Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse stated that cryptocurrency has moved beyond the fringes of American finance, citing an industry-backed estimate that more than 67 million Americans own digital assets. Garlinghouse made the remarks following a White House meeting with senior financial regulators, including Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins and Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chair Michael Selig.
The 67 million ownership estimate is derived from the National Cryptocurrency Association's 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report, developed alongside The Harris Poll and released in May. The figure represents roughly one in four American adults and an increase of about 12 million owners from the association's 2025 figure. Ripple previously committed $50 million to establish the National Cryptocurrency Association, and Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty serves as its president.
The survey questioned 10,000 U.S. adults who identified as current cryptocurrency holders between Feb. 12 and March 3. Researchers weighted the responses using demographic categories to extrapolate national ownership. Among the survey's findings, 63% of respondents reported greater interest in using cryptocurrency in 2026 compared to the previous year, utilizing digital assets for investing, payments, family transfers, charitable donations, and business activity.
The report also indicated shifts in demographics, with women accounting for 42% of individuals who first acquired cryptocurrency in 2025 or 2026, compared to 34% among earlier adopters. Additionally, the association reported that 90% of surveyed holders earned less than $500,000 annually, while 23% earned $75,000 or less.
Garlinghouse's statements coincide with ongoing legislative and regulatory developments in Washington. The administration is pressing Congress to advance the CLARITY Act, a proposed framework to divide cryptocurrency oversight between the SEC and the CFTC. The Senate is scheduled to face a procedural test on Sept. 15 requiring 60 votes to begin formal consideration.
Separately, the SEC proposed Regulation Crypto Assets, which would establish tailored registration exemptions for certain cryptocurrency investment contract offerings. One exemption would allow eligible offerings of up to $5 million over four years, while another would cover up to $75 million during a 12-month period subject to disclosure and reporting conditions. The SEC proposal remains open to public comment.
