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.

B-to-B payments

Mastercard, R3 to test blockchain B2B payments

Mastercard and blockchain software provider R3 plan to test a new blockchain-enabled cross-border payments service to connect global faster payments rails supported by a Mastercard-operated clearing and settlement network.

By David Heun
Associate Editor

September 11
AML

Swiss say Libra needs license, anti-money laundering controls

Swiss financial regulator Finma said Libra would need a payment system license and would be subject to additional rules to take “bank-like” risks into account. The “highest international anti-money laundering standards” would also need to be applied, it said in a statement on Wednesday.

September 11
Branch banking

BB&T-SunTrust branch sale, GSE overhaul, CFPB's payday rule: Top stories of the week

Next up for BB&T-SunTrust: deciding where to unload branches; how the Trump administration would reform Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac; why the CFPB's payday rule is in the hands of a Texas judge; and more from this week's most-read stories.

September 6
Digital ID

Digital ID plans take shape as blockchain patents pile up

The patent office is getting buried in applications for distributed ledger systems, a mountain of documents that chart a clear course toward making static identity and password protection irrelevant.

By John Adams
Executive Editor, Payments

September 6
Bitcoin

Cryptocurrency AML software vendor Elliptic gets $23 million in funding

The company sees increasing consumer demand for cryptocurrency, especially in Asia, and gradual acceptance among financial institutions.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

September 4
Digital payments

ECB’s Mersche says siren of Libra is beguiling but treacherous

The European Central Bank’s key legal official Yves Mersch described Facebook Inc.’s plan for its Libra digital currency as “beguiling but treacherous,” in a defense of money issued by institutions such as his.

September 4
BankThink Traditional banks continue to flirt with obsolescence

Banks have to be more resourceful with technology and less dependent on high interest rates.

September 4

Brad Robertson

Polyient Labs

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.