Monday, March 24, 2025

Ripple vs SEC Update Today: A Landmark Victory for Crypto

 

preview Ripple secures a major legal victory as the SEC drops its appeal, reinforcing XRP’s legitimacy and fueling market optimism. Could this lead to an XRP spot ETF and further price gains? Stay updated on Ripple’s next moves and the evolving crypto landscape.

The long-standing legal battle between Ripple vs the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) took a dramatic turn on March 19, 2025, when the SEC announced it was withdrawing its appeal against Ripple.

This development marks a significant victory not only for Ripple but for the broader cryptocurrency industry, signaling a shift in regulatory oversight under the new U.S. administration.

SEC Drops Appeal, Ripple Gains Upper Hand

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse shared the news on X, calling it "the moment we’ve been waiting for," while Ripple's Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, emphasized that the company is now in the driver’s seat.

This decision confirms that XRP is not a security and that programmatic sales of XRP do not qualify as investment contracts.

The SEC had initially filed its appeal in January 2025, just before the departure of SEC Chair Gary Gensler.

Many drew parallels between this move and the agency’s 2020 lawsuit against Ripple, which was filed days before former SEC Chair Jay Clayton stepped down.

However, the regulatory landscape has since changed, with President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance reshaping the SEC’s approach to digital assets.

XRP Market Reaction and Price Movement

XRP price on 20 March | Source: Bitrue
XRP price on 20 March | Source: Bitrue

Following the SEC’s reversal, XRP surged to a session high of $2.5073 before stabilizing. Despite the gains, XRP has yet to reclaim its January 2025 peak of $3.3999 or its all-time high of $3.5505.

Nevertheless, the ruling has bolstered market confidence in Ripple and XRP’s long-term potential.

Ripple’s Next Move: Cross-Appeal or Settlement?

While Ripple celebrates the SEC’s withdrawal, the company still faces a decision on whether to proceed with its cross-appeal. In August 2024, Judge Analisa Torres ordered Ripple to pay a $125 million fine for violating U.S. securities laws.

Ripple had responded with a cross-appeal in October 2024, seeking to overturn certain aspects of the judgment.

Legal experts outline four possible scenarios for Ripple:

1. Continue the cross-appeal – This could result in a ruling from an appellate court on whether investment contracts require contracts.

2. Drop the cross-appeal and attempt to amend the judgment – This could potentially reduce the $125 million penalty.

3. Drop the cross-appeal and settle with the SEC privately – This would provide certainty but might not overturn previous rulings.

4. Pay the fine and move forward – This would allow Ripple to focus on business expansion.

While some speculate that a settlement might be the cleanest resolution, others believe that Ripple will push for a complete reversal of the penalties imposed.

Potential for an XRP Spot ETF

The SEC’s decision to drop its appeal also strengthens the case for an XRP spot Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF).

The approval of such an ETF could significantly boost institutional demand for XRP, similar to how Bitcoin’s spot ETF approval in January 2024 contributed to BTC’s surge past $109,000. Analysts predict that an XRP ETF could drive prices toward $5 if approved.

Crypto Regulation Under the Trump Administration

Since Donald Trump’s return to office, the SEC has taken a more lenient approach toward crypto. In addition to ending its case against Ripple, the agency has dismissed or paused legal actions against major exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken.

Trump has also nominated Paul Atkins, a pro-crypto legal expert, to replace Gary Gensler as SEC Chair.

Ripple was a key donor in the last congressional election cycle, and its leadership has maintained close ties with the Trump administration. The company’s strategic positioning could further influence regulatory decisions in favor of crypto adoption.

Conclusion: What’s Next for XRP?

Despite the SEC’s retreat, several factors will continue to shape XRP’s price and market position:

1. Ripple’s Cross-Appeal: A successful appeal could propel XRP beyond its all-time high of $3.55.

2. ETF Approval: Institutional inflows from an XRP spot ETF could push prices toward $5.

3. Global Economic Conditions: Market uncertainties, including trade tensions and recession risks, could impact short-term price action.

