Latest news with #NationalCryptocurrencyAssociation


Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
New Report Reveals Lack of Understanding is Holding Back Wider U.S. Crypto Adoption
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Americans understand and use crypto with confidence, released insights from a Harris Poll survey of Americans who do not hold any crypto. The 2025 Crypto Confidence Pulse showed that despite its growing visibility, lack of understanding is the primary reason that four out of five U.S. adults do not yet hold any crypto. NCA had previously conducted the largest ever survey of Americans that do hold crypto and found that the majority of them believe that crypto has had a positive impact on their lives. This latest survey finds that those who have yet to dip their toes into crypto are hesitant for a variety of reasons: Nearly 90% said they are not knowledgeable about buying, using, selling or trading crypto and almost half (49%) cited lack of understanding of how crypto works as the biggest barrier to entry Trust is another blocker: 43% are concerned about security and fraud with 36% lacking trust in crypto platforms and exchanges There's also confusion around crypto's core feature, namely that it has no central actor: 41% say they don't know who or what is 'backing' crypto assets Overall, only 18% say they are likely to acquire crypto in 2025 "Crypto's biggest barrier is comprehension,' said Stuart Alderoty, President of the NCA. 'For most Americans, crypto still feels confusing. Nearly one-quarter of non-holders said they would use crypto if they could pay for goods and services with digital assets, but they already can do these things (and more) – they just don't realize it. This is a call to action that we must demystify the technology and build trust through education, which is our mission at the NCA.' The report identifies five distinct personas among non-holders, from Curious and Cautious to Trendwatchers, Traditionalists and Skeptics. While each group varies in demographics and motivation, common themes emerge: unfamiliarity, fear of scams, and a perceived lack of practical use cases: Fewer than one in five see crypto as a secure or good long-term investment Over half of respondents find researching crypto 'overwhelming' Only 14% have ever discussed crypto with family or friends – but those who did are more open to using crypto Despite increased visibility, literacy around crypto fundamentals remains limited. While only 14% of non-holders believe crypto is a scam and just 10% see it as a passing fad, misperceptions about fraud, hacking, and not knowing who or what is 'backing' crypto assets continue to shape public perception. In reality, just 3% of holders reported negative experiences with crypto, and of these, less than a third had experienced fraud or security breaches personally – that's less than 1%. To respond to these concerns, the NCA is launching a new video series to provide clear, fact-based answers to common crypto questions and myths. These resources are part of the organization's broader effort to increase understanding and build confidence through accessible, trustworthy information. As for reaching non-holders, opportunity exists. Nearly one in three have considered using crypto, and 34% are interested in learning more, especially if information is simplified and tied to tangible benefits. When looking at those interested in learning more, we heard that: While the industry is still fairly nascent, one in two worry they may have missed the boat on crypto Despite this, 68% are curious about using crypto but are not sure where to start The majority (80%) see crypto as a legitimate financial asset Almost half (42%) of this cohort are likely to acquire or use crypto in 2025 About the National Cryptocurrency Association The National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) is a 501(C)(4) organization dedicated to educating consumers about how to engage with crypto. Crypto is positively impacting the lives of millions of Americans but misinformation has held back those who stand to benefit. The NCA is here to help people make sense of crypto by sharing the stories of real people and businesses using crypto, providing educational resources to navigate the hype and confusion, and offering guidance and support through partnerships and services. Methodology The research was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of The National Cryptocurrency Association among 2,000 non-cryptocurrency holders. The survey was conducted May 22, 2025 through May 30, 2025. Data are weighted where necessary by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, employment, household income, and political party affiliation to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population. Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within ± 2.9 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dave Ramsey Says Crypto Is Going To Continue To Get Bigger and Better — But Investors Should Still Be Cautious
