Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse says U.S. crypto regulation is approaching a decisive point after White House and CFTC meetings. His assessment connects current momentum with a seven-year campaign for clear federal market rules.
Key Takeaways
Garlinghouse says U.S. crypto rules have never been closer.White House and CFTC meetings brought crypto and TradFi together.The CLARITY Act still faces unresolved disputes in Congress.Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse described a significant change in Washington’s treatment of cryptocurrency after joining President Donald Trump, federal regulators, and financial industry leaders at the White House. The official meeting video showed Trump receiving recommendations from cryptocurrency executives, traditional financial institutions, and regulators.
“The big picture has never been clearer: 67 million Americans hold crypto today (that’s nearly 1 in 4!). Crypto isn’t a fringe industry. And Washington DC knows the crypto voter is alive and well.”
The Ripple chief executive added:
“This President’s incredible commitment to innovation and leadership around digital assets in the US has been profound. The future is bright.”
The 67 million estimate came from the National Cryptocurrency Association’s 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report, which measured ownership at one in four U.S. adults rather than one in four Americans. The Harris Poll surveyed 10,000 self-identified holders from Feb. 12 to March 3, then weighted and extrapolated those responses rather than counting verified wallets or accounts. Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty serves as president of the association behind the figure.
CFTC Meeting Brings Crypto and Traditional Finance Together“Everyone was in agreement. Rules written for a different era aren’t good enough. Not for consumers. Not for business. Not for innovation.”
The committee advises the CFTC on issues involving technology, law, policy, and finance, but it does not enact legislation. Garlinghouse’s statement that clear rules have “never been closer” reflects his assessment of current political momentum and does not establish that lawmakers have reached a final agreement.
Seven-Year Campaign Meets an Uncertain Senate VoteHe stated, referring to Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Michael S. Selig:
“I made this case in an open letter to Congress back in 2019. Seven years later, we STILL need clear rules … Thanks to the Trump administration, appointees like Chairman Selig, and a myriad of bold leaders in Congress, we’ve never been closer.”
Ripple Presses Lawmakers While Regulators Prepare Their Own Rules
