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.

Compliance

Libra, bitcoin to benefit from India’s Supreme Court overturning crypto ban

India's 2018 ban on banks servicing traders and businesses dealing with cryptocurrencies has been overturned by the country's Supreme Court, opening the door for bitcoin and Facebook’s Libra.

By Michael Moeser
Senior Content Strategist

March 4
Blockchain

A blockchain breakthrough at Credit Suisse. Will other banks follow?

An innovative approach to settling trades pioneered by the bank and the tech firm Paxos Trust could start a wave of real-life use of distributed ledgers on Wall Street.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

March 4
Facebook

Facebook weighs Libra revamp to address regulatory concerns

Facebook and its partners are considering redesigning the Libra cryptocurrency project so that the network accepts multiple coins, including those issued by central banks, in an effort to woo reluctant global regulators and rebuild momentum for the plan.

March 4
BankThink Bitcoin doesn’t launder money, Mr. Mnuchin. Money launderers do.

The Treasury secretary’s recent Senate testimony coming down on cryptocurrencies is misguided. Regulations should require building better blockchain technology at the banks.

March 2

Jeff Hinkle

Polyient Labs
Compliance

Actor Steven Seagal fined by SEC for touting bitcoin offering

Hollywood actor Steven Seagal agreed to settle U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission claims that he failed to disclose that he was being paid for promoting an initial coin offering conducted by a firm called Bitcoiin2Gen, or B2G.

February 27
Real-time payments

Brazil prepares for launch of instant payments

The central bank of Brazil will launch the Brazilian Instant Payments Scheme, or PIX, in November as the single brand for instant payment functionality.

By David Heun
Associate Editor

February 24
Blockchain

Can biometrics plug the weakness of blockchain?

There's been a lot of interest in using blockchain, the distributed ledger technology developed for bitcoin, to modernize payments and banking systems. But as with any technology, blockchain is only secure if its users can be trusted.

By David Heun
Associate Editor

February 24

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.