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.

Distributed ledger technology

Blockchain collective snags big fish: Ripple

Becoming a member of Hyperledger fits Ripple’s ideal of allowing different blockchains or distributed ledgers to communicate with each other.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

March 29
Blockchain

CULedger joins global blockchain network

The CU blockchain vendor joins global entities like American Express, IBM and Samsung in a consortium aimed at creating distributed ledger technologies.

By Nathan DiCamillo

March 28
BankThink Cryptocurrency markets are a blur. SEC can do something about it

Confusion over whether certain digital currency transactions are considered securities is shutting many U.S. investors out of initial coin offerings and spurring illegal behavior.

March 28

Alexandra Damsker
Bank technology

Can blockchain ease banks’ digital-identity concerns?

A startup called Spring Labs has launched a blockchain network with the goal of getting lenders and data providers to share data to help verify customers' identity.

By Bryan Yurcan

March 27
Venture capital

Morgan Creek acquires Full Tilt Capital for blockchain push

Just two months after going all-in on crypto, venture firm Full Tilt Capital LLC has been acquired by a hedge fund looking to make a big bet on blockchain.

March 27
BankThink Here's how blockchain could help the mortgage industry

Governments are studying ways blockchain can safeguard property records and simplify how they get tracked.

March 26

Michael E. Reyen

Hodgson Russ
Blockchain

The reasons U.S. blockchain adoption has stalled

JPMorgan Chase is said to be dropping its Quorum blockchain technology, and little is happening with other blockchain projects that have been in the works for years. What gives?

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

March 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.