# National Cryptocurrency Association > The National Cryptocurrency Association is a registered 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to advancing cryptocurrency adoption and education. The National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) helps Americans make sense of crypto. It publishes independent research on who owns crypto in the United States and how they use it, plain-language education, real stories from crypto holders, and the Crypto Explained podcast. NCA research is free to read, cite and share. When citing, name the National Cryptocurrency Association and link to the report or page. Press questions go to media@nca.org. Leadership: Stu Alderoty, President. Advisory Board: Jo Ann Barefoot (Co-Founder and CEO, Alliance for Innovative Regulation), Chris Giancarlo (former Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading Commission), Dr. Campbell Harvey (Professor of Finance, Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, and Research Associate, National Bureau of Economic Research) and May Zabaneh (VP and General Manager of Crypto, PayPal). How to read this file: "Research and reports" links are NCA survey reports, each with an interactive page and a PDF. "Learn" links are beginner education, including every lesson of each free course. Each course also has its own full-text file with every lesson, chapter, key takeaway and quiz question. "Articles" are NCA articles and videos, including explainers on U.S. crypto legislation and regulation from NCA’s perspective as an advocacy organization. "Stories" are first-person profiles of crypto holders. "Podcast" lists Crypto Explained episodes, all of which stream on one page. ## Research and reports - [2026 Crypto Readiness Report: U.S. Non-Crypto Holders (Explore the Data, Interactive)](https://nca.org/2026-crypto-readiness-report): October 2026. Americans who don’t own crypto: how open they are and what holds them back. - [2026 Crypto Readiness Report: U.S. Non-Crypto Holders (Report, PDF)](https://nca.org/2026%20Crypto%20Readiness%20Report.pdf) - [Crypto at the Bank 2026: U.S. Consumers (Explore the Data, Interactive)](https://nca.org/2026-crypto-at-the-bank): October 2026. What Americans want from banks, credit unions and advisors on crypto. - [Crypto at the Bank 2026: U.S. Consumers (Report, PDF)](https://nca.org/2026%20Crypto%20at%20the%20Bank%20Report.pdf) - [Crypto at the Bank 2026: U.S. Consumers (Summary, PDF)](https://nca.org/research/2026-crypto-at-the-bank/2026%20Crypto%20at%20the%20Bank%20Executive%20Summary.pdf) - [Crypto at the Bank 2026: U.S. Consumers (Chart pack, ZIP)](https://nca.org/research/2026-crypto-at-the-bank/2026%20Crypto%20at%20the%20Bank%20Research%20Charts.zip) - [Crypto at Work: U.S. Crypto Jobs (View Map, Interactive)](https://nca.org/maps/2026-economic-impact-map): July 2026. Crypto’s jobs, wages and impact in every state. Analysis by Pragmatic Policy Group. - [Crypto at Work: U.S. Crypto Jobs (Report, PDF)](https://nca.org/2026%20Crypto%20at%20Work%20Report.pdf) - [2026 Annual State of Crypto Holders Report: U.S. Crypto Holders (Explore the Data, Interactive)](https://nca.org/2026-crypto-holders-report): May 2026. Our annual study of U.S. holders, with an interactive map. - [2026 Annual State of Crypto Holders Report: U.S. Crypto Holders (Report, PDF)](https://nca.org/2026%20Annual%20State%20of%20Crypto%20Holders%20Report.pdf) - [Where Crypto Holders Live: Interactive Map (View Map, Interactive)](https://nca.org/resources/map): May 2026. - [2026 Crypto Merchant Report: U.S. Merchants (Report, PDF)](https://nca.org/2026%20Crypto%20Merchant%20Report.pdf?v=2): January 2026. How U.S. businesses are taking crypto at checkout. With PayPal. - [2026 Stablecoin Rewards Pulse: U.S. Consumers (Pulse, PDF)](https://nca.org/2026%20Stablecoin%20Rewards%20Pulse.pdf): January 2026. What Americans think about earning rewards on stablecoins. - [2025 Crypto Holiday Report: U.S. Consumers (Report, PDF)](https://nca.org/2025%20Crypto%20Holiday%20Report.pdf): November 2025. How Americans give and spend crypto over the holidays. With PayPal. - [2025 Crypto Policy Pulse: U.S. Consumers (Pulse, PDF)](https://nca.org/2025%20Crypto%20Policy%20Pulse.pdf): August 2025. A survey