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.

Bitcoin

As crypto prices plummeted, some saw an opening for retail payments

Bitcoin is marked by wild value swings that would preclude robust usage for retail payment, but that’s not stopping companies from moving crypto closer to the point of sale.

By John Adams
Executive Editor, Payments

January 23
Fintech

Startup Anchorage invades cryptocustody turf coveted by banks

The company protects digital assets with hardware-based security, biometrics and quorums. Hedge funds are already signing on.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

January 23
Data Scientist

Can crowdsourcing mitigate a dearth of data scientists for banks?

Data scientists from NASA, Google and hundreds of other places are working for financial firms in their spare time. Is this a good idea?

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

January 22
Biometrics

Digital IDs would help unlock Canada's economy, bank group says

Canada needs to embrace digital identification to "unlock the full potential" of banking and the economy, Canadian Bankers Association Chief Executive Officer Neil Parmenter said.

January 15
BankThink New York's crypto task force will provide a sorely needed update

New York’s BitLicense regulation, which has resulted in only four license per year, is due for an informed revamping, argues Phil Berg, a lawyer at Otterbourg.

January 14

Phil Berg

Otterbourg
Alternative lending

Ripple's bank creep, LendUp's new CEO, regulatory competition: Top stories of the week

One bank's push to use Ripple's XRP in cross-border payments; LendUp spins off credit card business, names new CEO; a worrisome resurgence of rivalry among the banking agencies; and more from this week's most-read stories.

January 11
Blockchain

NYC opens Blockchain Center, staying course after bitcoin sinks

New York isn’t giving up on the digital-ledger technology that makes Bitcoin and other tokens work even after last year’s collapse of the cryptocurrency market.

January 10

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.