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 Stimulus stumbles cry out for a digital dollar

A blockchain-based digital dollar deserves serious consideration if only because its adoption would mark the beginning of a modern, more efficient government payment structure, says Polyient Labs’ Jeff Hinkle.

July 6

Jeff Hinkle

Polyient Labs
BankThink PayPal's support shows bitcoin can be used for payments

The payment company's move refutes the "you can't spend it" argument against crypto, says METACO's Seamus Donoghue.

July 2

Seamus Donoghue

METACO
BankThink A global recession pushes decentralized finance to maturity

For the next several decades, more and more assets will be managed through blockchain, and the world of digital assets will thrive, says DeFiner.org's Jason Wu.

July 1

Jason Wu

DeFiner.org
BankThink Blockchain innovation should be as open as possible

We need to think more systematically about monetary structures and the control of monetary policy, says Cosmos co-founder Ethan Buchman.

June 30

Ethan Buchman

Cosmos
BankThink True decentralization is needed for financial inclusion and coronavirus stimulus

Fully decentralized digital currencies have far greater protection against total mismanagement and corruption of capital. Blockchain technology makes it practical for even state-controlled blockchains to make inflationary measures fair, says Nash's Fabio Canesin.

June 18

Fabio Canesin

Nash
Digital payments

Digital dollar seems inevitable, but details remain fuzzy

The push for a public option to digitize government payments has gotten stronger, and the discussion has moved on from whether it should happen to how it should happen.

By John Adams
Executive Editor, Payments

June 11
BankThink The digital dollar is bitcoin's ultimate catalyst

Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology embodies a unique set of properties that enable a rapid response toolkit for governments in times of crisis, says CoinFlip's Daniel Polotsky.

June 8

Daniel Polotsky

CoinFlip

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.