Ripple CLO rejects claim that crypto use is mostly illegal activity

TLDR

• Ripple CLO says public blockchains offer traceable and auditable records.
• Alderoty claims tens of millions in the US use crypto for daily purposes.
• Media reports linking crypto to crime are inaccurate, says Ripple CLO.
• National Cryptocurrency Association aims to promote safe crypto use.

Public conversations around crypto have recently reignited, with several mainstream reports suggesting digital assets mostly serve criminal activity. Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, pushed back against this idea in a public post on October 17. He argued that this narrative ignores the daily reality of how ordinary people use crypto. Alderoty called for more accurate reporting on how public blockchains work and how they are used.

Alderoty Responds to Crime-Focused Reports

In a post shared on X, Alderoty addressed recent media coverage that framed crypto as a tool used mainly for illegal activities. He described this view as “lazy and inaccurate,” pointing out that millions of people in the U.S. use crypto for legitimate reasons.

He mentioned that blockchain technology supports activities such as lending, verifying ownership, and running online businesses. According to Alderoty, all these functions operate on public ledgers, which allow for full visibility and traceability.

Alderoty also noted, “Crime doesn’t thrive in plain sight,” explaining that public blockchains allow users and regulators to track transactions. He said this level of transparency makes it easier to detect fraud than with traditional financial systems.

Focus on Everyday Crypto Use

The Ripple CLO shifted the discussion toward how crypto is used by regular people and small businesses. He said crypto should be seen not as a playground for speculators, but as a set of tools that speed up transactions, reduce costs, and eliminate middlemen.

He said that most users are not criminals but people trying to make payments faster or avoid unnecessary banking fees. “The real story,” he wrote, “is practical, everyday utility.”

To support his point, he referenced the National Cryptocurrency Association, a nonprofit group working to share real-world stories of crypto users. This group was launched in March 2025 with a $50 million grant from Ripple and is focused on education and safe adoption.

Traceability and Public Blockchains

Alderoty addressed concerns about crypto being used for illegal purposes but said that such a portrayal lacks key context. He argued that public ledgers leave a permanent and auditable trail, making it easier to trace transactions than in the cash economy or even with some parts of the traditional banking system.

He said that the misuse of digital assets does happen, but so does fraud in every financial sector. The difference, according to him, is that blockchain’s open design allows for better oversight.

His post comes at a time when some U.S. officials and media outlets are pressing for stricter controls on crypto, often linking it to crime. Alderoty called for a more balanced view that considers how the technology works and how it is used in practice.

Call for Regulatory Clarity

Alderoty’s post connects to a broader effort by Ripple and the National Cryptocurrency Association to push for clear crypto regulations in the U.S. In a previous op-ed published on September 29, he urged lawmakers to provide strong and clear rules to protect users and help responsible companies operate legally.

He said that regulatory clarity would allow safe and lawful crypto projects to grow in the U.S. and serve more people. The goal, he added, is not to avoid rules but to ensure they are fair and support real-world use.

He emphasized that predictable laws are needed to let everyday crypto use grow without being misrepresented.

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