67 million Americans hold crypto, urging regulation

With more than 67 million American adults now holding digital assets, cryptocurrency ownership has become a mainstream financial activity that policymakers can no longer dismiss as a niche interest, according to industry leaders. The figure, representing one in four U.S. adults, was highlighted by Stuart Alderoty, Chief Legal Officer of Ripple and President of the National Cryptocurrency Association, in a public appeal for regulatory clarity.

Alderoty cited the 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report, which found the number of crypto holders grew by approximately 12 million over the past year. He argued this constituency now rivals other major demographic groups in size, noting it exceeds the estimated 65 million dog owners in the United States. The data also indicates a broadening demographic profile, with women making up 42% of new holders and nearly a quarter of all holders reporting household incomes of $75,000 or less. Over half earn under $150,000 annually, and more than one-fifth work in construction or manufacturing.

This growth forms the backdrop for an intensifying debate in Congress over the proposed CLARITY Act, a bill intended to establish a comprehensive regulatory...