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As the crypto market continues to grow in 2025, many Americans still feel lost in the complexity of it all. Stuart Alderoty, Chief Legal Officer at Ripple and President of the newly formed National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), is raising a red flag: over half of non-crypto holders in the US find researching crypto to be a confusing and frustrating task.
According to a recent NCA report, 55% of Americans who don’t own any digital assets say they’re overwhelmed when trying to understand the market. This is one of several key findings that underline the need for more accessible crypto education across the country.
The Push for Simplified Crypto Education
Alderoty, a prominent voice in the crypto legal space, shared the findings on social media platform X. He emphasized that there’s a significant gap in public knowledge, and that addressing it is crucial for responsible crypto adoption.
“We’re focused on clear, jargon-free resources to help everyday Americans understand crypto—because education is key to responsible adoption,” Alderoty said.
The NCA was founded in March 2025 with $50 million in funding from Ripple. Its goal is to become a leading force in public crypto education, particularly as more Americans show interest in the asset class. The organization aims to cut through the technical clutter and offer simplified tools and content that empower new users.
What the NCA Report Reveals
The report, published in Q2 2025, reveals that 49% of Americans say they lack basic knowledge about how cryptocurrencies work. Despite that, 68% express curiosity about using crypto but don’t know where to start.
The findings also point to a widespread fear of fraud. Over 40% of Americans worry about being scammed when dealing with crypto platforms or projects. This fear continues to act as a barrier to mainstream adoption.
However, there’s also growing demand. Around 42% of Americans say they are likely to use or buy crypto in 2025. The report also found that nearly 30% of the population wants access to simple, easy-to-understand educational resources before taking the plunge.
Ripple’s Strategic Role
Ripple’s backing of the NCA signals a strong commitment to long-term growth and public engagement in the crypto space. While Ripple has traditionally focused on enterprise blockchain solutions and cross-border payments, this move into public education shows a broader strategy.
By supporting a nonprofit aimed at clarifying digital assets for everyday Americans, Ripple could also improve its public image and expand its reach in the US market. This is especially important as regulators continue to scrutinize the industry and consumer protection becomes a key focus.
The Larger Picture: A Need for Trust and Clarity
As crypto adoption rises globally, the US has often lagged behind due to regulatory uncertainty and a lack of clear educational platforms. Alderoty’s comments and the NCA’s mission both respond to this challenge head-on.
The association plans to develop more accessible tools, including interactive guides, explainer videos, and beginner-friendly content to help users compare different cryptocurrencies, understand wallets and exchanges, and identify red flags when investing.
This kind of initiative could help rebuild trust in a market that has seen its fair share of scandals and collapses in recent years.
Final Thoughts
The crypto industry is evolving, but without proper education, a large segment of the population may continue to be left behind—or worse, fall victim to misinformation and scams. With Ripple’s support, the National Cryptocurrency Association could play a vital role in reshaping how Americans learn about and interact with digital assets.
As Alderoty puts it, simplifying crypto knowledge isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. And with nearly half the country still unclear about how crypto works, the time for action is now.
