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.

Digital banking

FDIC asks industry for input about digital assets

The agency issued a request for information to gather feedback about how institutions facilitate use of cryptocurrencies and other kinds of assets, and what factors regulators should weigh as they develop supervisory policies.

By Brendan Pedersen
Reporter

May 17
Digital currencies

The bankers turning free-spirited Libra into buttoned-down Diem

Silvergate Bank CEO Alan Lane, former HSBC executive Stuart Levey and experts at Anchorage Bank are helping Facebook make its digital currency more palatable to regulators and potential bank partners.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

May 17
Compliance

Why Diem chose to be regulated in the U.S.

The Facebook-affiliated stablecoin's move from Switzerland brings it to a country where regulators are familiar with crypto and rival currencies have already debuted.

By John Adams
Executive Editor, Payments

May 14
Law and regulation

Binance probed by U.S. as money laundering, tax sleuths bore in

Binance Holdings Ltd. is under investigation by the Justice Department and IRS, ensnaring the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange in U.S. efforts to root out illicit activity that’s thrived in the red-hot but mostly unregulated market.

May 13
Digital payments

Financial firms confront the threat of central bank digital currencies

Government digital currency projects have the potential to displace banks and fintechs from the payment process. But three major participants — Accenture, Ant Group and Swift — argue that incumbents have a role to play.

By John Adams
Executive Editor, Payments

May 13
Compliance

Silvergate Bank to issue Diem stablecoin

The Facebook-affiliated currency, formerly Libra, aims to benefit from the bank's blockchain expertise and regulatory status.

By John Adams
Executive Editor, Payments

May 12
Blockchain

Figure wins SEC approval to sell securities on its blockchain

The fintech already sells loans on its distributed-ledger-based trading platform but needed the Securities and Exchange Commission's blessing to bundle its mortgage and student loans into securities and sell them to investors.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

May 12

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.