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

U.S. Bancorp re-embraces bitcoin after end of Biden-era snag

The superregional bank, which pulled the plug on bitcoin custody services in 2022, is reintroducing those services following the demise of an unfavorable SEC rule.

By Allissa Kline

September 3
Letter to the editor Banks' opposition to national trust charters is disingenuous

The arguments banking trade groups are raising against granting charters to digital asset firms are the same scare tactics they used against money market funds, online brokers and fintech lenders.

September 3

Joshua Rosner
Blockchain

Why Commerce posted GDP data to nine blockchains

The department is aiming to boost transparency and win Trump's trust after poor economic numbers last month led to a bureaucrat's firing.

By Carter Pape

September 2
IPOs

Klarna, Gemini tee up initial public offerings

BNPL lender Klarna officially revived its highly anticipated IPO, and cryptocurrency exchange Gemini also announced plans for a public offering. The offerings follow Chime and Circle's blockbuster IPOs in June.

By Joey Pizzolato

September 2
BankThink Stablecoin custody could be the first step toward banking 'super-apps'

Noelle Acheson points out that, while banks are unlikely to issue stablecoins, the related businesses they are likely to end up offering could set the stage for a transformation of their relationship with their clients.

August 28

Noelle Acheson
Payments

EU may change CBDC to counter U.S. stablecoins

By using a public blockchain, a potential digital euro could be made more widely available. Plus, Klarna expands its merchant reach as it resurrects plans for an IPO, Binance faces an audit and more in the American Banker global payments and fintech roundup.

By John Adams

August 27
BankThink Clear stablecoin regulation will drive a return to 'narrow banking'

As stablecoins gain broader adoption in the U.S., they will eat into banks' deposits. As a result, lending in the U.S. may be increasingly funded by the wholesale capital markets.

August 25

Mike Cagney

Banks on deck for quarterly earnings amid tariffs mayhem: Live coverage

The first three months of the year coincide with the start of President Donald Trump's second term in office. Investors are likely to be more interested in banks' outlooks amid swings in tariff policy than the first-quarter results.

Live Updates

Multimedia

Resources

The latest American Banker research and discussion on Tariffs

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.