Ripple Chief Legal Officer "Washington Must Complete Regulatory Clarity for Virtual Assets"

Stuart Alderoty, Ripple's Chief Legal Officer (CLO), urged the U.S. Congress to promptly establish virtual asset (cryptocurrency) regulations, warning that without clarity the United States' global leadership could be shaken.

On the 30th (local time), according to CoinDesk, Alderoty said, "The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has cited regulatory clarity for virtual assets as one of its top priorities for the first time," and added, "It's time to create a predictable supervisory environment." He emphasized, "Virtual asset regulation is no longer the issue of a small number of investors but the concern of a majority of Americans, and establishing clear regulations is both a political task and a demand of voters."

Alderoty cited several survey results. A survey conducted by the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), a nonprofit educational group for virtual assets, together with Harris Poll, found that one in five U.S. adults owns virtual assets. A YouGov survey found that those who want stronger regulation outnumber those who want looser regulation.

He also cited Chainalysis data, saying that virtual asset trading volume in the United States exceeded $1 trillion in 2024. Alderoty pointed out, "Virtual assets do not disappear just because there are no clear and consistent regulations; rather, activity simply moves to other countries." He added, "Clarity is the foundation not only for consumer protection but also for responsible companies to operate in the United States with confidence."

He forecast that the congressional session this fall will be a turning point for establishing virtual asset regulation. He also said, "The opportunity is already at hand, and there is public demand," adding, "Washington must prove that it can provide clarity where needed." He concluded, "Completing regulation is the way to keep innovation in the United States and to preserve U.S. leadership in designing future financial infrastructure."