The world of cryptocurrency and digital assets is evolving rapidly, and financial advisors are increasingly recognizing the need to stay ahead of the curve. With institutional adoption rising and client demand growing, 2022 marked a pivotal shift — not just in market activity, but in the professional imperative for advisors to gain comprehensive crypto education. But with so many resources available, the question remains: where should advisors turn for reliable, in-depth learning?
This article explores the leading educational platforms designed specifically for financial professionals, evaluates their strengths, and considers the future of crypto education within established financial certifications.
The Growing Demand for Crypto Knowledge
The digital asset space is no longer a niche interest — it's a multibillion-dollar asset class influencing investment strategies, estate planning, tax considerations, and intergenerational wealth transfer. As Ric Edelman, founder of the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals (DACFP), notes:
“The digital assets space is exploding, the level of interest is growing exponentially.”
Despite minimal marketing, DACFP’s certificate program has already attracted over 1,500 enrolled advisors, with 600 completing the coursework. This surge reflects a broader industry trend: advisors are actively seeking structured, credible education to serve clients confidently and compliantly.
👉 Discover how top financial professionals are mastering crypto through expert-led programs.
Leading Crypto Education Platforms for Advisors
1. Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals (DACFP) – Certificate in Blockchain and Digital Assets
DACFP’s offering stands out for its authoritative curriculum and high-profile instructors. The program delivers 13 hours of self-study content split into two comprehensive parts:
- Part 1: Focuses on blockchain technology fundamentals.
- Part 2: Guides advisors on integrating digital assets into investment strategies.
Taught by industry leaders like Edelman himself, Lex Sokolin (Consensys), Brian Hamburger (MarketCounsel), and IBM’s Shawnna Hoffman, the course equips advisors to:
- Identify which clients may benefit from crypto allocation.
- Determine appropriate portfolio percentages.
- Select suitable investment vehicles.
- Navigate tax, regulatory, and compliance landscapes.
Edelman believes this will become the gold standard in advisor crypto education due to its depth and practical application.
2. Onramp Academy – Advisor-Centric Learning with Real-World Integration
Developed by Onramp Invest, Onramp Academy emphasizes real-world applicability. Its curriculum spans from foundational topics like “What is Bitcoin?” to advanced subjects such as:
- Crypto estate planning
- Tax-efficient strategies
- Portfolio diversification with digital assets
What sets Onramp apart is its ecosystem approach. In partnership with Galaxy Digital, CoinDesk, and Interaxis, it combines expert instruction with ongoing resources — including daily news updates and an active online community of financial professionals.
Caitlyn Cook, VP of Operations at Onramp Academy, stresses that advisors need more than product pitches:
“Advisors need to understand how crypto impacts their practice — and there’s not been a lot of content specific to those needs.”
Additionally, Onramp has proposed integrating digital asset education into established credentials like the CFP and CFA, arguing that these designations must evolve to reflect modern finance.
3. Certified Digital Assets Advisor (CDAA) – A Decentralized Approach
Created by PlannerDAO, the CDAA designation takes a unique path: it’s governed by a decentralized network of financial advisors. This peer-driven model ensures curriculum relevance and gives participants a voice in shaping the credential’s future.
Steve Larsen, CEO of PlannerDAO, explains:
“We view crypto as more of an ecosystem than an asset class — it touches employment, leisure, generational wealth, and tax planning.”
The CDAA offers comprehensive coverage across all digital asset domains and allows certified advisors to participate in governance decisions — a novel way to foster industry engagement and long-term commitment.
Comparing the Offerings: Which Is Right for You?
| Feature | DACFP | Onramp Academy | CDAA (PlannerDAO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Technology + strategy | Practice integration + ongoing learning | Ecosystem thinking + governance |
| Duration | 13 hours | Ongoing modules + updates | Comprehensive curriculum |
| Unique Benefit | Industry-leading instructors | Daily resources + community | Advisor-led governance |
While each platform has distinct strengths, they share a common goal: empowering advisors to move beyond surface-level knowledge and implement actionable strategies.
The Case for Integration into Traditional Certifications
Despite the rise of specialized programs, many experts believe the future of crypto education lies in integration with mainstream financial credentials.
Both the CFP Board and CFA Institute have already taken steps in this direction by approving external crypto courses — including DACFP’s program — for continuing education credit.
Onramp Academy advocates for embedding digital asset modules directly into CFP and CFA curricula. As Caitlyn Cook puts it:
“This is a multibillion-dollar asset class. The time to act is now.”
Standardizing crypto education across these widely respected designations would ensure consistent knowledge delivery and elevate professional standards across the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is crypto education necessary even if I don’t plan to recommend digital assets?
A: Yes. Even if you don’t actively promote crypto, clients will ask about it. Being informed allows you to provide balanced guidance and maintain trust.
Q: Do these programs offer continuing education (CE) credits?
A: Yes. DACFP’s certificate provides 13 hours of CE credit recognized by both CFP and CFA programs.
Q: Are there prerequisites for enrolling in these courses?
A: No formal prerequisites exist. Courses are designed for financial professionals at all knowledge levels.
Q: How much time does it take to complete a certification?
A: Most programs require 10–15 hours of study. Some, like Onramp Academy, offer modular learning that fits into busy schedules.
Q: Can I access course materials after completion?
A: Yes. Many platforms provide ongoing access to updates, research, and community forums.
Q: Is there a test or assessment required?
A: Yes. For example, Eaglebrook requires advisors to score over 70% on a knowledge test before advising clients on crypto strategies.
Final Thoughts: Education as a Strategic Imperative
Crypto isn’t a passing trend — it’s transforming the financial landscape. Advisors who invest in quality education today position themselves as trusted guides in an uncertain but high-potential space.
Whether through DACFP’s structured certificate, Onramp Academy’s integrated resources, or PlannerDAO’s community-driven CDAA, the tools are available. The next step is action.
As market volatility comes and goes, one thing remains constant: education never goes into a bear market.
👉 Start your journey toward crypto proficiency with a trusted learning platform today.