Crypto ownership in the U.S. isn't limited to tech elites or financial risk-takers anymore. According to the National Cryptocurrency Association, 21% of American adults now hold some form of crypto. Check Out: Read Next: Over the years, Dave Ramsey has taken a firm stance against cryptocurrency, advising against investing in it. In a recent appearance on the Shawn Ryan Show on YouTube, he acknowledged crypto is evolving, but his message remains to approach with caution and know exactly what kind of risk is on the table. In the interview, Ramsey said he believes cryptocurrency is going to continue to get bigger and better and 'continue to stabilize.' While he admitted that the crypto market was once a 'Wild Wild West crap show,' he now sees progress in its structure and sophistication. That progress, he said, could eventually make it safer and more legitimate. Still, the biggest problem isn't the tech, it's how people are treating it. Ramsey drew a clear line between investing and speculating. According to him, crypto belongs squarely in the speculation camp. The key difference? Investing involves long-term wealth creation. Speculation is a 'short-term play.' It's risky, it's volatile, and it shouldn't form the foundation of a retirement plan. Too often, he said, people call into his show claiming they're 'investing in crypto', but what they're really doing is gambling. Ramsey compared this to building a house with no buyer lined up: It's a 'spec home,' not a long-term rental. In his eyes, bitcoin and gold operate the same way. They don't create wealth. They just change in price because someone else wants them. One needs to look no further than the crypto crash of 2022 to see the truth in Ramsey's approach to crypto: In a domino effect, the crypto market plummeted across the board and crypto investors lost millions. Those who were over-invested in crypto lost everything. Ramsey's issue isn't with crypto's existence. It's with the way many people treat it like a golden ticket. He described hearing from 26-year-olds who put their entire net worth into bitcoin with nothing saved in retirement accounts or property. That, to him, is reckless. Instead, he argued, crypto should only be used for speculation. Be Aware: For Ramsey, the value of a true investment comes from wealth creation. He offered the examples of Apple and Home Depot, which generate profits and make products. Crypto, like gold or commodities, only rises in value because of demand. It's trading, not building. Ramsey doesn't dismiss blockchain technology or crypto's potential. But he made one thing clear: Believing in the tech doesn't mean it's smart to bet everything on it. His advice: Treat crypto like money that could go up in flames, and keep the real investments where they belong — in long-term, proven vehicles that actually create wealth. More From GOBankingRates 5 Types of Cars Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying This article originally appeared on Dave Ramsey Says Crypto Is Going To Continue To Get Bigger and Better — But Investors Should Still Be Cautious
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Crypto is more popular with workers in construction than finance, says new Harris Poll
For all of the risks and potential dangers associated with crypto, it is still becoming an increasingly mainstream asset. That's according to the latest data from the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), a nonprofit aimed at helping Americans better understand cryptocurrency and digital assets. How I wrote the notes app of my dreams (no coding required) 'Hands Off!' protest: April 5 could see massive turnout for rallies against Trump and Musk in all 50 states. Here's what to know Ikea just designed its new bathroom products to make life easier for everyone One in five Americans currently owns cryptocurrency in some shape or form, according to the NCA's 2025 State of Crypto Holders Report. The report, which was produced with The Harris Poll, also finds that nearly 40% use crypto to pay for goods or services, and that two-thirds say that crypto 'has a positive impact on their lives.' The data was sourced from a Harris Poll survey conducted in January and February this year, from a pool of 54,000 respondents that was winnowed down to 10,000 crypto holders. It's the largest survey conducted to date of crypto holders. A couple of other interesting findings include that nearly 40% of American crypto holders live in the South—more than double the amount that live in the Midwest (17%) or the Northeast (18%). Twenty-six percent live in the West. Also, while 14% of crypto holders work in the tech sector, 12% work in construction. And only 7%, a perhaps surprisingly low number, work in finance. The report also notes that crypto owners are a fairly diverse set, and that one reason is that 'crypto has a surprisingly low bar for entry.' That is true—in many cases, all that's needed to start purchasing crypto is a brokerage account and a few dollars, as many cryptocurrencies have low values. But that also makes it a fairly risky field. In 2023, for instance, the amount lost to crypto scams added up to more than $5.6 billion, according to FBI data. Early estimates seem to indicate that the total lost to crypto scams during 2024 will be at least double that amount. Either way, the report points to a rather obvious conclusion: Crypto seems to be growing, and even becoming more mainstream. Of course, that's as the NCA is also pushing for more mainstream adoption of crypto itself. The organization launched just one month ago. This post originally appeared at to get the Fast Company newsletter:
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Largest-ever crypto survey reveals shocking number of American holders
