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

Credit unions gain access to one of world’s largest blockchain groups

A new partnership between NAFCU and Hyperledger is said to be the first such alliance between the blockchain consoritum and a financial services trade association.

By Lisa Freeman
Former Editor in Chief

October 24
Bitcoin

Bitcoin breaks $6K, hits new high

Trading on Friday afternoon pushed the cryptocurrency's market capitalization above $100 billion for the first time ever.

By Brian Patrick Eha

October 20
BankThink Jamie Dimon is right about cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies will not gain widespread traction with corporations and governments as long as there remain crucial questions about their volatility, risk, volume and shadowy affiliations.

October 20

Wolfgang Koester

FiREapps
BankThink Blockchain can power ubiquitous digital IDs and marketplaces

While the advent of the Internet offered the possibility of increased global connectivity, blockchain has the potential to take this advancement to the next level, writes Sergey Ponomarev, the CEO of SONM.

October 20

Sergey Ponomarev

SONM
Blockchain

Marriage of IoT payments, blockchain will drive 'machine economy'

Appliances, wearables, vehicles and other machines may deliver information directly to a blockchain that would validate personal and device identity.

By David Heun
Associate Editor

October 19
Technology

Why too much threat intel can be its own threat

Reflections and insights from the CUNA Tech and Operations & Member Experience Councils conferences held recenlty in Phoenix.

By W.B. King

October 18
Fintech

Web’s creator to fintech players: Beware the blockchain Frankenstein

Sir Tim Berners-Lee, creator of the World Wide Web, exhorted developers to think about unintended consequences, saying he felt guilty over the digital divide and the proliferation of fake news.

By Brian Patrick Eha

October 17

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.