Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said cryptocurrency had moved beyond the fringes of American finance on Aug. 20, citing an industry-backed estimate that more than 67 million Americans own digital assets.
Summary
- 67 million Americans own cryptocurrency, according to an NCA estimate developed with Harris Poll research.
- Garlinghouse cited the estimate after attending a White House meeting with senior financial regulators Thursday.
- The survey questioned 10,000 existing cryptocurrency holders, rather than a representative sample of all adults.
- 63% of surveyed holders reported greater interest in using cryptocurrency during 2026 than during 2025.
- The SEC separately proposed two registration exemptions for certain cryptocurrency investment contract offerings this week.
Garlinghouse made the statement after attending a White House meeting with President Donald Trump, Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins, Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chair Michael Selig and cryptocurrency industry executives.
“Crypto isn’t a fringe industry,” Garlinghouse wrote on X. He also described cryptocurrency owners as an active voting group, although the cited research measured ownership and usage rather than voting intentions.
Ripple CEO cites expanding U.S. ownership
The 67 million estimate comes from the National Cryptocurrency Association’s 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report. The organization developed the research with The Harris Poll and released it in May.
The estimate represents roughly one in four American adults and an increase of about 12 million owners from the association’s 2025 figure. The Harris Poll similarly said cryptocurrency was becoming part of Americans’ regular financial activity.
The survey questioned 10,000 U.S. adults who identified themselves as current cryptocurrency holders between Feb. 12 and March 3. Researchers weighted responses using demographic categories and extrapolated them to estimate national ownership.
That methodology matters because many of the report’s detailed findings describe existing holders, not all U.S. adults. The survey therefore supports conclusions about how owners use cryptocurrency, but it does not establish that one quarter of every demographic or political group supports the industry.
Ripple also has a connection to the organization producing the research. Ripple committed $50 million to establish the National Cryptocurrency Association, and Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty serves as its president. Those relationships do not invalidate the survey, but they provide relevant context for interpreting its findings.
Alderoty previously argued that 67 million American owners challenge narrow cryptocurrency stereotypes, pointing to participation across different ages, professions and income groups.
Surveyed holders report broader cryptocurrency uses
The report found that 63% of respondents were more interested in using cryptocurrency in 2026 than they had been one year earlier. Respondents reported using digital assets for investing, payments, transfers to family and friends, charitable donations and business activity.
The research also found changes in the gender profile of newer participants. Women represented 42% of people who first acquired cryptocurrency in 2025 or 2026, compared with 34% among earlier adopters.
Ownership was not limited to the highest income categories. The NCA said 90% of surveyed holders earned less than $500,000 annually, while 23% earned $75,000 or less.
These findings show diversity within the holder population. They do not prove that cryptocurrency has universal acceptance, nor do they measure losses, consumer complaints or attitudes among Americans who do not own digital assets.
Garlinghouse’s claim that cryptocurrency is mainstream is an interpretation of the ownership estimate. The underlying survey provides evidence of broad participation, but “mainstream” has no single statistical definition.
Washington faces tests of crypto’s political reach
Garlinghouse’s comments came as the administration pressed Congress to advance the CLARITY Act, a proposed federal framework for dividing cryptocurrency oversight between the SEC and CFTC.
The Senate is scheduled to face a procedural test on Sept. 15. The motion would need 60 votes and would only begin formal consideration, not approve the legislation. Ethics restrictions, stablecoin rewards and financial crime safeguards remain disputed.
As crypto.news reported, the CLARITY Act’s September vote faces weakening expectations as the November midterm elections reduce the Senate’s available legislative time.
The SEC is also moving independently. On Aug. 18, it proposed Regulation Crypto Assets, which would create tailored registration exemptions for certain cryptocurrency investment contract offerings.
One exemption would permit eligible offerings of up to $5 million over four years. Another would cover offerings of up to $75 million during a 12-month period, subject to disclosure and reporting conditions.
The SEC proposal remains open to public comment and is not yet binding. Congress’ Sept. 15 procedural vote will offer the next clearer measure of whether a large ownership base can translate into bipartisan support for permanent market legislation.
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