The coming months will be crucial for Ripple as it decides its next legal and business moves. While the battle with the SEC may be ending, the future of XRP and its role in the broader financial ecosystem remains an evolving story.

About Bitrue
Bitrue is a leading cryptocurrency exchange, offering a wide range of digital assets, innovative features, and user-focused services. Founded with the mission to empower the world’s crypto enthusiasts, Bitrue continues to expand its platform with new products, events, and opportunities for users worldwide.

Asuene and Artemeter LLC Announce Strategic Partnership to Drive Comprehensive Decarbonization Solutions in Asia Pacific

 

Asuene, a leading provider of carbon accounting and decarbonization solutions, and Artemeter LLC, a premier carbon investment manager, today announced a strategic partnership to enhance corporate sustainability efforts in the Asia Pacific region. This collaboration brings together Asueneʼs expertise in carbon accounting and emissions reduction planning with Artemeterʼs cost-effective carbon portfolio management and investment strategies, offering businesses a holistic approach to achieving their sustainability goals.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

・Integrated Decarbonization Solutions: Asueneʼs carbon accounting platform, which supports companies in measuring, reducing, and reporting Scope 1-3 emissions, will integrate with Artemeterʼs carbon portfolio management services, enabling businesses to seamlessly transition to sustainable practices.

・Cost-Effective Transition Solutions: Artemeterʼs strategies will help corporate clients manage the financial challenges of decarbonization, making sustainable transitions more affordable and accessible. 

・Access to High-Quality Carbon Projects: The partnership will provide access to Artemeterʼs portfolio of high-quality carbon projects, ensuring businesses can secure affordable carbon credits from Africa and South East Asia to offset emissions effectively while supporting impactful environmental initiatives.

What the partnership offers Asia Pacific businesses 

・CO2-Marketing Activities: Asuene and Artemeter will collaborate on joint marketing campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of decarbonization and the benefits of their combined solutions. This includes webinars, industry events, and thought leadership content to engage corporate clients across the Asia Pacific region. 

・Collaboration for Seamless Client Solutions: The partnership will focus on developing tailored solutions for corporate clients, integrating Asueneʼs carbon accounting platform with Artemeterʼs carbon credit investment strategies. This will enable businesses to not only measure and reduce their emissions but also invest in high-quality carbon projects to offset their remaining carbon footprint. 

・Access to Artemeterʼs High-Integrity Carbon Credit Projects on CarbonEX: Artemeterʼs portfolio of high-integrity carbon projects will be listed on CarbonEX, Asueneʼs carbon credit and emissions trading platform. This provides Southeast Asia and Africa carbon project developers with unique access to Japanese corporate clients who have an emerging interest in the voluntary carbon market outside the JCM, fostering greater collaboration and investment in high-impact carbon projects in the region.

Quotes from  Key Executives

Masaaki Hamada, Managing Director of Asuene APAC

Our partnership with Artemeter is a significant step forward in helping South East Asia businesses navigate the complexities of decarbonization. By combining our carbon accounting expertise with Artemeterʼs cost-management strategies, we can empower companies to achieve their sustainability goals in a financially viable way.

Olivia Albrecht, CEO and Founder of Artemeter

We are excited to collaborate with Asuene, a true leader in carbon accounting and emissions reduction. Together, we can provide businesses with the tools and strategies they need to make a sustainable transition without compromising their financial health.

About Artemeter

Artemeter is a carbon investment manager that connects capital to high-quality carbon projects globally. Backed by DRW, Artemeter leverages financial markets to drive measurable environmental and financial impact, helping businesses achieve their sustainability targets while capitalizing on the growth potential of carbon credits. 

