Stuart Alderoty, the chief legal officer of Ripple and the current president of the recently established National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), has released the most extensive study of cryptocurrency owners in the United States to date. Ripple funds NCA, a non-profit organization dedicated to crypto education.
The statistics are startling: Approximately 55 million Americans, or 21% of all adults, presently own digital assets.
As per the most recent edition of the State of the Crypto Holders Report 2025, which was produced in collaboration with The Harris Poll, cryptocurrencies have firmly established themselves in American society.
About 49% of users listed greater financial independence as one of the main advantages of cryptocurrency, while nearly 76% of users said it has improved their lives.
The study questions widely held beliefs about the demographic of cryptocurrency users. Just 7% of cryptocurrency holders work in financial services, whereas 12% are employed in the construction industry.
15% of users are over 55, according to the survey, despite the fact that the majority of platform users are younger—67% are under 45. Interestingly, women make up roughly 31% of users, proving that cryptocurrency is no longer only for “bros.”
People from all walks of life are using cryptocurrency in a variety of ways, and according to Stuart Alderoty, who was instrumental in the landmark Ripple v. SEC legal dispute, they are not just looking forward to the future but are now reaping the benefits of it today.
Numerous crypto use cases are reported by users
The report also demonstrates that cryptocurrency is used on a daily basis and is not only an investment. Nearly 40% of users use their cryptocurrency, and 9% use it daily. The participants also mentioned that they exchange digital collectibles and NFTs. Many of them said they played decentralized online games using cryptocurrency. Notably, real estate purchases were also completed using cryptocurrency.
A strong trust in digital assets is also revealed by the study. 76% of holders have greater faith in cryptocurrencies than in conventional banks. 67% are worried that too much control could stifle innovation, while 64% support government regulation of space.
According to the poll, 73% of respondents think that the US should aim to lead the world in cryptocurrency development and policy.
