Crypto Industry Must Unite Amid CLARITY Act Setback
Ripple's Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty is calling for unity within the cryptocurrency industry after the recent setback of the CLARITY Act in the U.S. Senate. The act, which aimed to provide a federal framework for digital assets, failed to advance with a 49-50 vote on September 15.
Alderoty pointed out that the result exposed divisions in industry messaging and political support, stating that 'politics beat policy this week.' He also noted that the sector should speak with one voice through one megaphone when dealing with lawmakers and regulators. The current state of affairs has left many wondering if the crypto sector can align its message before lawmakers return to the CLARITY Act.
The National Cryptocurrency Association's 2026 State of Crypto Holders survey found that over 67 million U.S. adults own cryptocurrency, with 40% using it for shopping and payments. Meanwhile, XRP has fallen roughly 25% from its August high, but Ripple maintains that XRP's existing legal treatment remains separate from Congress's failure to enact a comprehensive crypto framework.