Company Name: Artemeter
Representative: CEO and Founder Olivia Albrecht
Website: https://www.drw.com/artemeter

About Asuene APAC Pte. Ltd.
Asuene Inc. is a leading Climate Tech company in Japan with the mission of ”Changing the world for the next generation”. We provide "ASUENE", a carbon accounting platform to measure, report and reduce carbon emissions of companies and we contribute to the net zero society.

About Asuene APAC Pte. Ltd.

Company name: Asuene Inc.
Representative: Founder & CEO Kohei Nishiwada
Date of establishment: October, 2019
Headquarters: WeWork, KDX Toranomon 1Chome Building 4F, 1-10-5 Toranomon, Minato-Ku URL: https://corp.asuene.com/en

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Sunday, March 23, 2025

XRP News Today! SEC vs. Ripple: Speculation Grows Over Potential Appeal Withdrawal

 

Stay updated on the latest XRP news! Speculation grows over the SEC's potential appeal withdrawal against Ripple. Could this legal shift fuel an XRP price surge? Plus, insights on ETF filings, market trends, and Ripple's expansion into crypto custody. Read more now!

The ongoing legal battle between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple Labs continues to dominate the cryptocurrency landscape.

As the deadline for Ripple’s appeal-related reply brief nears, speculation is mounting over the possibility of the SEC withdrawing its appeal—a move that could significantly impact the regulatory landscape for XRP and the broader crypto market.

Growing Speculation on SEC Appeal Withdrawal

On Monday, March 17, crypto commentator Andrew ‘AP_Abacus’ Parish sparked renewed discussions by suggesting that the SEC might withdraw its appeal against Ripple.

Amicus Curiae attorney John E. Deaton amplified this speculation by sharing Parish’s post, adding weight to the claim within the crypto community.

Former Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett had previously cited two SEC sources on March 12, stating that the delay in reaching a resolution stemmed from Ripple’s legal team negotiating more favorable terms regarding the August 2023 district court ruling.

The ruling had imposed a $125 million fine on Ripple Labs and included a permanent injunction preventing the company from selling XRP to institutional investors.

If the SEC decides to withdraw its appeal before Ripple’s filing deadline of April 16, it could mark a major shift in the case’s trajectory.

A withdrawal would not only remove significant legal uncertainty but also potentially improve XRP’s regulatory standing, fueling renewed investor confidence.

XRP Price Outlook: Legal Developments, ETF Prospects, and Market Trends

The legal uncertainty surrounding Ripple has heavily influenced XRP’s market performance. On March 18, XRP price slid down 4.15% and traded at $2.2433.

However, the ongoing SEC appeal has kept XRP well below its January peak of $3.3999 and its all-time high of $3.5505.

Factors Influencing XRP’s Future Price Movements:

1. SEC Appeal Strategy: If the SEC withdraws its appeal, XRP could surge past $3.55, while prolonged legal uncertainty could push prices below $1.50.

2. XRP-Spot ETF Prospects: Approval of an XRP-spot ETF could drive institutional investment, potentially pushing XRP toward the $5 mark. However, legal and regulatory hurdles may delay approval.

3. Macro Risks: Rising trade tensions and a hawkish Federal Reserve stance could push XRP toward its February low of $1.7938, whereas easing tensions and a dovish Fed policy could support a recovery toward $2.50.

Ripple’s Expansion into Crypto Custody

Amidst its ongoing legal battle, Ripple is taking steps to diversify its business operations. The company recently filed a trademark application for “Ripple Custody,” signaling an expansion into the crypto custody market.

This move could provide Ripple with a new revenue stream beyond its traditional payment solutions.

Key Details of the Trademark Filing:

1. Ripple’s trademark application, submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on February 25, 2025, includes plans for several digital asset management services:

2. Downloadable software for cryptocurrency, fiat, virtual, and digital currency custody and transmission.

3. Custodial services for secure storage and management of digital and fiat assets.

4. Peer-to-peer (P2P) network services to facilitate secure electronic financial data transmission.

5. Software as a Service (SaaS) for cryptocurrency custody and storage solutions.

These services suggest that Ripple may soon introduce a proprietary crypto wallet or custody solution, potentially positioning itself as a key player in the growing digital asset custody market, which is projected to reach $100 billion within the next decade.