of 2,000 Americans - what crypto issues they care most about, opportunities for U.S. lawmakers, and mandates for shaping crypto policy. - [2025 Crypto Confidence Pulse: U.S. Non-Crypto Holders (Pulse, PDF)](https://nca.org/2025%20Crypto%20Confidence%20Pulse.pdf): July 2025. What holds back Americans who don’t own crypto, and where they would learn. - [2025 State of Crypto Holders Report: U.S. Crypto Holders (Report, PDF)](https://nca.org/2025%20State%20of%20Crypto%20Holders%20Report.pdf): March 2025. Our first study of U.S. holders: who owns crypto and why they bought it. - [State of Crypto Holders Report: Crypto Gains Momentum](https://nca.org/2026-crypto-holders-report/intro): In a single year, 12 million more Americans became crypto holders. That is roughly the combined population of New York City and Los Angeles. - [State of Crypto Holders Report: The Changing Face of Crypto](https://nca.org/2026-crypto-holders-report/the-changing-face-of-crypto): The people driving crypto's growth look a lot like the country itself. - [State of Crypto Holders Report: Interest, Trust, and Intent](https://nca.org/2026-crypto-holders-report/interest-trust-and-intent): Interest, Trust, and Purchase Intent in 2026. From curiosity to confidence. - [State of Crypto Holders Report: How People are Using Crypto](https://nca.org/2026-crypto-holders-report/how-people-are-using-crypto): Millions of Americans have moved from only owning crypto to actually using it in their lives. - [State of Crypto Holders Report: Benefits](https://nca.org/2026-crypto-holders-report/benefits): When asked to evaluate the benefits of owning crypto, financial independence came first, chosen by nearly three out of five holders (54%), up from 49% last year. Ranking higher than investment gains, learning, and community. - [State of Crypto Holders Report: Barriers](https://nca.org/2026-crypto-holders-report/barriers): Crypto’s growth has not come without friction. Understanding what slows adoption is as important as tracking what drives it. - [State of Crypto Holders Report: Looking Ahead](https://nca.org/2026-crypto-holders-report/looking-ahead): What to look forward to in 2026. The data throughout this report has shown where crypto is today. The intention data shows where it is heading tomorrow and beyond. - [Research](https://nca.org/resources): All NCA research reports, data, charts and frequently asked questions about crypto in America. - [Economic Impact Map](https://nca.org/maps/2026-economic-impact-map): The crypto industry supports nearly 232,000 American jobs and $55.4 billion in economic impact, by state. - [Where Crypto Holders Live](https://nca.org/resources/map): Interactive map of crypto holders across the United States. ## Learn - [Learn](https://nca.org/learn): Educational resources and insights about cryptocurrency, blockchain technology and digital assets. - [Glossary](https://nca.org/glossary): Definitions of common crypto terms. - [Articles](https://nca.org/articles): All NCA articles and videos about cryptocurrency. - [Course: Crypto 101](https://nca.org/courses/crypto-101): Start your crypto journey with Crypto 101, the official free course from the National Cryptocurrency Association. Learn what crypto is, why it matters, and how to get started today! - [Crypto 101: full lesson text](https://nca.org/courses/crypto-101/llms.txt) - [Crypto 101, lesson 1: Why Crypto Matters](https://nca.org/courses/crypto-101/why-crypto-matters) - [Crypto 101, lesson 2: Crypto Explained](https://nca.org/courses/crypto-101/crypto-explained) - [Crypto 101, lesson 3: How to Use Crypto](https://nca.org/courses/crypto-101/how-to-use-crypto) - [Crypto 101, lesson 4: Blockchains: What, Why and How](https://nca.org/courses/crypto-101/blockchains-what-why-and-how) - [Crypto 101, lesson 5: Getting Started](https://nca.org/courses/crypto-101/getting-started-with-crypto) - [Crypto 101, lesson 6: Three Rules for Staying Safe](https://nca.org/courses/crypto-101/three-rules-for-staying-safe) - [Crypto 101, lesson 7: Navigating Crypto's Ups and Downs](https://nca.org/courses/crypto-101/navigating-cryptos-ups-and-downs) - [Crypto 101, lesson 8: The Language of Crypto](https://nca.org/courses/crypto-101/the-language-of-crypto) - [Crypto 