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.

Blockchain

Is Ripple 'the devil'? CEO defends its legality as the company grows

Ripple's role in streamlining international transactions and the popularity of its XRP tokens has boosted the company's value, but has also drawn critics who claim Ripple is illegally gaming the market.

By John Adams
Executive Editor, Payments

September 6
BankThink Younger patients will bring blockchain payments to health care

Blockchain technology has the potential to change the healthcare industry, placing the patient, at the center of the system by providing added security, privacy and interoperability to health data and payments, writes Donika Kraeva, strategic communications manager for Dentacoin.

September 6

Donika Kraeva

Dentacoin
Bitcoin

Ether tumbles in crypto selloff as Goldman slows trading plans

A fresh sign that the financial industry’s love affair with cryptocurrencies is cooling pummeled the largest tokens.

September 5
Venture capital

How a VC views the bank-fintech battle (hint: banks are losing)

Minal Hasan, a lawyer turned prominent fintech venture capitalist, has strong views on founder dramas, cryptocurrency, and why banks need to step up their technology game.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

September 4
BankThink Blockchain payments are a perfect match for Gen Z

Young consumers do not trust centralized authorities, making the distributed ledger attractive, according to Donika Kraeva, strategic communications manager for Dentacoin.

August 30

Donika Kraeva

Dentacoin
Blockchain

Data: Blockchain's course correction

Very few organizations have adopted blockchain technology for any meaningful day-to-day use. But a change could be afoot.

By Kate Fitzgerald
Senior Editor, Payments

August 29
BankThink Square Cash and Overstock’s bumps prove crypto’s youth appeal

Younger consumers’ intimacy with technology and wariness about traditional financial markets means these demographics have more trust in crypto, writes Csaba Csabai, founder and CEO of Inlock.

August 29

Csaba Csabai

Inlock

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.