**Ripple CLO Stuart Alderoty Pushes Back Against Crime-Focused Crypto Narratives**
Public conversations around cryptocurrency have reignited recently, with several mainstream reports suggesting digital assets primarily serve criminal activity. However, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, has challenged this narrative in a public post dated October 17, arguing that such portrayals overlook the everyday reality of how ordinary people use crypto.
### Addressing Inaccurate Media Coverage
In a post shared on X, Alderoty responded to recent media stories framing crypto as a tool mainly used for illegal purposes. He described this viewpoint as “lazy and inaccurate,” highlighting that tens of millions of people in the U.S. rely on crypto for legitimate, daily purposes.
Alderoty emphasized that blockchain technology underpins a range of important functions—such as lending, verifying ownership, and supporting online businesses—all of which operate on public ledgers. These ledgers offer complete visibility and traceability.
### Transparency and Traceability of Public Blockchains
“Crime doesn’t thrive in plain sight,” Alderoty noted, explaining that public blockchains enable users and regulators to monitor transactions closely. This transparency, he argued, makes it easier to detect fraudulent activity compared to traditional financial systems, which often lack such openness.
While acknowledging that misuse of digital assets does occur — as it does in every financial sector — Alderoty stressed that blockchain’s open design allows for superior oversight and accountability.
### Highlighting Everyday Crypto Use
Shifting the focus away from speculation and criminality, Alderoty portrayed cryptocurrency as a practical tool that accelerates transactions, lowers costs, and removes intermediaries. He pointed out that most crypto users are regular people and small businesses who simply want to make payments faster or avoid unnecessary banking fees.
“The real story,” he wrote, “is practical, everyday utility.”
To reinforce this perspective, Alderoty referenced the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), a nonprofit launched in March 2025 with a $50 million grant from Ripple. The NCA is dedicated to promoting education, safe adoption, and sharing authentic stories about how crypto benefits everyday users.
### Calling for Balanced Reporting and Regulatory Clarity
Alderoty’s comments come amid calls from some U.S. officials and media outlets for stricter controls on cryptocurrency, often linking it to crime. He urged for a more balanced understanding that considers both how the technology works and how it is applied in practice.
This message ties into a broader initiative by Ripple and the NCA to advocate for clear, fair crypto regulations in the United States. In a September 29 op-ed, Alderoty encouraged lawmakers to establish strong, predictable rules that protect users and enable responsible companies to operate legally.
“Regulatory clarity,” he wrote, “will allow safe and lawful crypto projects to grow in the U.S. and serve more people.” The goal, Alderoty emphasized, is not to avoid regulation but to ensure frameworks are reasonable and support real-world usage.
### Conclusion
Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty challenges misleading narratives that focus on crime in the crypto space, highlighting the transparent, traceable nature of public blockchains and the everyday benefits crypto provides to millions of users. As calls for regulatory clarity grow louder, Alderoty advocates for balanced reporting and sensible rules that foster innovation while protecting users.
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https://coincentral.com/ripple-clo-rejects-claim-that-crypto-use-is-mostly-illegal-activity/