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

Ethereum network backlog points to growing pains

Initial coin offerings seen causing bottleneck in the network; exchanges halt ethereum transactions.

June 21
Cross border payments

IMF: Digital currency could remake 'cumbersome' cross-border payments

Just as we call letters "snail mail," in the future people may consider bank transfers snail money.

By Brian Patrick Eha

June 21
Blockchain

Two big names turn to blockchain in digital ID chase

Microsoft and Accenture have unveiled a blockchain-based digital-identification system in connection with the ID2020 international initiative.

By Bryan Yurcan

June 19
GSE reform

‘Fannie and Freddie never needed a bailout’: Comments of the week

Readers chime in on the GSE conservatorships, bitcoin’s future, regulatory relief for regional banks, a recent Supreme Court ruling on debt collection, and more.

June 16
Cross border payments

Circle's free remittance model is a bombshell aimed at a different target

Circle free offering leaves a lot of money on the table, but it also stems from a fundamentally different approach to cross-border payments.

By Nick Holland
Senior Analyst

June 15
Distributed ledger technology

Delaware blockchain measure seeks to change 'very base' of financial system

Private companies incorporated in Delaware could start issuing and tracking shares of stock on a distributed ledger this summer.

By Brian Patrick Eha

June 13
Blockchain

Citigroup casts wide net on blockchain

A recently announced partnership with Nasdaq is one of multiple investments Citi has made in ventures related to distributed ledger technology, its chief financial officer said Tuesday.

By Andy Peters

June 13

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.