The National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), a non-profit organization focused on helping Americans better understand and use cryptocurrency, has released its 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report, revealing continued acceleration in crypto adoption across the United States.

According to the report, more than 67 million Americans now own cryptocurrency, representing an increase of 12 million holders compared to 2025. The study, conducted in partnership with The Harris Poll, surveyed 10,000 U.S. cryptocurrency holders between February 12 and March 3, 2026.

Every major blockchain application eventually collides with an identity problem. DeFi lending protocols that want to offer uncollateralized loans need to assess creditworthiness without holding custody of user data. DAO governance systems that want to prevent sybil attacks — one person controlling many wallets to accumulate disproportionate voting power — need to verify personhood without requiring real names. Regulatory compliance frameworks that require KYC create friction that is incompatible with the permissionless design of public blockchains.