Edward “Coach” Weinhaus, founding executive director of the CAFE Association, said in a press release that rapid growth in digital asset use makes it critical for industry leaders to expand consumer access, education, and support, following the addition of CoinFlip and Athena Bitcoin as founding members.
“Digital asset adoption is accelerating with more individuals moving from initial interest to active participation,” said Edward "Coach" Weinhaus. “CoinFlip and Athena demonstrate the kind of leadership necessary to ensure consumer access, education, and support. The association, with their support, will advance initiatives that strengthen consumer protections and foster consumer confidence in the digital economy.”
CAFE announced on January 29, 2026, that CoinFlip and Athena Bitcoin have joined as the association’s first founding members. According to the release, their involvement aims to advance consumer education campaigns, anti-fraud research, and best-practice frameworks. The statement underscores the growing adoption of digital assets and the need for standards across payment systems, with industry members contributing expertise to protect users.
Blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs reports an increase in global cryptocurrency adoption alongside a surge in stablecoin usage. Between January and July 2025, India and the United States ranked among the top countries for adoption. Stablecoin transaction volume surpassed $4 trillion year-to-date, indicating that more users are engaging actively rather than just exploring.
According to data from industry tracker Coin ATM Radar, physical on-ramps continue to expand with steady growth in crypto kiosks throughout 2025. Net installations averaged nearly four per day, bringing total machines to approximately 39,158 by year-end. This infrastructure supports new users transitioning from cash to crypto, aligning with CAFE’s focus on access combined with education and safeguards.
Upon its launch in October 2025, CAFE positioned itself at the intersection of consumer protection and industry responsibility. Weinhaus said that the nonprofit’s mission is to protect vulnerable populations by providing trusted resources and supporting companies committed to ethical practices while establishing credibility for standards and educational efforts.
