National Cryptocurrency Association Ripple: 67 Million Americans Own Crypto

Sixty-seven million Americans currently own cryptocurrencies, nearly one in four adults in the United States. This figure, released by the National Cryptocurrency Association Ripple, which was co-founded by Ripple, was cited by Ripple's CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, on August 20, 2026, shortly after a meeting at the White House with top U.S. financial regulators. For Garlinghouse, the conclusion is clear: cryptocurrencies are no longer a marginal phenomenon but part of the daily financial life of millions of citizens.

Summary

• Key Points
• The number of cryptocurrency holders has grown to 67 million Americans
  • Survey methodology and demographics
  • Diversity and usage patterns among crypto owners
• The role of the National Cryptocurrency Association of Ripple in mainstream adoption
  • Brad Garlinghouse's statement on the mainstream status of cryptocurrencies
  • Ripple's financial and leadership support for the association
• U.S. regulatory developments affecting cryptocurrencies
  • SEC proposals on registration exemptions for crypto contracts
  • Legislative hurdles to federal oversight of cryptocurrencies
• FAQ
  • How many Americans own crypto in 2026?
  • What does the CEO of Ripple say about the status of cryptocurrencies?
  • What methodology was used to estimate crypto ownership?
  • What are the recent U.S. regulatory developments regarding cryptocurrencies?

Key Points {#Key_Points}

• 67 million Americans own crypto in 2026, according to an estimate by the National Cryptocurrency Association conducted with The Harris Poll.
• This represents an increase of about 12 million holders compared to 2025, equivalent to about one in four adults in the USA.
• The survey involved 10,000 self-identified crypto holders, not a representative sample of the entire adult population.
• 63% of respondents expressed greater interest in using cryptocurrencies in 2026 compared to 2025.
• The SEC has simultaneously proposed two registration exemptions for certain investment offerings in crypto.

The number of cryptocurrency holders grows to 67 million Americans {#The_number_of_cryptocurrency_holders_grows_to_67_million_Americans}

The number of Americans owning cryptocurrencies reached 67 million in 2026, a jump of about 12 million from the previous year. This data comes from the 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report, conducted by the National Cryptocurrency Association in collaboration with The Harris Poll and published in May. According to the association, this figure corresponds to about one in four adults in the United States, a leap that reflects how rapidly U.S. crypto statistics are changing over the past two years.

Survey Methodology and Demographics {#Survey_Methodology_and_Demographics}

The estimate does not arise from a representative sample of the entire adult American population but from a survey conducted on 10,000 U.S. adults who self-identified as crypto holders, interviewed between February 12 and March 3. Researchers then weighted the responses by demographic categories and extrapolated the results to arrive at a national estimate. This methodological detail matters: many of the more specific conclusions of the report describe behaviors of those who already own crypto, not the entire U.S. population. The survey thus allows for understanding how holders use digital assets but does not demonstrate that one in four of every demographic or political group supports the sector.

Diversity and Usage Patterns Among Crypto Owners {#Diversity_and_Usage_Patterns_Among_Crypto_Owners}

The collected data shows an increasingly sophisticated use of crypto: investments, payments, transfers to family and friends, charitable donations, and business activities. 63% of surveyed holders said they are more interested in using crypto in 2026 compared to the previous year, a sign of a mainstream crypto adoption that extends beyond simple speculative trading.

The profile of those entering the market for the first time is also changing. Women represent 42% of those who purchased crypto for the first time in 2025 or 2026, compared to 34% recorded among previous adopters: a sign of growing gender diversity among new users. On the income front, American crypto ownership is not concentrated only among the wealthiest: according to the NCA, 90% of surveyed holders earn less than $500,000 a year, and 23% report an annual income of $75,000 or less. These numbers reflect a heterogeneous user base but do not demonstrate universal acceptance of crypto, nor do they measure losses, consumer complaints, or the opinions of those who do not own them.

The Role of the National Cryptocurrency Association of Ripple in Mainstream Adoption

Behind the research fueling public debate is a close link with Ripple, which has invested resources and people to create the organization that today produces these numbers.

Brad Garlinghouse's Statement on the Mainstream Status of Cryptos

Garlinghouse commented on the estimate shortly after attending a meeting at the White House with President Donald Trump, Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins, Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Michael Selig, and other industry executives. "Crypto isn't a fringe industry," he wrote on X, emphasizing how the overall picture has never been clearer: 67 million Americans own crypto, nearly one in four adults. The CEO of Ripple also described crypto holders as an active voting bloc, although the cited research measures ownership and usage, not voting intentions.

It should be noted that the label of "mainstream" remains an interpretation of the estimate on ownership, not a recognized statistical definition. The research provides evidence of broad participation, but the leap to the idea of generalized acceptance is an interpretive step, not an objective fact.

Ripple's Financial and Leadership Support for the Association

The link between Ripple and the National Cryptocurrency Association is not coincidental. The company has allocated $50 million to the establishment of the organization, and Ripple's Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, serves as its president. Alderoty has repeatedly argued that the 67 million American holders dismantle the narrowest stereotypes about the industry, highlighting participation across different ages, professions, and income brackets. These ties do not invalidate the survey but remain an important contextual element for those evaluating Ripple regulation and the weight the company has in shaping the public narrative on crypto adoption.

Regulatory Developments in the USA Affecting Cryptocurrencies

As the number of holders increases, Washington is trying to translate this base into a stable regulatory framework, amid proposals from the SEC and an uncertain legislative path in the Senate.

The meeting at the White House from which Garlinghouse's comment originated took place at a time when the Trump administration is pushing Congress to approve the CLARITY Act, the proposed federal framework that would divide the oversight of crypto between the SEC and the CFTC.

SEC Proposals on Registration Exemptions for Crypto Contracts

The SEC is also acting independently of the legislative path. On August 18, it proposed the Regulation Crypto Assets, which would introduce tailored registration exemptions for certain investment contract offerings related to crypto. The first exemption would concern eligible offerings up to $5 million over four years; a second would cover offerings up to $75 million within a 12-month period, both subject to transparency conditions and reporting obligations. These are the most significant SEC crypto exemptions proposed in recent months, but the proposal remains open for public comments and is not yet binding.

Legislative Obstacles to Federal Oversight of Crypto

In the Senate, a procedural vote is scheduled for September 15. The motion would require 60 votes and would only initiate formal discussion of the text, not its approval: there are still unresolved issues regarding ethical restrictions, rewards related to stablecoins, and protections against financial crimes. Expectations for this vote are waning as the November midterm elections reduce the available legislative time in the Senate. For this reason, the vote on September 15 will become the first real thermometer to understand whether such a large base of holders can indeed translate into bipartisan support for a permanent market law, beyond the U.S. cryptocurrency laws still under discussion.

FAQ

How many Americans will own crypto by 2026?

According to an estimate by the National Cryptocurrency Association conducted with The Harris Poll, 67 million Americans will own crypto by 2026.

What does the CEO of Ripple say about the status of crypto?

Brad Garlinghouse stated that crypto is no longer a marginal sector, citing the wide base of holders recorded in the survey as proof.

What methodology was used to estimate crypto ownership?

The estimate is based on a survey conducted on 10,000 self-reported U.S. crypto holders, with weighted responses extrapolated to estimate the national figure.

What are the recent U.S. regulatory developments regarding crypto?

The SEC has proposed registration exemptions for certain investment offerings in crypto, allowing offerings up to $5 million over four years and up to $75 million over twelve months.

Content created with the assistance of artificial intelligence and human editorial review.