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.

AB - Technology

Stablecoin issuers say they’re unafraid of regulation

Calls are getting louder for the crypto firms to be regulated the way banks are. Here's why Circle, Paxos and Gemini, top issuers of the increasingly popular digital dollars, say they welcome new rules.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

October 4
Regulation and compliance

Treasury is pushing to impose banklike rules on stablecoins

A U.S. effort to regulate stablecoins favors policing them like lenders, which could jeopardize the future of tokens from firms that refuse to seek federal banking licenses.

October 1
Cyber security

DeFi platform mistakenly sends $89 million, CEO begs its return

A bug in a recent update of the decentralized finance platform Compound sent users nearly $90 million worth of cryptocurrency in error, leaving its creator’s CEO begging users to voluntarily send it back.

October 1
Fintech

Push to regulate crypto could test limits of CFPB's power

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau may investigate cryptocurrency providers for mistreating customers, but the agency’s supposed interest in the burgeoning sector is reviving a debate about the CFPB’s authority.

By Kate Berry
Reporter

September 27
Payments

China bans crypto transactions, vows to stop illegal mining

The country has long expressed displeasure with cryptocurrencies because of their ties to fraud and money laundering, and the excessive energy usage needed to produce them.

September 24
Credit unions

NCUA has asked credit unions to comment on crypto. So far, crickets.

Only one credit union has answered the National Credit Union Administration's call for feedback on how the industry views and uses cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.

By Frank Gargano
Data Reporter

September 21
Regulation and compliance

Coinbase drops crypto lending program plans after SEC balks

Coinbase Global is bowing to pressure from U.S. regulators and tabling plans to launch a product that would pay users interest for lending out their tokens.

September 20

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.