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.

BankThink Smart contracts don't take crypto firms out of regulatory range

The Department of Justice can still investigate and arrest the developers behind the automatic transactions, says Exante's Anatoliy Knyazev.

October 22

Anatoliy Knyazev

Exante
Bitcoin

How PayPal’s approach to crypto breaks with precedent

PayPal isn’t the first company to open its platform to cryptocurrencies, but its technique is more hands-on than most payment providers.

By Kate Fitzgerald
Senior Editor, Payments

October 21
PayPal

Bitcoin on the brink of fresh 2020 high following PayPal embrace

Bitcoin approached a high for the year after PayPal Holdings Inc. announced it will allow customers to use cryptocurrencies.

October 21
Blockchain

BNP Paribas out front on digital asset storage

National banks just got the OCC's go-ahead this summer to hold and transfer digital assets like bitcoin for customers, but the Paris-based bank has already vetted the technology needed to do the job.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

October 20
Digital banking

BofA adapting consumer tech for use with corporate clients

Bank of America is applying a familiar arsenal — including APIs and its popular virtual assistant, Erica — to online business banking, cross-border payments and cash management in an effort to modernize those services.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

October 15
BankThink Strong regulatory moves show crypto firms need to comply like regular banks

The control of crypto exchanges will resemble that of regular financial companies in Europe and the U.S., says Extante's Anatoliy Knyazev.

October 14

Anatoliy Knyazev

Exante
Bitcoin

Banks are permitted to hold crypto assets. Will they?

In July, the OCC issued a letter clarifying that federally chartered banks can store cryptocurrency assets for their clients. A recent global survey finds that many are wary of the risks.

By Miriam Cross
Tech Reporter

October 5

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.