In Brief:
- Brad Garlinghouse argues cryptocurrency has entered mainstream America, with more than 67 million people now owning digital assets across the country.
- Crypto holders increasingly use digital assets for payments and transfers, while women and different income groups represent broader American adoption.
- US regulators emphasized clearer cryptocurrency rules at the White House summit, signaling a different approach toward digital asset businesses and entrepreneurs.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has declared cryptocurrency a mainstream industry as digital asset ownership expands across the United States. According to Garlinghouse, more than 67 million Americans own crypto, representing roughly one in four adults across the country.
He highlighted the figures in an X post and argued that cryptocurrency holders now represent an increasingly important group of voters. Garlinghouse also joined President Donald Trump and senior financial regulators at a White House crypto summit involving several industry leaders.
His remarks draw attention to cryptocurrency’s broader reach among Americans as ownership expands beyond early adopters and wealthy investors. The figures come from the National Cryptocurrency Association’s 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report, produced with The Harris Poll. Researchers surveyed 10,000 cryptocurrency holders to examine ownership patterns, adoption trends, and how people use their digital assets.
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Crypto Use Expands Beyond Investment
Significantly, the findings show that Americans increasingly use cryptocurrency for purposes extending beyond buying assets and holding them for potential returns. Respondents reported using digital assets for payments, financial management, charitable giving, business activities, and transfers to relatives and friends.
Moreover, 63% reported greater interest in using cryptocurrency during 2026 compared with their level of interest during the previous year. That growing interest supports Garlinghouse’s argument that digital assets have developed a broader role within the American financial landscape.
Meanwhile, the demographic composition of cryptocurrency holders has expanded as more women participate in the digital asset economy. Women accounted for 42% of people entering crypto during 2025 and 2026, compared with 34% among earlier adopters. Additionally, female ownership increased 10% from the previous year, reflecting a changing demographic profile among American cryptocurrency holders.
Cryptocurrency ownership also extends across different income levels rather than remaining concentrated among Americans with particularly high household earnings. About 90% of surveyed cryptocurrency holders earn below $500,000 annually, while 23% reported annual earnings of $75,000 or less.
Consequently, the findings present digital asset ownership as a broader consumer trend spanning several economic and demographic groups across the United States. That wider participation also strengthens Garlinghouse’s argument about the growing political importance of Americans who own and use cryptocurrency.
US Regulators Signal Different Crypto Approach
The White House summit also brought cryptocurrency regulation into the discussion as federal officials outlined their approach toward the industry. CFTC Chair Michael Selig declared an end to political lawfare, debanking, and regulation through enforcement involving cryptocurrency businesses.
Furthermore, SEC Chair Paul Atkins emphasized regulatory certainty for entrepreneurs and companies seeking to raise capital through digital assets. Garlinghouse’s comments place America’s 67 million cryptocurrency holders at the center of a broader shift in financial and political participation. Growing everyday usage and wider demographic adoption provide additional support for his position that crypto has moved beyond its former niche status.
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