Trust remains the main barrier to widespread cryptocurrency adoption, according to representatives from the National Cryptocurrency Association, Circle, US Bank, and ChangeNOW at Consensus 2026 in Miami.
Ali Tager of the National Cryptocurrency Association said research shows that “the biggest barrier for non-crypto holders is lack of understanding,” noting that complexity, jargon and misinformation are persistent challenges.
Panelists from Circle, US Bank, and ChangeNOW said trust is built over time through user experience rather than technical claims. Circle’s Britt Cambas said, “Technical confidence doesn’t come in 30 seconds,” emphasizing clarity and reduced complexity as prerequisites for adoption.
Trust is at the heart of financial services and “very easily broken,” said Rachel Castro of US Bank, adding that once it is lost, it takes a long time to rebuild.
Speakers highlighted customer support and human interaction as key differentiators for cryptocurrency platforms. “The main element of trust for me with Web3 projects is the feeling of working with real people,” said ChangeNOW’s Pauline Shangett, noting the disparity in user support across the industry.
Mr. Canvas said it was important to reduce ambiguity in products and partnerships, noting that simplifying complex systems can drive adoption more effectively than new features.
Panelists also pointed to education as a necessary step to onboard new users. Tager said the industry needs to “make it very simple, accessible and trustworthy” to reach mainstream audiences.
The discussion, moderated by Ashley Wright, focused on designing systems that prioritize transparency, ease of use, and communication, with speakers agreeing that trust needs to be built into the overall product design, customer engagement, and regulatory framework, rather than being treated as a standalone feature.
