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
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.
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Non-fungible tokens are taking the digital world by storm. They could displace traditional payment rails, but they could also be a handy tool for cybercrooks.
March 23
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Democratic leaders are encouraging the Federal Reserve to develop its own digital currency to expand financial services access. Chair Jerome Powell indicated the central bank plans to take a methodical approach.
March 22![“We have an obligation to be on the cutting edge of understanding the technological challenges, as well as the potential costs and benefits, of issuing a [central bank digital currency],” said Fed Chair Jerome Powell. But, he added, "Because we’re the world’s principal reserve currency, we don't need to rush this project, and we don't need to be first to market.”](https://arizent.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/aeb3835/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/1280x720!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsource-media-brightspot.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fdc%2Fb4fb547245f29e576203fc912f94%2Fpowell-jerome-bl-032221.jpg)
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Banks, credit card companies and digital payments processors are nervously watching the push to create an electronic alternative to the paper bills Americans carry in their wallets, or what some call a digital dollar and others call a Fedcoin.
March 22
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The former acting comptroller of the currency will help the technology company move its secure data exchange technology into the financial market.
March 15 -
Binance Holdings, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, has named prominent former U.S. politician Max Baucus as a policy and government relations adviser.
March 12
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Some bank regulators are allowing companies that offer digital currencies to apply for a charter, potentially giving them a path to the Federal Reserve system without proper oversight.
March 11
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Shortly after hearing a Securities and Exchange Commission suit against Ripple caused MoneyGram to step back from its collaboration with the blockchain company, Ripple says the partnership is fully severed.
March 8
![“We have an obligation to be on the cutting edge of understanding the technological challenges, as well as the potential costs and benefits, of issuing a [central bank digital currency],” said Fed Chair Jerome Powell. But, he added, "Because we’re the world’s principal reserve currency, we don't need to rush this project, and we don't need to be first to market.”](https://arizent.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3951e3f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1688+0+0/resize/1440x810!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsource-media-brightspot.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2F25%2Fdc%2Fb4fb547245f29e576203fc912f94%2Fpowell-jerome-bl-032221.jpg)
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