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.

Payments

Alipay expands in Europe; Stripe's valuation bouncing back

The Chinese technology giant is partnering with BNP Paribas to reach more merchants; Sequoia makes an investment offer that could boost confidence in Stripe; and more.

By John Adams and Bloomberg News

July 17
Payments

Visa, Mastercard won't raise European fees; Alipay adds AI copilots

The card networks extended an agreement to keep interchange the same for cards issued outside of the European Union; meanwhile Ant Group's Alipay adds a number of AI-powered assistants.

By John Adams and Bloomberg News

July 10
Regulation and compliance

Top executives at collapsed crypto bank Silvergate hit with SEC charges

Silvergate's former CEO and onetime chief risk officer settled allegations that they misled investors about the strength of the bank's anti-money laundering compliance program. Meanwhile, Silvergate's former CFO denied separate allegations by the SEC and vowed to defend himself in court.

By Kate Berry
Reporter

July 1
Bitcoin

Coinbase sues FDIC over efforts to debank crypto companies

The company says the FDIC's "pause letters" to banks and denial of Freedom of Information Act requests are illegal.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

June 28
BankThink Don't let the crypto industry buy its way to new regulatory policy

The cryptocurrency sector is only the latest in a long line of corporate interests seeking to distort our democracy by converting their financial power into political power.

June 27

Robert Weissman
2024 Women in Fintech

A digital eye on currency: Alisa DiCaprio

The Chief Economist at R3 is one of American Banker's 2024 Most Influential Women in Fintech.

By Frank Gargano
Data Reporter

June 23
2024 Innovator of the Year

Keeping current with Crypto: Cuy Sheffield

Since being tapped to lead the global crypto product team at Visa in June 2019, Sheffield has spearheaded projects like the expansion of the company's stablecoin settlement offerings for merchant acquirers and many others.

By Frank Gargano
Data Reporter

June 23

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.