Stuart Alderoty, legal head at Ripple and president of the National Cryptocurrency Association, recently emphasized that the crypto community should no longer be seen as a marginal political group in Washington. He made these remarks following reports showing significant crypto ownership among Americans, indicating a shift that could impact how lawmakers engage with the industry.

Why This Matters

Alderoty pointed out that around 67 million adults in the U.S. own cryptocurrency, which translates into a considerable voting bloc. He stated, “For starters, it means more people have crypto than have dogs,” underscoring the growing prominence of cryptocurrency within American society.

  • 67 million adults in the U.S. own crypto.
  • One in four American adults now holds digital assets.
  • 12 million new crypto holders were added in the last year.

Despite the positive news around ownership, a recent poll by Politico revealed mixed sentiments regarding the CLARITY Act, legislation designed to create federal regulations for crypto markets. Alderoty highlighted that the 27% support for the act is still a significant figure, correlating closely with the share of crypto owners.

Shifting Demographics of Crypto Holders

The 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report presented insights that challenge the stereotype of cryptocurrency investors being exclusively affluent tech-savvy males. Notably, 42% of new crypto holders in 2025 and 2026 were women, and about a quarter of holders earn $75,000 or less annually. The report also indicated that construction and manufacturing workers comprise over 21% of holders, showcasing a more diverse demographic.

What's Next for the CLARITY Act?

The debate surrounding the CLARITY Act is heating up, with Congress pushing for a resolution before the August 7 deadline. The bill aims to establish comprehensive rules for crypto markets after passing initial hurdles. Although it secured a 15-9 vote in the Senate Banking Committee, it requires 60 votes in the full Senate to move forward, and various ethical and oversight issues are still up for discussion.

With such a large segment of the population invested in cryptocurrency, the outcome of this legislation could significantly influence future regulatory frameworks.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.