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.

SWIFT

Swift recruits big banks to test its new blockchain ledger

Seventeen banks, including BNY, Citi, HSBC, Standard Chartered and Wells Fargo, will make tokenized cross-border payments as the messaging network looks to counter threats from digital asset fintechs.

By Joey Pizzolato
Reporter

July 9
BankThink An 'always-on' treasury operation is becoming a banking necessity

To thrive in the new age of real-time payments, banks must invest in a continuous operating model that integrates payments, treasury and working capital into a seamless ecosystem.

July 8

Carl Slabicki
Financial literacy

Hamilton deepfake greets visitors to new finance museum

The Museum of American Finance opened a free, Smithsonian-affiliated home in Boston's Seaport on Friday, betting it can make money history stick.

By Carter Pape and Megan Ryan

July 2
Industry News

Pinnacle chooses new Midtown Atlanta HQ

Pinnacle Financial Partners' headquarters is moving to a new 25-story office tower in Midtown Atlanta; New Jersey-based Provident Bank appoints Adriano Duarte to succeed Thomas Lyons as chief financial officer; Binance will shut down services for customers in France, Italy, Spain and Poland after the exchange withdrew its MiCA licence application in Greece; and more in this week's banking news roundup.

By Traci Parks
Copy editor, American Banker

June 26
Bank Notes

What matters in the crypto-bank fight is ubiquity, not yield

Banks are merging the ubiquity of fiat money with the advantages of digital networks and are building the kinds of products crypto firms can't match.

By Paul Vigna
Managing Editor

June 24
Blockchain

ICE, OKX tap Andrew Cuomo to lead joint crypto venture

The former New York governor will chair a new effort aimed at tokenizing financial products on chain and bringing 24/7 digital trading to NYSE-listed assets.

By Jasmine Ni

June 22
Liquidity

FDIC floats counting discount window borrowing toward liquidity

Chair Travis Hill said the Silicon Valley Bank failure showed banks can't always sell securities fast enough to cover deposit outflows, but acknowledged the "stigma problem" with discount window borrowing remains unsolved.

By Jasmine Ni

June 18

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.