (ADA), Polygon (MATIC), and Solana (SOL), which are also navigating regulatory scrutiny. It may also pressure the SEC to adopt clearer guidelines instead of pursuing enforcement-first strategies.
Final Thoughts: A Turning Point for Crypto Regulation
The potential relisting of XRP on Coinbase isn’t just about one token returning to an exchange — it symbolizes a larger shift toward regulatory clarity in the U.S. crypto market.
If Ripple prevails and XRP is deemed non-security, it could trigger a domino effect: other exchanges may follow suit, institutional investors could re-enter the space, and innovation might flourish under clearer rules.
For now, all parties wait. But Coinbase’s message is clear: they’re ready to act — fast.
👉 Explore how evolving regulations are shaping the next era of digital finance.