101, lesson 9: Crypto Goes Pro](https://nca.org/courses/crypto-101/crypto-goes-pro) - [Crypto 101, lesson 10: Where Next?](https://nca.org/courses/crypto-101/where-next) ## Articles - [What is the GENIUS Act?](https://nca.org/article/genius-act-stablecoins): The first federal law for stablecoins, explained in plain English. - [The SEC’s Regulation Crypto Assets Proposal: What NCA Shared](https://nca.org/article/sec-regulation-crypto-assets): What did the SEC propose under Regulation Crypto Assets? - [Crypto at the Bank](https://nca.org/article/crypto-at-the-bank): How traditional finance and digital assets are moving closer together. - [The U.S. Treasury’s GENIUS Act Stablecoin Rules: What NCA Shared](https://nca.org/article/genius-act): What did the U.S. Treasury propose under the GENIUS Act? - [33 Million More Americans Are Likely to Try Crypto This Year](https://nca.org/article/non-crypto-holder-report): What non-holders really think about crypto - [Coaching Financial Freedom Through Crypto](https://nca.org/article/ansylla): Meet Ansylla, Crypto Confidence Coach - [Crypto: Another Tool In The Box](https://nca.org/article/clayton): Meet Clayton, Master Plumber & Small Business Owner - [Crypto Confidence Stems From Education](https://nca.org/article/victoria): Meet Victoria, Global Supply Chain Manager - [What is the Clarity Act?](https://nca.org/article/clarity-act) - [Crypto’s Impact on the American Job Market](https://nca.org/article/crypto-jobs-report): New research measures the industry's contribution to jobs, wages, and economic output across the country. - [Prediction Markets, Explained](https://nca.org/article/prediction-markets-explained): What they are and how they work, explained simply - [What to Know About Online Scams, Fraud, and Illicit Finance](https://nca.org/article/scams-fraud-illicit-finance): Understanding the difference helps you stay protected - [Inside NCA’s First Year](https://nca.org/article/inside-nca-first-year): How a year of listening reshaped what we know about crypto in America - [What the 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report Reveals](https://nca.org/article/crypto-holders-report-2026): 67 million Americans now hold crypto. Here is what they are doing with it. - [Starting Your Crypto Journey with Curiosity](https://nca.org/article/kristina): Meet Kristina, Photographer & Educator - [How to Verify What’s Happening On-Chain](https://nca.org/article/verifying-on-chain): A simple guide to checking, understanding, and verifying your crypto transactions. - [5 Major Crypto Networks and The Roles They Each Play](https://nca.org/article/crypto-networks-5): Not all crypto is built for the same job. Here’s what sets these five apart. - [From Fear to Familiar: How new technologies earn trust over time](https://nca.org/article/fear-to-familiar) - [Crypto Payments: Merchant Adoption Report](https://nca.org/article/merchant-adoption-report): How U.S. merchants and shoppers are opting for crypto at checkout. - [Layer 1 vs. Layer 2: A Simple Guide](https://nca.org/article/layer-1-layer-2): Understanding how blockchains evolve for efficient speed, cost, and usability - [On-Ramps and Off-Ramps 101](https://nca.org/article/on-and-off-ramps): Getting your money in and out of crypto - [Tokenization 101](https://nca.org/article/tokenization-101): Turning Real-World Value Into Digital Ownership - [Staking 101](https://nca.org/article/staking-101): How Proof-of-Stake Lets You Earn While Supporting the Network - [Miners & Validators 101](https://nca.org/article/miners-and-validators): How blockchains stay secure and how you can participate - [Building On-Chain 101](https://nca.org/article/building-blockchain-easya): In Partnership With EasyA - [Securities and treasuries](https://nca.org/article/securities-treasuries): Understanding securities and treasuries without the jargon. - [Smart contracts](https://nca.org/article/smart-contracts): Self-executing code that runs “if this, then that” on the blockchain - [Crypto donations: Giving that goes further](https://nca.org/article/crypto-donations): How digital assets are helping donations move faster - [Crypto is on the gift list this holiday season](https://nca.org/article/crypto-gifting-for-holidays): A