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.

Digital payments

IRS says ‘dozens’ of new crypto, cybercriminals are identified

The IRS’s criminal division identified “dozens” of potential cryptocurrency tax evaders or cybercriminals after a meeting with tax authorities from four other countries.

November 11
BankThink U.S. payments system could use an ally like Libra

China dominates the business. Facebook's proposed cryptocurrency could help alter the balance of power.

November 11

Allan D. Grody

Financial InterGroup Advisors
BankThink Let’s clear the air on bitcoin and blockchain

It’s been a bumpy decade for crypto and blockchain, but both are here to stay.

November 8

Brad Robertson

Polyient Labs
BankThink Let’s clear the air on bitcoin and blockchain

It’s been a bumpy decade for crypto and blockchain, but both are here to stay.

November 5

Brad Robertson

Polyient Labs
BankThink Retailers must act as if crypto payments are inevitable

To lay the groundwork for future success, retailers need to create a digital currency strategy. Most retailers and online brands are aware they need a digital currency plan but don't know where to start the process, says cryptocurrency lawyer Felix Shipkevich.

November 4
Election 2020

Slideshow 'Enough with the scare tactics': Comments of the week

Readers react to Sen. Warren's plan to weed out Washington corruption, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's testimony before Congress, restricting the Federal Reserve's proposed real-time payments system and more.

By Rachel Witkowski
Tech reporter

October 31
Bitcoin

‘Magic internet money’ may be too volatile to attain gold status

Back in early 2013, the website BitcoinTalk.org asked users to select a slogan for the embryonic cryptocurrency. The winner was “Magic Internet Money,” with runners-up “In Crypto We Trust” and “You Asked for Change, We Gave You Coins.”

October 31

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.