Crypto in Banking

Digital assets, tokenization, and the evolution of crypto in banking

American Banker delivers trusted, journalist-driven analysis on how banks are navigating the world of crypto. From regulatory updates to use cases for blockchain infrastructure, this portal explores how digital assets are reshaping payments, custody, compliance, and more. Whether you're building strategy or managing risk, our crypto coverage helps financial leaders stay ahead of disruption.

American Banker highlights the areas where crypto is intersecting with core banking functions like compliance, settlement, and liquidity management. Our reporting avoids the hype and focuses on what matters to banks: oversight, infrastructure, and risk. Whether you're shaping strategy or monitoring market shifts, this is where the industry's crypto story takes shape.

Payments

Payments provider Bolt Financial to buy crypto startup Wyre

The two San Francisco-based companies are seeking to provide a one-click cryptocurrency checkout system to simplify digital shopping.

April 7
Regulation and compliance

Yellen calls for ‘comprehensive’ crypto regulations

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen laid out her approach to crypto regulation, including banks' and other traditional financial firms’ exposures to the crypto market, in a speech at American University.

By Claire Williams
Reporter

April 7
BankThink What the president’s crypto order should have said

The executive order on cryptocurrencies leaves many important questions unaddressed.

April 6

Thomas P. Vartanian
Regulation and compliance

Another regulator moves to crypto world as JST hires from New York Fed

Martin Grant, who serve as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's chief compliance and ethics officer for more than 15 years, has joined JST Capital, a financial services firm for digital assets.

April 5
Fintech

Challenger bank Current plans to pursue decentralized finance

It began as an app for teens, but Current had its eye on cryptocurrency-related services from the start. The goal is to improve on the products it offers customers, such as above-market interest rates.

By Miriam Cross
Tech Reporter

April 1
Industry News

Banking news roundup

Citizens' overdraft break, Warren's digital-dollar push and more in banking news this week.

By Editorial Staff

April 1
Blockchain

Tech companies build banks a bridge from legacy systems to blockchains

BCC Group, BCware and Synadia will jointly develop Web3Link, which the companies say will help banks deploy smart contracts that work with their existing technology and decentralized finance environments.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

March 30

Frequently Asked Questions:

How is American Banker’s crypto coverage different from crypto-native sites?

We don’t cover meme coins or speculative investing. Our editorial team reports from a banking-first lens — focusing on regulation, enterprise use cases, compliance, and tech partnerships involving banks, fintechs, and regulators.

What are the main ways banks are engaging with crypto today?

Digital payments innovation
Cross-border payments using blockchain rails
Tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) like treasuries and mortgages
Compliance tech for crypto transactions and AML screening
Partnerships with fintechs and exchanges

Is crypto still relevant after recent market volatility?

Yes — especially for regulated institutions. Crypto markets may be volatile, but underlying blockchain infrastructure continues to attract investment and regulatory scrutiny. Banks are investing in long-term use cases, not short-term speculation. The focus is on efficiency, transparency, and fitting new technology into existing financial systems.

Who contributes to American Banker’s crypto coverage?

Our reporters and editors have deep experience in financial regulation, payments, and fintech. We regularly interview bank executives, technologists, regulators, and policy analysts — bringing you real-world insights that matter to institutions.

Can American Banker crypto insights be shared in boardrooms and risk committees?

Yes. Our reporting is regularly cited by bank leaders, shared in investment decks, and used to support internal discussions on innovation, risk appetite, and digital transformation. For redistribution, see our licensing terms.

How do I stay up-to-date on the latest crypto news?

We update our crypto coverage regularly — in response to breaking regulatory moves, major institutional adoption, and industry shifts. Check back daily or subscribe to our newsletters to stay current. Coverage includes interviews with banking leaders, policy updates from Washington, and analysis of the latest technology pilots. As crypto continues to evolve, our reporting helps financial professionals track what matters most.

What are the key crypto-related themes to watch right now?

Banks are keeping a close eye on the growth of stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and how blockchain is being used to streamline payments and settlement. At the same time, regulatory decisions around custody, licensing, and compliance are shaping what’s possible in the months ahead.