look at the evolving role of digital assets for holiday gifting and shopping. - [Retail crypto adoption is gaining momentum](https://nca.org/article/retail-crypto-adoption): How major brands are making crypto payments feel familiar and fast - [Crypto in America: Policy Pulse](https://nca.org/article/policy-pulse): Here’s how people really feel about the Trump administration’s latest directives on crypto regulation. - [Crypto taxes 101](https://nca.org/article/crypto-taxes-101): Plan now, breathe easier in April. - [ETFs 101](https://nca.org/article/etfs-101): A guide to “basket investing” and where crypto fits in. - [Crypto momentum across the U.S.](https://nca.org/article/crypto-momentum): Real progress is happening at the state level. - [Tokenizing real estate](https://nca.org/article/tokenization-of-real-estate): How crypto turns properties into digital shares. - [Using blockchain to track beef from ranch to table](https://nca.org/article/blockchain-beef): How a digital ledger brings new transparency to the cattle industry. - [Everyday crypto security](https://nca.org/article/crypto-security): Practical steps to keep your digital assets safe. - [The ABCs of NFTs](https://nca.org/article/nfts): A clear guide to non-fungible digital ownership. - [Memecoins explained](https://nca.org/article/memecoins): Coins born from viral culture and online communities. - [What non-holders really think about crypto](https://nca.org/article/non-crypto-holders): A look at their perception, hesitation, and why it matters. - [Stablecoin 101](https://nca.org/article/stablecoin-101): The steady-value tokens that bridge cash and crypto. - [Faster payments, fewer fees](https://nca.org/article/accept-payments): Crypto makes payments quick, easy & direct. - [All about crypto wallets](https://nca.org/article/crypto-wallets): Hot wallets, cold wallets, and how to keep your crypto secure. - [What you can actually do with crypto](https://nca.org/article/what-can-you-do-with-crypto): How crypto is being used for payments, shopping, investing, and more. - [Crypto without the jargon](https://nca.org/article/crypto-jargon): A simple breakdown of the crypto terms you need to know. - [Getting started with crypto](https://nca.org/article/getting-started): A step-by-step guide to setting up, buying, and storing crypto safely. - [Staying safe and avoiding scams](https://nca.org/article/staying-safe): What to watch out for, and how to stay one step ahead of bad actors. - [What is crypto?](https://nca.org/article/what-is-crypto): An introduction to digital currencies, blockchain, and why they matter. - [Common myths about crypto](https://nca.org/article/crypto-myths): Separating fact from fiction and explaining crypto’s real-world potential. - [Manage your money](https://nca.org/article/money-management): More ways to spend, save, and send. - [A simpler way to send money](https://nca.org/article/making-crypto-payments): Send money instantly, with lower fees, to anyone, anywhere. - [A new way to game](https://nca.org/article/gaming): A deeper, more immersive way to play. ## Stories - [Stories](https://nca.org/stories): Real Americans on how crypto fits into their lives and work. - [Crypto’s Untold Story](https://nca.org/cryptosuntoldstory): Everyday Americans, from small business owners to tradespeople, on how crypto helps them. - [](https://nca.org/stories/ansylla): “I never realized that this could be an option for me.” (Ansylla, Educator) - [](https://nca.org/stories/clayton): “Crypto allows us to have a tool for payment.” (Clayton, Small Business Owner, George Plumbing) - [](https://nca.org/stories/victoria): “There are so many possibilities available with crypto.” (Victoria, Supply Chain Manager) - [](https://nca.org/stories/kristina): “Crypto allows freedom of financial movement.” (Kristina, Photographer) - [](https://nca.org/stories/karin): “Crypto gave me a way to rebuild.” (Karin, Trader) - [](https://nca.org/stories/brandon): “I can go anywhere I want and have the sovereignty to spend how I choose.” (Brandon, Realtor) - [](https://nca.org/stories/chrissi): “Everybody has access.” (Chrissi, Consultant) - [](https://nca.org/stories/jake): “Crypto gives me more autonomy over my own life and my