The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is appealing a federal court's decision that fined Ripple Labs $125 million for fraud, deeming it insufficient. SEC Chair Gary Gensler's agency had originally sought a $2 billion penalty for Ripple's alleged sale of unregistered securities. Following the announcement, Ripple's XRP cryptocurrency plummeted by 11%. Ripple's CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, criticized the SEC, claiming the agency's actions harm investor protection and its own credibility. Ripple is contemplating a cross-appeal in response to the SEC's continued litigation efforts.