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.

Fintech

Brian Brooks joins blockchain company Spring Labs

The former acting comptroller of the currency will help the technology company move its secure data exchange technology into the financial market.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

March 15
Cryptocurrency

Largest crypto exchange names ex-U.S. senator Baucus adviser

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
BankThink The Fed needs to close backdoor to its payment rails

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

Rob Nichols

American Bankers Association
Blockchain

Ripple-MoneyGram pact is over

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.

By John Adams
Executive Editor, Payments

March 8
M&A

PayPal to acquire Curv to further its push into cryptocurrencies

PayPal Holdings Inc. said it will acquire the cryptocurrency firm Curv as it seeks to beef up its talent pool for handling digital currencies.

March 8
BankThink The Fed needs to close backdoor to its payment rails

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 3

Rob Nichols

American Bankers Association
M&A

PayPal in talks to acquire crypto storage firm Curv

PayPal Holdings Inc. is in talks to acquire the startup Curv, which helps companies transfer and store digital currencies.

March 2

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.