finances.” (Jake, Contractor) - [](https://nca.org/stories/rob-and-mark): “Blockchain and crypto are transforming the way cattle are traded.” (Rob & Mark, Cattle Farmers) - [](https://nca.org/stories/jen-and-jason): “You don’t have to understand it all in order to benefit from it.” (Jen & Jason, Parents) - [](https://nca.org/stories/jouell): “Crypto became a bridge for me to connect to communities.” (Jouell, Educator) - [](https://nca.org/stories/tina): “Crypto brings a whole new dimension to gaming.” (Tina, Gamer) - [](https://nca.org/stories/autumn): “When most of us have access, we'll see a lot of new ways of doing things.” (Autumn, Artist) - [](https://nca.org/stories/hunter): “Given the option, half the people who work for me choose to be paid in crypto.” (Hunter, Content Creator) - [](https://nca.org/stories/max): “Crypto connects younger donors with causes that truly matter.” (Max, Movember Community Manager) ## Podcast - [Crypto Explained Podcast](https://nca.org/podcast): Crypto Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association. Every episode streams on this page. - [Episode 53: Crypto Custody Explained for Beginners](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-10-28, 11 min - [Episode 52: The State That Issued Its Own Digital Dollar](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-10-21, 39 min - [Episode 51: You Don’t Need a Lot of Money to Start](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-10-14, 38 min - [Episode 50: How to Start Learning Crypto From Zero](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-10-07, 38 min - [Episode 49: Most People First Meet Crypto Through Media](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-09-30, 34 min - [Episode 48: Companies Are Building the Rails for AI Payments, Part 2](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-09-23, 9 min - [Episode 47: The Clarity Act Did Not Get the Votes It Needed](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-09-16, 3 min - [Episode 46: Crypto and AI Are Using Each Other, Not Merging, Part 1](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-09-09, 8 min - [Episode 45: Crypto in the Real World](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-09-02, 36 min - [Episode 43: Why Wealth and Income Are Not the Same Thing](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-08-19, 54 min - [Episode 42: The Crypto Course With Nothing to Sell You](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-08-12, 45 min - [Episode 41: Crypto’s Impact on the Job Market and Economy](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-08-05, 34 min - [Episode 40: Crypto Security Explained](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-07-29, 7 min - [Episode 39: 5 Things You Need To Know About Stablecoins](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-07-22, 14 min - [Episode 38: 7 Things Nobody Tells You About Prediction Markets](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-07-15, 16 min - [Episode 37: Real Estate Tokenization Explained with Brandon Frans](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-07-08, 46 min - [Episode 36: Memecoins: Fact vs. Fiction](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-07-01, 13 min - [Episode 35: Making Sense of Crypto Finance Terms](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-06-24, 7 min - [Episode 34: A New Way to Access Crypto: Digital Asset Treasuries with Asheesh Birla](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-06-17, 49 min - [Episode 33: Crypto Policy Explained: What You Need to Know with Zunera Mazhar](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-06-10, 53 min - [Episode 32: Decoding the 5 Most Common Crypto Assets](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-06-04, 9 min - [Episode 31: The Surprising Way Ranchers Are Using Blockchain](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-05-27, 55 min - [Episode 30: Crypto Safety Explained: What the FBI Wants You to Know](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-05-20, 60 min - [Episode 29: Who Uses Crypto, Really? with Stu Alderoty](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-05-13, 50 min - [Episode 28: Behind Every Transaction: How Crypto Really