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 Blockchain payments need better standards

A standard for protocol layers and interoperability between protocols are needed to lower the threshold for businesses looking to adopt blockchain technology, writes Byung Ik Ahn, CEO of Fantom Foundation.

November 5

Byung Ik Ahn

Fantom Fondation
Compliance

'A toothless police dog in action': Comments of the week

Readers respond to an FTC settlement with SoFi, weigh calls to simplify Wells Fargo, consider crypto's revolving door and more.

By Victoria Finkle
BankThink Editor

November 1
Blockchain

Mastercard’s blockchain patents — what’s in it for banks?

The credit card company's filings mirror patents Bank of America, Barclays and TD Bank have submitted in the past two years that focus on how funds transfers and data security would augment blockchain technology.

By Will Hernandez

November 1
Blockchain

Developers find blockchain niches to counter big-data deals

As mega data collaborations among multinational companies threaten to dominate payment technology, developers are digging even deeper into decentralized models as a workaround to sell both greater data analysis and more security.

By John Adams
Executive Editor, Payments

November 1
BankThink Collaboration’s pushing the EU to the head of the blockchain pack

Europe has also taken active measures to support the innovation of platforms and applications, writes Donika Kreava, strategic communications manager at Dentacoin.

November 1

Donika Kraeva

Dentacoin
Blockchain

Can tokenization be the engine for crypto payments?

If cryptocurrency is ever going to become a viable payment option, it has to have bank-grade security — and bank support.

By David Heun
Associate Editor

November 1
BankThink The problems with crypto’s revolving door

Several former policymakers have joined virtual currency firms as directors or advisers, but the trend carries risks for officials and consumers alike if these companies stumble.

October 30

Lee Reiners

Duke Financial Economics Center

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.