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.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin skeptic Mark Cuban to invest in cryptocurrency fund

Mark Cuban wants in on the cryptocurrency boom even if it turns out he’s right that bitcoin is in a bubble.

August 22
Blockchain

That IBM blockchain? Northern Trust says it works

For high-value, low-volume transactions, that is. Big Blue formally launched the platform Tuesday, but the custody bank has been using it for months, as has a group of Canadian institutions.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

August 22
BankThink Cryptocurrency unlocks economic power for the people

Distribution methods are constantly changing and being altered so that the maximum amount of people can gain access to these unregulated currencies, writes Mariam Nishanian, a representative at Dentacoin.

August 21

Mariam Nishanian

Dentacoin
Fintech

Digital currency exchange readies expansion into hot U.S. market

The Japanese exchange bitFlyer has processed $30 billion in bitcoin trades so far in 2017. Now it has its sights set on American crypto enthusiasts.

By Brian Patrick Eha

August 18
Risk management

'He should never have joined': Comments of the week

Readers weigh in on the end of President Trump's business councils, what the Charlottesville, Va., clashes mean for banks, OSHA's mishandling of Wells Fargo whistleblower claims, community banks' embrace of blockchain, and more.

August 18
CUSOs

New CUSO will give credit unions access to shared ledger technology

CULedger, LLC is backed by CUNA, Mountain West CU Association, Best Innovation Group.

By Michael Bartlett

August 17
Bitcoin

'This is how money should be': Digital asset pioneer Erik Voorhees

In an in-depth Q&A, early bitcoin adopter Erik Voorhees, founder of the crypto exchange ShapeShift, discusses a new acquisition, an experimental investment product and the future of his industry.

By Brian Patrick Eha

August 16

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.