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 Regulating Libra’s a waste of time

What Facebook really needs is another heavyweight like Amazon or Google to help spur cryptocurrency competition.

July 3

William Michael Cunningham
Data privacy rules

Will Congress stop Facebook's Libra?

The rush to hold hearings in both the House and the Senate reflects broad skepticism across the political spectrum about the social network's plan to develop an alternative payment system.

By Neil Haggerty
Reporter

July 2
Compliance

PayPal, card networks may bear a ‘heavy burden’ with Facebook crypto plan

Visa, Mastercard and PayPal may have magnified the biggest risk they face — tougher regulation — by becoming early backers for Libra, Facebook's new digital money.

July 1
Fintech

BIS starts fintech hub as central banks look into crypto

The Bank for International Settlements is setting up shop to help officials who may need to speed up developing their own digital currency.

July 1
BankThink Virtual currency debate needed the jolt it got from Facebook

Facebook’s cryptocurrency pilot highlights just how important it is for regulators and banks to figure out where they land in the emerging monetary digital age.

July 1

Thomas P. Vartanian
Stress tests

Stress test results, BNY Mellon's digital play, bank reputations: Top stories of the week

Banks clear both rounds of stress tests (though two of them needed a do-over); BNY Mellon goes all-in on digital; bank industry struggles to stop slide in latest reputation survey; and more from this week's most-read stories.

June 28
Digital currencies

Goldman Sachs explores creating a digital coin like JPMorgan’s

CEO David Solomon said that Goldman is “absolutely’’ looking at digital currencies and conducting “extensive research’’ on tokenization.

June 28

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.