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

Circle pivots from bitcoin trading to mobile payments

One of the earliest bitcoin companies, Circle has attracted several rounds of investments and is beginning to diversify its strategic focus.

By Tanaya Macheel
Reporter

December 7
Blockchain

Blockchain payments platform Stellar launches global remittance network

Stellar, a Silicon Valley-based non-profit organization and blockchain platform that connects banks and payments systems, has gone global with partnerships in India, the Philippines, Africa and Europe.

By Tanaya Macheel
Reporter

December 6
BankThink Blockchain projects will pay off – 10 years from now

While there are a handful of payment pilots underway, the real benefit of blockchain for banks is a long-term proposition--and most early projects will be internal.

December 5

Paul Schaus

CCG Catalyst
Digital payments

R3 makes code for financial agreements platform open

The bank consortium R3 CEV has released its Corda platform as open source to encourage innovation and interoperability in the industry's development of blockchain technology.

By Tanaya Macheel
Reporter

November 30
Blockchain

Another bank (Santander) quits blockchain alliance R3

The Spanish banking giant Santander has withdrawn from the bank consortium R3 CEV, becoming the second defector from the blockchain group this week after Goldman Sachs.

By Tanaya Macheel
Reporter

November 22
Digital payments

Payments need a digital engine to drive the Internet of Things

Platforms designed for face-to-face or paper transactions may not be the best enabler of payments through connected devices, but a system born out of the digital payments world could fare better.

By David Heun
Associate Editor

November 10
Cross border payments

Volume and open tech play a role in cutting cross-border payment costs

Open source development has joined blockchain technology in a bid to take a bite out of banks' long-standing control over the international payments market.

By John Adams
Executive Editor, Payments

November 1

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.