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.

Stablecoin

Fed's Bowman seeks level field for banks on digital assets

Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman said she wants banks to be competitive in the digital assets space, provided those operations are siloed from the traditional finance side of the business.

By Maria Volkova
Reporter

November 4
Payments

Exclusive research Bank execs say stablecoins, crypto here to stay

Findings from American Banker's On-Chain Finance Report show how market leaders view digital assets as a permanent fixture in the banking industry.

By Frank Gargano
Data Reporter

November 4
BankThink JPMorgan's move on crypto collateral is a watershed moment for banks

Reports that JPMorgan is planning to allow the use of crypto collateral against loans are good news for the crypto market. But Noelle Acheson argues that it's even better news for bank lending.

October 30

Noelle Acheson
Regulating Crypto

Crypto banks guardedly hopeful about 'skinny' master accounts

Anchorage Digital Bank, Custodia Bank and Erebor Bank could be among the first recipients of limited, special-purpose payment accounts recently floated by Federal Reserve Gov. Christopher Waller.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

October 28
2025 Most Powerful Women in Banking

BNY sees blockchain as future of finance infrastructure

BNY's Carolyn Weinberg believes blockchain technology could be the key to an always-on operating system for the New York-based custody bank.

By Melinda Huspen
Tech Reporter

October 23
BankThink Stablecoins are expanding the definition of what we call 'money'

Stablecoins aren't fungible, and yet they're considered an on-chain substitute for money. Noelle Acheson argues that this is about more than a shift in definitions.

October 23

Noelle Acheson
Tariffs

Policy uncertainty still looms for bankers and investors

Panelists speaking at American Banker's Most Powerful Women in Banking conference said they appreciate the deregulatory efforts underway under Trump, but said clarity on tariffs and rules of the road for emerging technologies would unlock future growth.

By Ebrima Santos Sanneh
Reporter

October 22

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.