Ripple CLO Tells Washington: 67 Million Crypto Holders Are a Constituency, Not a Fringe
Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty has directly challenged U.S. lawmakers to stop treating the nation’s 67 million cryptocurrency holders as a niche political group, arguing that digital asset ownership has reached a scale that demands policy attention. In a July 7 post on X, Alderoty cited data from the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) showing that one in four American adults now owns cryptocurrency — a figure he noted exceeds the number of dog owners in the country.
New Data Shows Crypto Adoption Reaches Mainstream
Alderoty’s remarks come as the NCA reported that the United States added 12 million new crypto holders over the past year, indicating continued adoption despite market volatility. The association’s data also challenges the stereotype of crypto investors as wealthy tech professionals. Women accounted for 42% of new holders during 2025 and 2026, while nearly one-quarter of all holders earn annual incomes below $75,000. Construction and manufacturing workers now represent more than 21% of cryptocurrency owners, signaling growing participation from working and middle-income households.
Also read: Trump Says Crypto Figures ‘Lucky’ as US and China Compete for Digital Asset Supremacy
In his post, Alderoty pointed to a recent Politico poll showing 27% of respondents supported the CLARITY Act, arguing that figure should not be interpreted as a lack of mainstream relevance. Instead, he noted the percentage closely matches the share of American adults who already own digital assets.
CLARITY Act Debate Intensifies in Washington
The CLARITY Act, which would establish a federal framework for cryptocurrency markets, remains under Senate consideration after missing an earlier legislative target. Supporters argue the bill would provide regulatory certainty for businesses and consumers, but negotiations continue over ethics provisions, anti-money laundering requirements, and oversight responsibilities for federal agencies.
Also read: Russia's Largest Bank Sberbank Plans Crypto Wallet Launch by December
Alderoty emphasized that passing crypto legislation does not require lawmakers to endorse any specific digital asset. He argued that Congress should establish clear rules that reflect the interests of millions of Americans already participating in the market, rather than treating crypto policy as a fringe issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Stuart Alderoty?
Stuart Alderoty is the Chief Legal Officer of Ripple and also serves as the president of the National Cryptocurrency Association, an industry advocacy group.
What is the CLARITY Act?
The CLARITY Act is proposed U.S. legislation that aims to create a federal regulatory framework for cryptocurrency markets, providing clearer rules for businesses and consumers.
How many Americans own cryptocurrency according to the NCA?
The National Cryptocurrency Association reports that approximately 67 million American adults, or one in four, now own cryptocurrency, with 12 million new holders added in the past year.
