Ripple CLO Counters Crypto Crime Narrative, Emphasizes Legitimate Use

Ripple's Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, publicly rejected claims that cryptocurrency use is predominantly for illegal activities in a post on X on October 17, 2025. He described recent media reports framing crypto as a tool for crime as "lazy and inaccurate," arguing that they ignore the daily reality of how ordinary people utilize digital assets.

Alderoty highlighted that tens of millions of Americans use crypto for legitimate purposes such as lending, verifying ownership, and running online businesses, all operating on public blockchains that offer full visibility and traceability. He stated, "Crime doesn’t thrive in plain sight," noting that blockchain's transparency makes it easier to detect fraud compared to traditional financial systems. He shifted the focus to crypto's practical utility, emphasizing its role in speeding up transactions, reducing costs, and eliminating middlemen for small businesses and everyday users.

To support his arguments, Alderoty referenced the National Cryptocurrency Association, a nonprofit launched in March 2025 with a $50 million grant from Ripple, aimed at promoting education and safe adoption through real-world user stories. He connected this to a broader call for regulatory clarity in the U.S., urging lawmakers in a September 29 op-ed to provide clear rules to protect users and enable lawful crypto projects to grow, rather than avoiding regulations entirely.