Ripple's chief legal officer, Stuart Alderoty, who is now the president of the newly formed National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), has published the largest-ever survey of American crypto holders. NCA is a non-profit funded by Ripple that focuses on crypto education. The numbers are stark: 21% of U.S. adults — approximately 55 million people — currently hold digital assets. According to the latest iteration of the State of the Crypto Holders Report 2025, in partnership with The Harris Poll, cryptocurrencies have become deeply rooted in everyday life in America. Almost 76% of users mentioned that crypto has positively impacted their lives, and about 49% cited increased financial independence as one of the top benefits. The study challenges common assumptions about the population that uses cryptocurrency. For instance, 12% of crypto holders are employed in construction, but only 7% work in financial services. Although the majority of the platform's users are younger — 67% of them are under 45 — the report revealed that 15% of users are over the age of 55. Interestingly, about 31% of the users are women, indicating crypto no longer remains just for the 'bros.' "This data tells us that people from all backgrounds are engaging with crypto in many ways, and not only are they excited about the future, they're also already benefiting from it today," said Stuart Alderoty, who played a key role in the historic Ripple versus SEC legal battle. The study also shows that cryptocurrency is set aside as more than just an investment; it is used daily. Almost 40 % of users spend their crypto, while 9% use it every day. Participants also noted that they trade NFTs and digital collectibles. A substantial number reported using crypto to participate in decentralized online gaming. Notably, crypto was also used to complete real estate transactions. The study also reveals a firm trust in digital assets. 76% of holders trust cryptocurrency more than a traditional bank. 64% are in favor of government regulation of space, and 67% are concerned that excessive regulation could hinder innovation. 73% believe that the United States should strive to be the leader in cryptocurrency development and policy worldwide, the study reveals. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ripple launches non-profit National Cryptocurrency Association
Cryptocurrency platform Ripple is launching a non-profit focused on educating Americans about the world of crypto. The National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) aims to offer educational tools and resources about crypto, share stories from crypto users and provide crypto data and statistics, said NCA President Stu Alderoty, who also serves as Ripple's chief legal officer. 'We think that it's important to make crypto accessible to the everyday American and demystify crypto,' Alderoty told The Hill. 'There has been a narrative around crypto, that it's complex, it's geeky, crypto bros, etc.' 'Now I think more than ever, crypto is going mainstream, but there is a gap out there,' he continued. 'There's no one place where folks can go to learn more about crypto, get educated about crypto, and also to amplify the voices of the 55 million Americans that own and use crypto.' NCA's website features answers to questions about crypto, including 'What is crypto, and why should I care?' and 'What's a wallet, and why do I need one?' It also acknowledges the industry's troubled past with questions about avoiding crypto scams and 'crypto fraudsters, bankruptcies, and people going to jail.' The non-profit is seeking to distinguish itself from other crypto organizations, such as Stand with Crypto and Blockchain Association, emphasizing that it is not a political or lobbying organization and does not represent crypto companies or protocols. 'Not only are we politically agnostic, we're agnostic to protocol and company,' Alderoty said. 'We're here to amplify the voices of the everyday Americans who own and use crypto and to be a source of information and education for the crypto curious.' 'I think we're gonna find a lot more folks in the United States becoming crypto curious as the U.S. starts leaning to become a more pro-crypto country,' he added. Crypto has become a key priority for President Trump since taking office. Despite once dismissing crypto as a 'scam,' Trump came to embrace the industry during his 2024 campaign. He has since become a vocal proponent of crypto, naming venture capitalist David Sacks as his crypto and artificial intelligence (AI) czar and tasking him with developing a legal framework for the industry. On Sunday, Trump announced his plans to create a crypto strategic reserve, including XRP, Solana, Cardano, Bitcoin and Ethereum. XRP is Ripple's token. Trump's strategic reserve has received a mixed response from the crypto world. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse touted the idea, saying he appreciates the president's 'vision of a govt digital asset reserve representative of the industry.' However, others pushed back on the idea of holding tokens other than bitcoin. Tyler Winklevoss, co-founder of crypto exchange Gemini, argued Monday that bitcoin is the only digital asset that is suitable for a strategic reserve. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.