67 Million Americans Defy Crypto Stereotype
Ripple's Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty pushed back against the notion that cryptocurrency is a niche dominated by young men, pointing to survey data showing 67 million Americans now hold digital assets.
The National Cryptocurrency Association's 2026 State of Crypto Holders report found that among people who first bought crypto in 2025 or 2026, 42% identified as women, compared with 34% among earlier adopters. Meanwhile, 28% of recent purchasers were 55 or older, versus 18% who were between 18 and 24.
Alderoty argued that the label 'crypto boys' mischaracterizes a group of users, citing Americans working in education, construction, health care, and small business. His argument comes as Washington debates the CLARITY Act, giving the demographic question a dimension rather than leaving it as a dispute over industry image.
The Senate delayed its CLARITY Act floor vote until September as bipartisan negotiations remain unresolved. Ripple funded the National Cryptocurrency Association with $50 million, while Alderoty serves as its president.