In March 2025, a new voice emerged in the evolving conversation around digital assets: the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA). With a mission rooted in education, consumer empowerment, and responsible crypto adoption, the NCA is positioning itself as a trusted, nonpartisan resource for Americans navigating the world of cryptocurrency.
While the crypto industry has seen rapid innovation, it has also faced growing scrutiny from regulators, skepticism from the public, and a widening knowledge gap among everyday users. The NCA was created to bridge that gap, offering clear, accessible information and a platform to amplify the voices of real crypto users. But what exactly is the NCA, and why does it matter now more than ever?
What Is the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA)?
The National Cryptocurrency Association is a nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(4). It is not a cryptocurrency, token, or blockchain project, but rather an independent crypto education and advocacy group. Launched in March 2025 with a $50 million grant from Ripple, the NCA operates as a protocol-agnostic organization with the stated goal of promoting crypto literacy and responsible adoption of digital assets.
Though it was initially funded by Ripple, the NCA asserts its independence. It is led by Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, who also serves as the NCA’s president. Despite this connection, the association maintains that its work is not intended to benefit Ripple or XRP specifically. Instead, it aims to serve the broader public by providing unbiased resources and education for all types of crypto users, from beginners to experienced investors.
The NCA’s Core Mission and Vision
At its heart, the NCA was formed to educate, demystify, and empower. Its mission is to ensure that all Americans, regardless of background or technical ability, can understand how cryptocurrency works and how it can be safely and meaningfully integrated into everyday life.
Unlike lobbying organizations that advocate for particular policies or crypto companies, the NCA’s focus is strictly educational and community-driven. It wants to amplify the voices of regular crypto users, dispel misinformation, and build trust in blockchain technologies through transparency, storytelling, and factual information.
Its vision is a future in which crypto is not only widely adopted but also responsibly used, with consumers fully aware of the benefits, risks, and tools available to them.
How the NCA Promotes Crypto Literacy
The NCA has adopted a multi-faceted strategy to boost crypto literacy and support safer digital engagement. Here are the organization’s key initiatives:
1. Accessible Educational Materials
The NCA develops a wide range of user-friendly content, including explainers, FAQs, how-to guides, and video tutorials that break down complex crypto topics into plain language. Whether someone is curious about how blockchain works, how to set up a digital wallet, or how to avoid common scams, the NCA aims to offer trustworthy answers in a digestible format.
This content is designed to meet users where they are, whether they’re just hearing about Bitcoin for the first time or looking to deepen their understanding of decentralized applications (dApps), stablecoins, or smart contracts.
2. Real-Life Stories and Testimonials
To move beyond technical jargon and show crypto’s real-world impact, the NCA actively collects and shares stories from everyday users. These testimonials highlight how people use cryptocurrency in practical ways, such as sending money to family abroad, shopping online, building decentralized apps, or earning through play-to-earn games.
These stories humanize the technology and provide insight into how crypto is already being integrated into people’s lives in empowering ways.
3. Research and Polling
The NCA doesn’t just guess what the public needs; it asks. By partnering with organizations like Harris Poll, the association conducts large-scale surveys to gauge public attitudes, concerns, and knowledge levels related to crypto.
One of its landmark studies, a survey of 10,000 U.S. adults, found that 21% of Americans currently use cryptocurrency and that the majority report a positive experience. Another striking insight: 81% of users want more crypto education, validating the NCA’s mission and directing its focus on specific knowledge gaps.
These insights also help lawmakers, media outlets, and companies better understand how crypto fits into American life.
4. Online Learning Hub
Central to the NCA’s outreach strategy is its official website, nca.org. This platform serves as a comprehensive educational hub, providing free access to guides, research reports, security tips, and updates about industry trends. It’s designed to be a go-to destination for crypto-curious individuals, policy analysts, educators, and even developers.
Visitors can find answers to basic questions like “What is a blockchain?” as well as more advanced topics like how to build a crypto application or navigate decentralized finance (DeFi) tools.
5. Consumer Protection and Scam Awareness
Crypto’s rapid growth has unfortunately been accompanied by a rise in scams and fraud. The NCA places strong emphasis on consumer protection, offering guidelines for identifying fraudulent schemes, safe wallet practices, and how to avoid phishing and rug pulls.
By raising awareness and teaching individuals how to spot red flags, the NCA helps reduce risks associated with entering the crypto space, especially for newcomers who may be vulnerable to misinformation or exploitation.
Engaging the Community and Building Trust
Beyond education, the NCA plays a vital role in amplifying community voices. The association regularly features user-submitted stories and feedback, building a sense of community and ensuring that its initiatives reflect real user needs.
This grassroots approach stands in contrast to traditional top-down policy groups. Rather than dictating what crypto should look like, the NCA listens to users to understand what crypto is already doing for people and where more support is needed.
In doing so, the NCA seeks to build trust not only in blockchain technology but also in the institutions trying to guide its responsible use.
Nonpartisan, Non-Lobbying: A Neutral Approach
One of the NCA’s most notable features is what it does not do: it does not lobby, it does not promote any specific coin, and it does not endorse legislation.
This is critical in a space where many voices are perceived as self-interested. The NCA’s neutrality allows it to focus solely on what’s best for the average consumer, free from corporate or political pressure.
Its nonpartisan approach also gives it a unique opportunity to build credibility across ideological divides, which is essential in today’s polarized regulatory climate. Whether speaking to lawmakers, developers, or the public, the NCA positions itself as a trusted interpreter, not an influencer or advocate for a particular outcome.
Why the NCA Matters Right Now
Crypto adoption in the U.S. is at a turning point. Regulatory debates are heating up, misinformation spreads rapidly online, and millions of Americans are entering the market with a limited understanding of how it works or how to protect themselves.
In this context, the NCA fills a critical gap. It doesn’t tell users what to buy or how to vote, it gives them the tools to make informed decisions for themselves.
As other industry associations and advocacy groups focus on shaping policy and business environments, the NCA complements these efforts by focusing on education, clarity, and public empowerment.
Conclusion: A Smarter Crypto Future Begins with Education
The National Cryptocurrency Association represents a new chapter in the crypto story that is focused on transparency, accessibility, and user empowerment. By prioritizing education and public engagement over promotion or politics, the NCA is helping to build a stronger, safer foundation for digital assets in the United States.
In a time of both opportunity and uncertainty, the NCA’s work reminds us that knowledge is the key to unlocking crypto’s full potential, and making sure it benefits everyone.
If you’re looking to explore cryptocurrency safely or share your own experience, visit nca.org and become part of the movement toward smarter crypto adoption.
