Key Takeaways
A new NCA report highlights that lack of understanding remains a major barrier to crypto adoption among U.S. consumers.
As the crypto industry continues to gain traction across financial markets, a quieter challenge is emerging, one that speaks less to technology and more to trust and understanding.
NCA report
According to a new report commissioned by the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), a significant information gap remains a key obstacle to wider adoption.
The report, published on the 22nd of July, polled 2,000 American adults who have not yet invested in or used cryptocurrency.
Of them, nearly 70% said they needed more information before they’d even consider using digital assets.
The findings underscore a growing disconnect between the crypto sector’s rapid innovation and the public’s confidence in it.
While headlines often highlight institutional adoption and regulatory advances, many everyday consumers remain unconvinced not due to resistance, but uncertainty.
What’s the report telling us?
Roughly half of those polled admitted they still don’t fully understand how crypto works. Others voiced concerns around fraud, data security, and the credibility of project founders.
Interestingly, 34% of respondents expressed a willingness to learn more, suggesting that the industry may be facing an education problem more than an adoption one.
The NCS report added,
“Curiosity is high, but confidence is low. Many non-crypto holders are open to learning and even taking action, but feel held back by confusion, doubt and a lack of trustworthy information.”
The information gap highlighted in the recent survey comes as the NCA continues its mission to demystify digital assets for the average American.
Headed by Ripple Labs’ Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, the NCA was launched in March with a $50 million grant from Ripple.
The organization aims to improve public understanding of cryptocurrency by sharing practical adoption examples and conducting educational initiatives across the U.S.
Early data report suggests
Although the latest survey, conducted in Q2, reflects a lower sample size than the NCA’s earlier May poll (which involved 54,000 participants), the contrast is telling.
While that earlier data suggested nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults already owned crypto, the more focused Q2 survey shines a light on what’s holding others back.
That is a lack of understanding, fear of fraud, and skepticism toward project founders.
However, despite its origins, the NCA has positioned itself as politically agnostic, even as its leadership remains actively engaged in Washington.
Hos is Ripple changing the game?
That being said, Alderoty and other Ripple executives have made repeated appearances on Capitol Hill, underscoring Ripple’s increasing involvement in U.S. crypto policy.
Just last week, Alderoty visited the White House to witness President Donald Trump sign a major stablecoin bill into law.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has also been at the forefront, attending the 2025 presidential inauguration, participating in a major crypto summit, and testifying before the U.S. Senate Banking Committee in July on the evolving digital asset regulatory landscape.
Thus, with the NCA taking the lead in public outreach and Ripple’s growing presence in Washington, the groundwork is being laid for a more informed and confident crypto-curious population.