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.

SEC enforcement

Ripple says it faces SEC lawsuit as cryptocurrency XRP drops

The company did not disclose the nature of the suit, but CEO Brad Garlinghouse has long disputed the Securities and Exchange Commission's claim that XRP is a security, not a currency.

December 22
Custody banks

Northern Trust, Fidelity join small club managing crypto assets

They're among a handful of companies willing to hold clients' digital assets for safekeeping. Many of their peers balk at the reputational and financial risks.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

December 16
Crime and misconduct

Crypto firm co-founder gets year in prison over debit card scam

A co-founder of a cryptocurrency firm was sentenced to a year in prison after pleading guilty to tricking investors out of more than $25 million in an investment scam promoted with the help of celebrities including Floyd Mayweather and the musician DJ Khaled.

December 16
Bitcoin

Quontic Bank launches bitcoin rewards checking with help from NYDIG

The community bank and fintech are offering the first live bank account and debit card that offer rewards in the form of bitcoin.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

December 15
BankThink Smart contracts can help central bank currencies embrace innovation

From brokering insurance contracts to financial settlements, smart contracts could bring immense innovation to CBDCs that otherwise would act as little more than an augmented medium of exchange, says Cypherium's Sky Guo.

December 14

Sky Guo

Crypherium
Digital payments

Why i2c bets crypto will go mainstream

During his 18-year run at Visa driving innovation and strategic partnerships, one of Jim McCarthy’s frustrations was seeing how long it sometimes takes for financial institutions and issuers to embrace new technology.

By Kate Fitzgerald
Senior Editor, Payments

December 11
Custody Services

Two cryptocurrency firms seek OCC approval to charter trust banks

BitPay and Paxos are only the latest digital currency companies to pursue a national charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

By Brendan Pedersen
Reporter

December 10

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.