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 Libra's top-down model doesn't match its financial inclusion mission

Its approach appears to exclude retailers and small business owners––the very commercial market that would stand to benefit the most from Libra’s social mission, says HotNow's Nithinan Boonyawattanapisut.

August 28

Nithinan Boonyawattanapisut

HotNow
BankThink FedNow service and blockchain closely linked

Crypto technology will play a major role in the central bank's real-time payments system.

August 26

Sky Guo

Crypherium
BankThink Beware the privacy risks that come with a crypto venture

The Financial Action Task Force’s recent guidance on data privacy regulations should serve as a warning to companies planning to test virtual currencies.

August 23

Dean Steinbeck

Horizen
Blockchain

BofA patent application hints at digital wallet plans

Bank of America has joined the likes of Walmart and Mastercard in seeking patents for blockchain technology that could be used for a digital currency or mobile wallet.

By John Adams
Executive Editor, Payments

August 19
Bitcoin

Crypto behemoth Binance planning a rival to Facebook’s Libra

One of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges is looking to partner with governments and companies to develop new digital currencies as it competes with the Libra project spearheaded by Facebook Inc.

August 19
BankThink Beware the privacy risks that come with a crypto venture

The Financial Action Task Force’s recent guidance on data privacy regulations should serve as a warning to companies planning to test virtual currencies.

August 19

Dean Steinbeck

Horizen
BankThink Libra's risk hurts crypto payments more than it helps

Facebook's cryptocurrency poses serious regulatory and economic challenges to global markets, argues Ralf Gladis, CEO of Computop.

August 19

Ralf Gladis

Computop

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.