XRP ETF Filings: Hype vs. Reality

Discussions around potential XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have gained momentum in recent weeks.

Reports suggest that several firms, including Bitwise, WisdomTree, 21Shares, ProShares, and Franklin Templeton, have filed XRP-related ETF applications with the SEC.

On March 17, Hashdex amended its Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF to include XRP, Litecoin, Solana, and Cardano. This led some to speculate that a tenth XRP ETF filing had been made.

However, since Hashdex’s amendment includes XRP within a broader fund rather than as a standalone ETF, the exact number of XRP-specific ETF filings remains uncertain.

While the SEC has yet to confirm the total number of XRP ETF applications, growing institutional interest suggests that an approved XRP-spot ETF could significantly impact the token’s liquidity and price performance.

Conclusion: A Critical Juncture for Ripple and XRP

The coming weeks could prove pivotal for Ripple and XRP’s future. The potential withdrawal of the SEC’s appeal, ongoing negotiations over settlement terms, and developments in the crypto custody and ETF markets all play crucial roles in shaping investor sentiment.

Should Ripple secure a favorable resolution with the SEC, XRP could experience a major price breakout. However, until official confirmations emerge, the crypto community remains on edge, carefully monitoring the evolving regulatory landscape.

About Bitrue

Bitrue is a leading cryptocurrency exchange, offering a wide range of digital assets, innovative features, and user-focused services. Founded with the mission to empower the world’s crypto enthusiasts, Bitrue continues to expand its platform with new products, events, and opportunities for users worldwide.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Guide to Foreign Property Ownership in Indonesia


Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has become an attractive destination for foreign property investors. Whether you’re a tourist enchanted by the country’s beauty, an investor looking for lucrative opportunities, or a retiree seeking a serene abode, Indonesia offers a range of property options to suit your needs. This guide aims to provide an in-depth look at foreign property ownership in Indonesia, highlighting recent regulatory changes, investment requirements, and the advantages of using professional services to navigate the process.

In recent years, Indonesia has made significant strides in simplifying the process for foreigners to own property. In this article, you will be informed about the property ownership in Indonesia as well as how you can purchase the property in Indonesia.

Types of Property Ownership in Indonesia

1. Hak Pakai (Right to Use)

Hak Pakai is a legal framework that allows foreigners to own property in Indonesia under the “right to use” title. This type of ownership is typically granted for an initial period of up to 30 years and can be extended. It is particularly popular among expatriates and retirees who wish to live in Indonesia long-term as this can be owned by foreign individuals.

The ownership of the Right to Use can be granted to the individual foreigners with certain requirements and limitations such as the minimum amount of transaction, the maximum size of the land, and the possession of the Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) and Permanent Stay Permit (KITAP). These amounts vary depending on the location and type of property. Generally, urban areas and prime locations require higher investment amounts compared to rural or less developed regions.

Under Right to Use, the foreigner can own a house or residence in the form of a landed house or commercial apartment. The subsidized apartments are prohibited to be owned by foreigners so that you can only buy a commercial apartment. Meanwhile for the landed house, there are minimum requirements as below:

A house with a luxury house category in accordance with the provisions of the legislation; you may anticipate a regulation in each region/province/city to set out the minimum price of a luxury house category.1 (one) plot of land per person/family. In terms of having a positive impact on the economy and social, the landed house can be granted for more 1 (one) plot of the land or more than 2.000m2with permission from the Minister; and/orThe maximum land area is 2,000 m2 (two thousand square meters).

