Why did Ripple say crypto is no longer a fringe issue in Washington?

Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty said cryptocurrency is now a mainstream issue because about 67 million American adults own crypto. He argued that this makes crypto holders one of the largest public groups in the United States.

What does the CLARITY Act mean for Ripple and the crypto industry?

The CLARITY Act would establish a federal regulatory framework for digital assets in the United States. The bill has advanced through the Senate Banking Committee but still requires 60 Senate votes before it can become law.

What does the latest data show about crypto ownership in the United States?

The 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report said about 67 million American adults own crypto, or roughly one in four adults. The report also found that women accounted for 42% of new crypto holders during 2025 and 2026.

How do U.S. voters view cryptocurrency regulation?

Polling shows Americans remain divided on cryptocurrency regulation. One survey found only 4% of voters said a candidate's position on crypto would affect their vote, while other polls showed support for stronger oversight of digital asset companies.

How much has the crypto industry spent on U.S. politics in 2026?

Reuters reported that crypto companies have contributed about US$189 million during the 2026 U.S. election cycle. The reported contributors include Ripple, Coinbase, Andreessen Horowitz and Foris DAX through policy-focused political action committees.

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Ripple executive says crypto shapes Washington debate

Written by Mahathir BayenaPublished Jul 7, 2026, 8:00 AM

Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty said 67 million Americans now own crypto, making digital assets a significant political constituency.
The comments come as the U.S. Senate continues debating the CLARITY Act ahead of its August legislative deadline.
Polling shows crypto ownership is growing, although voters remain divided over regulation and the industry's political influence.

Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty said cryptocurrency has become a major public policy issue in the United States, citing data showing 67 million American adults now own crypto, equivalent to about one in four adults.

The comments came as lawmakers continue debating the CLARITY Act, with Alderoty arguing that crypto ownership has expanded beyond early adopters while the bill faces an August 7 deadline before the Senate's summer recess.

“For starters, it means more people have crypto than have dogs,” said Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty.

Alderoty cited the 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report, which found that women accounted for 42% of new crypto holders in 2025 and 2026, nearly one-quarter of holders earn US$75,000 or less annually, and more than 21% work in construction or manufacturing.

The Senate Banking Committee previously advanced the CLARITY Act by a 15-9 vote, although the legislation still requires 60 Senate votes for passage, and there was no immediate market reaction because Alderoty's comments did not include a policy announcement or regulatory decision.

Public opinion remains divided, with one survey finding only 4% of voters said a candidate's position on crypto would influence their vote, while other polls showed support for stronger regulation of digital asset companies.

The debate has also attracted significant political spending, with Reuters reporting that crypto companies have contributed about US$189 million during the 2026 U.S. election cycle as lawmakers continue considering the future regulatory framework for digital assets.