Works](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-05-06, 8 min - [Episode 27: The Latest In Crypto: Breaking Down Recent Headlines](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-04-29, 17 min - [Episode 26: Inside the NCA: How Crypto, Explained Was Built with Ant Lillingston | VP of Marketing, NCA](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-04-22, 43 min - [Episode 25: The 5 Biggest Cryptocurrencies Explained](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-04-15, 11 min - [Episode 24: The Next Wave of Crypto Participation with PayPal + Karin | SXSW Panel](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-04-08, 29 min - [Episode 23: Reacting to Crypto Hot Takes](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-04-01, 13 min - [Episode 22: 5 Easy Ways to Start with Crypto with Stu Alderoty](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-03-24, 45 min - [Episode 21: Crypto, Explained: Taxes with Trisha Turner](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-03-18, 43 min - [Episode 20: Stablecoins in the Headlines: What the Latest News Actually Means](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-03-12, 14 min - [Episode 19: Crypto ETFs, Explained: Bridging Wall Street and Crypto](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-03-04, 15 min - [Episode 18: Stablecoins 101: The Digital Dollars Quietly Reshaping the Financial System](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-02-25, 47 min - [Episode 17: Crypto Curious vs Crypto Skeptical: How Couples Find Common Ground](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-02-18, 43 min - [Episode 16: Building on Blockchain with Dom & Phil Kwok, EasyA](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-02-11, 55 min - [Episode 15: Crypto Donations Explained: How Giving Really Works](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-02-04, 42 min - [Episode 14: Memecoins Explained: Hype, Risk, and How to Try Them Safely](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-01-28, 21 min - [Episode 13: NFTs Explained: 7 Questions You Need Answered](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-01-21, 18 min - [Episode 12: Crypto Smart Contracts Explained: 4 Essentials You Need to Know](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-01-14, 18 min - [Episode 11: 8 Simple Steps to Keep Your Crypto Secure](https://nca.org/podcast): 2026-01-07, 10 min - [Episode 10: Gaining Financial Freedom With Karin](https://nca.org/podcast): 2025-12-31, 39 min - [Episode 9: How Crypto Changes Value Movement](https://nca.org/podcast): 2025-12-24, 33 min - [Episode 8: Decoding Crypto Jargon with the NCA Team](https://nca.org/podcast): 2025-12-17, 36 min - [Episode 7: Crypto Scams and How to Easily Avoid Them](https://nca.org/podcast): 2025-12-10, 15 min - [Episode 6: Making Crypto Make Sense with Natalie Rix](https://nca.org/podcast): 2025-12-03, 50 min - [Episode 5: Listener Q&A: What Gives Crypto Value](https://nca.org/podcast): 2025-11-26, 17 min - [Episode 4: Crypto Wallets Explained](https://nca.org/podcast): 2025-11-19, 19 min - [Episode 3: The Biggest Crypto Myths Busted](https://nca.org/podcast): 2025-11-12, 43 min - [Episode 2: 7 Things You Need to Know About Blockchain](https://nca.org/podcast): 2025-11-05, 25 min - [Episode 1: What is Crypto, Really?](https://nca.org/podcast): 2025-11-05, 37 min ## About and contact - [About Us](https://nca.org/about): The National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) and its mission to help Americans make sense of crypto. - [Media Inquiries](https://nca.org/media-inquiries): Press contact form for the NCA PR team. Email: media@nca.org. - [Partner With Us](https://nca.org/partners/inquiry): Form for organizations that want to partner with the NCA. - [Sign Up](https://nca.org/signup): Sign up to join the NCA. ## Optional - [Full text](https://nca.org/llms-full.txt): This index plus the full text of every article and story, and answers to common questions about NCA research. - [Sitemap](https://nca.org/sitemap.xml): Every public URL on nca.org. - [Privacy Policy](https://nca.org/privacy-policy) - [Terms of Service](https://nca.org/terms) - [Terms and Conditions](https://nca.org/terms-and-conditions)