Regulation and education experts unite to help close the crypto knowledge gap across the U.S.

Today, the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Americans understand and use crypto with confidence, announced the formation of its inaugural Advisory Board. The newly appointed Board includes distinguished leaders from finance, regulation and education, each bringing a wealth of experience to guide the organization’s mission and support crypto literacy nationwide.

“These experts represent the forefront of financial regulation, academic research, and tech innovation,” said Stuart Alderoty, President of the National Cryptocurrency Association. “Their insights and leadership will be invaluable as we work to equip U.S. consumers and businesses with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate and engage with the evolving crypto landscape.”

The Advisory Board members include:

• Chris Giancarlo, Former Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Author of “CryptoDad - The Fight for the Future of Money” (Wiley 2022)
• Jo Ann Barefoot, Co-Founder and CEO of the Alliance for Innovative Regulation (AIR), Senior Fellow Emerita at the Harvard Kennedy School Center for Business & Government, former partner at KPMG, and Fintech Hall of Fame inductee
• Dr. Campbell Harvey, Professor of Finance at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), and former President of the American Finance Association

“The U.S. is at a pivotal moment in shaping the future of digital assets,” said Chris Giancarlo, former Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. “Clear, smart policy is key to ensuring consumer protection. As crypto regulation continues to advance across the country, I'm proud to support the NCA's efforts to inform Americans about new laws and policies that promote the responsible use of crypto.”

The Advisory Board will serve as a strategic sounding board, informing the organization’s educational initiatives, public engagement strategies, and policy positioning. Their collective experience will help ensure the NCA remains a trusted, nonpartisan resource for consumers, policymakers, and stakeholders.

“In an era of rapid innovation and scrutiny, broader crypto adoption hinges on clear, accessible, and trustworthy information,” said Jo Ann Barefoot, Co-Founder and CEO of the Alliance for Innovative Regulation (AIR). “I'm honored to work alongside the NCA to fill these resource gaps and foster safe crypto use for the 55 million Americans who have already embraced the technology, as well as countless others curious to learn more.”

The NCA recently surveyed U.S. adults who don’t currently hold crypto and found 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. 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.

“Crypto is now mainstream, yet for many Americans, it remains poorly understood,” said Dr. Campbell Harvey, Professor of Finance at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. “Widespread literacy and education are essential to empower consumers to make informed decisions and promote a healthy, innovative financial ecosystem for all. I’m excited to help turn this vision into reality as part of the NCA’s new Advisory Board.”

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 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.

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