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

Crypto exchange ShapeShift raises $10.4M for growth

The exchange, founded by a bitcoin pioneer in 2014, is facilitating more than $50 million worth of transactions each month, as the "gold rush" in blockchain-based assets takes hold.

By Brian Patrick Eha

March 29
Distributed ledger technology

BBVA joins Linux Foundation's blockchain project

As blockchain projects have proliferated, the need for them to be compatible with one another has become paramount.

By Brian Patrick Eha

March 28
Blockchain

Accenture buying First Annapolis to boost payments expertise

Accenture has agreed to acquire First Annapolis Consulting in an effort to add payments expertise in several international markets.

By John Adams
Executive Editor, Payments

March 23
Distributed ledger technology

Web pioneer plans blockchain-based digital ad platform

Brave, founded by JavaScript creator and former Mozilla CEO Brendan Eich, intends to issue a cryptocurrency to fund the development of a new way to buy and view digital ads.

By Brian Patrick Eha

March 23
Bank technology

Coinbase granted N.Y. approval to offer ether trades

Coinbase has received approval from the New York State Department of Financial Services to offer trading of the digital currency ether, along with other products.

By Andy Peters

March 22
Blockchain

Banks pick IBM blockchain to expand digital ID project in Canada

Canadian banks hope to create an environment where consumers have more control over who is able to view their personal data.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

March 20
Blockchain

A Bell Labs-inspired initiative for open-source blockchain projects

BloqLabs, created by the startup Bloq, wants to help developers get their projects in front of enterprise clients.

By Brian Patrick Eha

March 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.