Cryptocurrency lawyer John Deaton says that a settlement of $20 million or less would be a significant legal victory for Ripple Labs in its ongoing lawsuit with the SEC. He argues that the SEC has failed to prove its case that XRP is a security, and that a settlement would allow Ripple to avoid the uncertainty and expense of a protracted legal battle. Deaton's view is shared by many in the cryptocurrency community, who see the SEC's lawsuit against Ripple as a threat to the entire industry. A settlement in Ripple's favor would be a major victory for the cryptocurrency industry, and could help to clarify the regulatory landscape for digital assets.