TLDR
- Ripple executive Reece Merrick confirmed that XRP holds a clear legal status as a non-security digital asset in the United States.
- Merrick stated that XRP does not depend on the upcoming Clarity Act for its success or legal clarity.
- The executive explained that XRP’s regulatory standing was already established through court rulings involving Ripple and the SEC.
- Ripple continues to support broader legislative efforts to bring consistency to the cryptocurrency regulatory landscape.
- Merrick emphasized that the lack of comprehensive U.S. crypto regulation affects the entire industry and not just XRP.
Ripple reaffirmed XRP’s legal clarity this week, countering renewed speculation over its regulatory standing despite recent market activity, and confirmed that XRP holds non-security status under U.S. law through previous court decisions, according to executive Reece Merrick, who addressed investor questions surrounding the need for new legislative measures like the Clarity Act, while Ripple maintains its focus on long-term compliance and collaboration with U.S. policymakers to support digital asset frameworks.
XRP Holds Firm Legal Ground in the U.S.
Reece Merrick, a senior Ripple executive, responded to renewed questions about XRP’s regulatory status in a post on Wednesday, January 7.
He confirmed that XRP stands on firm legal ground as a non-security asset under current United States law.
Merrick emphasized that this status was firmly established through multiple U.S. court rulings involving Ripple and the SEC.
To confirm, XRP has secured clear regulatory status as a non-security digital asset in the U.S, thanks to landmark court rulings, making it one of the few cryptocurrencies with such a definitive standing in the 🇺🇸
That said, the US still lacks comprehensive regulatory clarity… https://t.co/CThVoT4aq8
— Reece Merrick (@reece_merrick) January 7, 2026
He added, “XRP has a definitive legal standing and is not awaiting any new law to confirm that.”
This comes after concerns from the crypto community about XRP’s dependence on the upcoming Clarity Act for clarity.
Merrick’s statement directly rejected those views, stating that XRP does not rely on the new law to succeed.
In his message, Merrick addressed the broader confusion surrounding the purpose of the Clarity Act.
He explained that while the legislation may help the crypto industry, XRP already has a defined legal status.
He said Ripple supports consistent rules for all digital assets but emphasized XRP does not face uncertainty individually.
“The Clarity Act may benefit the space,” Merrick said, “but XRP’s status has already been clarified in court.”
Ripple believes the U.S. lacks a uniform framework for the entire cryptocurrency industry, not for XRP specifically.
Therefore, Merrick explained, the company continues to engage policymakers to improve the environment for all digital assets.
Ripple Continues Push for Broader Crypto Legislation
Merrick reaffirmed Ripple’s commitment to policy discussions that support innovation while clarifying rules for digital assets.
He explained Ripple remains active in its efforts to help develop a regulatory structure that works across all platforms.
Although XRP’s legal status has been settled, Ripple supports clear industry-wide legislation to avoid confusion.
He said consistent rules would help developers, institutions, and investors operate under a unified system.
Ripple aims to create space for fair competition while protecting innovation through updated regulatory guidance.
The Clarity Act remains under discussion, but no final decisions or implementation timelines have been confirmed yet.
Merrick’s comments followed XRP’s recent price growth, which reignited attention across digital currency forums.
Ripple has not issued further public statements following Merrick’s clarification regarding the Clarity Act and XRP.




