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

Will blockchain technology make food safer in the U.K.?

The U.K.’s Food Standard Agency completed its first successful blockchain pilot this month, with plans to expand the test in August.

By Carole Theriault

July 31
Bitcoin

Crypto bank makes belated debut after bitcoin plunge

The cryptocurrency-focused merchant bank Galaxy Digital, led by a former Goldman Sachs partner, will start trading on a Toronto exchange this week. Its journey is a cautionary tale in regulatory risk.

July 30
Blockchain

IBM, CLS launch blockchain banking app store

Banks that have decided to use Hyperledger Fabric now have a place to find apps that run on it — apps that someone else has tested. The store, LedgerConnect, is also meant to give vendors a way to distribute their wares to banks.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

July 30
Blockchain

Amex's blockchain plans go beyond payments to target marketing, rewards

American Express' blockchain patent application isn't just about payments: It could also radically change how card-based merchant offers are made and allow them to become much more targeted.

By Michael Moeser
Senior Content Strategist

July 26
Blockchain

PayStand, Quadpay join the Silicon Valley Bank-First Data fintech lab

Two payments startups, PayStand and Quadpay, are collaborating with Silicon Valley Bank and First Data during a four-month accelerator program to explore mutual product development opportunities.

By Kate Fitzgerald
Senior Editor, Payments

July 24
Prepaid cards

Wirex adds Ripple wallet, crypto conversion for Visa payments

Digital money platform Wirex has added a Ripple cryptocurrency wallet to its portfolio, giving its users the ability to exchange and spend Ripple's XRP token through their Wirex Visa cards.

By David Heun
Associate Editor

July 24
Blockchain

U.K. forecast to be world-class blockchain player by 2022

The research, carried out in coordination with the all-party U.K. parliamentary group on blockchain, profiles companies, think tanks, innovation hubs and individual players in the U.K.

By Carole Theriault

July 23

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.