**Judge Fines Ripple $125 Million in SEC Lawsuit**
In a landmark ruling, a judge has fined Ripple $125 million as a result of the ongoing lawsuit with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This significant penalty emanates from allegations that Ripple engaged in the unregistered sale of its XRP tokens, which the SEC contends are securities under U.S. law. The decision marks a crucial development in the legal saga that has captivated the crypto world, with potential far-reaching implications for the future regulation of digital assets. The ruling underscores the intensified scrutiny that regulatory bodies are placing on cryptocurrency firms, and serves as a cautionary tale for entities navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.