Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, recently appeared on CNBC to discuss the results of what is now being called the most comprehensive cryptocurrency ownership study ever conducted in the United States.
The data, produced through a collaboration between the National Crypto Asset Alliance (NCAA) and The Harris Poll, offers a revealing snapshot of how deeply digital assets have integrated into the everyday financial lives of Americans.
Crypto commentator John Squire (@TheCryptoSquire) brought attention to Alderoty’s interview in a widely shared X post, describing XRP not merely as a participant in the digital economy but as the focal point.
“XRP isn’t just in the game. XRP is the headline,” Squire posted, emphasizing the growing prominence of Ripple’s digital token amid the shifting financial landscape.
Survey Uncovers a Broader, More Inclusive Crypto Audience
The study’s findings show that one in five U.S. adults—about 55 million people—now own or use cryptocurrency, marking a definitive break from the perception of crypto as a niche interest. This surge in adoption highlights how far the industry has come from its early experimental days.
According to Alderoty, the demographics are especially telling. The data reveals that Americans over the age of 55 now surpass those under 25 in crypto ownership, challenging long-held assumptions that digital assets are primarily favored by younger generations.
Additionally, nearly one-third of all U.S. crypto holders are women, signaling a widening gender shift that positions digital assets like XRP for even broader utility.
Income levels and professions have also diversified. Roughly 26% of crypto-owning households earn less than $75,000 annually, and interestingly, construction workers now hold digital assets at rates nearly equal to tech industry professionals, reflecting the deepening grassroots penetration of crypto in the broader economy.
XRP’s Role Is Expanding Alongside Public Trust
During the CNBC segment, Alderoty pointed to the survey’s findings as proof of a cultural and financial shift underway in America. He argued that crypto is no longer seen as an experimental asset class or speculative vehicle; rather, it is increasingly viewed as a practical tool for financial participation and inclusion.
His comment positioned XRP as a key driver in this evolution, highlighting Ripple’s longstanding push for clarity in crypto regulation and its efforts to enable faster, more efficient global payments.
With crypto adoption expanding across gender, income, and generational lines, Alderoty’s comment made the case that XRP is one of the few digital assets poised to scale meaningfully within this broader movement.
Ripple’s Strategic Positioning Pays Off
Ripple has made headlines over the past year not only for its ongoing legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), but also for forging ahead with new partnerships in regions like Asia, South America, and the Middle East. These moves reflect a broader vision: enabling global cross-border payment networks through institutional-grade blockchain technology.
The company’s advocacy for regulatory clarity in the United States continues to resonate with policymakers and market watchers alike. As mainstream interest in crypto grows, Ripple’s consistent messaging around compliance, speed, and accessibility is positioning XRP as a real-world asset with expanding practical use.
Further reinforcing its legitimacy, XRP is ISO 20022-compliant, meaning it meets the emerging international standard for electronic data interchange between financial institutions. This compatibility could prove critical as global banks upgrade their infrastructure and look to integrate digital asset support more formally.
What the Data Means for XRP’s Future
While the study does not explicitly single out XRP over other tokens, the broader implications are clear. XRP is operating in a maturing environment, one where the average investor is no longer just a tech-savvy millennial or institutional whale, but increasingly a middle-income, middle-aged American. That demographic evolution could serve as a powerful tailwind as Ripple seeks deeper integrations into both retail and institutional financial channels.
As the digital economy evolves, Ripple’s alignment with regulated financial services and compliance-forward operations could make XRP one of the few digital currencies ready to bridge the gap between crypto innovation and traditional finance.
Final Thoughts
Stuart Alderoty’s appearance on CNBC and the subsequent amplification by John Squire have helped spotlight a fundamental truth: crypto is no longer at the edges of finance; it is woven into the fabric. With more than 55 million U.S. adults now engaged in digital assets, and with XRP sitting at the intersection of usability, compliance, and scalability, the token’s relevance is only growing.
As adoption patterns continue to shift and regulators grapple with defining the new rules of engagement, XRP’s positioning may prove pivotal. In a market searching for utility over hype, the data suggests XRP might be exactly where it needs to be.
