The growth of the cryptocurrency market has garnered significant attention from investors, regulators, and the public alike. This trend has ushered in a new era of retail investors, who are increasingly drawn to the potential of extraordinary returns. Platforms like Robinhood and Etoro have democratized investing, with cryptocurrencies emerging as a favored asset class.

XRP, Ripple’s native digital asset, has gained prominence in this landscape. Yet, its ongoing legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has put XRP into the limelight for more contentious reasons. Ripple Labs and its top executives are accused of conducting unregistered security offering through XRP sales, resulting in a high-profile lawsuit. The case has piqued investor curiosity due to the possible effects on the wider cryptocurrency market.

The unfolding XRP vs SEC saga provides a unique opportunity to explore the influence of legal disputes and regulatory actions on retail investor attention and the valuation of cryptocurrencies. By examining this relationship, this study intends to delve deeper into investor behaviour in light of such events, offering valuable insights for market participants, regulators, and policymakers.