If the land title of the landed house is freehold title or right to build, the foreigner must change the land title to right to use by making an agreement with the owner of freehold title regarding the granting of the right from the owner of freehold title to the foreigner before Land Deed Official (Pejabat Pembuat Akta Tanah / PPAT). Such agreement shall be registered to the Indonesian Land Agency (BPN) so that BPN will issue the Right to Use Certificate in the name of the foreigner.

2. Hak Guna Bangunan (Right to Build)

Hak Guna Bangunan grants foreigners the right to build and develop on state-owned land. This title is usually valid for 30 years and can be renewed. This type of property ownership can only be owned by an Indonesian legal entity (PT PMA) and cannot be held by foreign individual. Although it cannot be owned by foreign individual, owning property through a PT PMA is the most preferred choice by foreigners as there is no restriction/requirement as mentioned in the section 1 above. The structure of ownership through a PT PMA might be different from one another. Therefore, it is best to discuss how to set up the property ownership with the expert to avoid any legal issue in the future.

Benefits of Using Our Company for Property Purchase

1. Expertise in Company Formation

For those looking to purchase property through a company, we offer expert services in company formation. This can be a strategic approach to property ownership, providing additional flexibility and potential tax benefits.

2. Navigating Legalities and Paperwork

The legal landscape of property ownership in Indonesia can be daunting for foreigners. Our company specializes in handling all legal aspects, ensuring that the process is smooth and compliant with local regulations. From obtaining necessary permits to finalizing transactions, we manage every detail.

3. Experiences in Handling Property Purchasing

CPT Corporate handle property purchases from simple to complex transactions. We assist with house residency, villas and hotels throughout Indonesia.

Addressing Common Concerns for Foreign Property Buyers

Language Barriers:Language can be a significant barrier for foreigners in Indonesia. Our team bridges this gap, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout the property buying process.Legal Complexities:The legal complexities of foreign property ownership can be overwhelming. Our experienced legal team simplifies these complexities, providing clear guidance and handling all necessary legalities.Cultural Differences:Cultural differences can pose challenges in any international transaction. We offer cultural consultancy services to help you navigate and respect local customs, ensuring a smooth and respectful process.Call to Action: Ready to explore property ownership in Indonesia? Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you find your dream property. Visit our website to browse our listings and learn more about our comprehensive services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Hak Pakai and how does it work?

Answer: Hak Pakai, or “right to use,” allows foreigners to own property in Indonesia for an initial period of up to 30 years, with the possibility of extensions.

2. Can foreigners buy land in Indonesia?

Answer: Foreigners cannot directly buy freehold land in Indonesia, but they can obtain property rights such as Hak Pakai or Hak Guna Bangunan (through PT PMA).

3. What are the minimum investment requirements for foreign property ownership?

Answer: Minimum investment amounts vary by location and property type, generally higher in urban and prime areas.

4. Is it necessary to form a company to buy property in Indonesia?

Answer: While not always necessary, forming a company can provide additional flexibility and benefits for property ownership.

5. How can your company assist with property purchase?

Answer: We offer comprehensive services, including land due diligence, legal assistance, company formation, and connections with trusted real estate agents and developers.

Conclusion

Navigating foreign property ownership in Indonesia is made easier with the right guidance and professional assistance. With recent regulatory changes, a variety of property rights options, and our comprehensive support services, owning property in Indonesia is now more accessible and secure. Whether you’re looking to invest, retire, or simply enjoy a slice of paradise, Indonesia offers unparalleled opportunities. Contact us today to start your journey towards owning property in this beautiful and dynamic country.

Discover the seamless process of foreign property ownership in Indonesia with our expert services. From navigating legalities to connecting with trusted real estate agents, we ensure your investment is secure and stress-free. Learn more about how we can assist you by visiting our website

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES 

Philippines’ Digital Workforce Emerges as Economic Force, Taxumo Report Shows

  MANILA, Philippines (July 18, 2025) —  The country’s digital workforce, from gig economy freelancers to online sellers and micro-business ...