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.

Bitcoin

Elon Musk may have hurt bitcoin more than he helped it

In raising the cryptocurrency's profile, the tech celebrity also demonstrated its extreme volatility.

By John Adams
Executive Editor, Payments

February 10
Acquirers

Facebook-backed Diem project lays groundwork for merchant acceptance

Newer partners like the Isreali fintech First are building connections to help stores enroll.

By John Adams
Executive Editor, Payments

February 9
De novo institutions

OCC approves trust charter for second crypto firm

Protego Trust Bank in Seattle will focus on providing custody services for investors that hold digital assets. The OCC decision comes weeks after the agency granted permission to a South Dakota trust company to offer crypto-related services.

By John Reosti
Reporter

February 5
Earnings

PayPal's record year helped by rapid rollout of new products

Its success was driven by its support for buying and selling cryptocurrencies and its entry into the buy now/pay later market.

By Michael Moeser
Senior Content Strategist

February 4
BankThink Digital currencies are at the start of their window

Major projects like Diem are moving crypto beyond its fan base, according to Icon Solutions' Simon Wilson.

February 4

Simon Wilson

Icon Solutions
Earnings

PayPal's record year helped by rapid rollout of new products

Its success was driven by its support for buying and selling cryptocurrencies, and its entry into the buy now/pay later market.

By Michael Moeser
Senior Content Strategist

February 3
Digital banking

Community bank enlists Coinbase, SAP to offer crypto

Vast Bank in Oklahoma is one of the first to allow customers to purchase digital currencies, a market that has proved lucrative for fintechs.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

February 3

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.