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
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.
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A group of former FTX and Alameda Research employees plan to use the venture money to build out a cryptocurrency exchange called Backpack. It's one of the startups seeking to fill a gap left by the collapse of Sam Bankman-Fried's crypto empire.
February 28
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A report reveals Heartland Tri-State Bank's failure last year was due to its CEO being ensnared in a sophisticated investment scam that is taking more victims.
February 19
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The major U.S. card networks are pursuing financial inclusion in Egypt, the Reserve Bank of India works to bring central bank digital currencies to more users, and other news in this week's global roundup.
February 14
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With dominant industry personalities suddenly swept offstage, the evolving rules and regulations that will dictate the industry's future will be in the spotlight.
February 13
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Heartland Tri-State Bank, which failed after its CEO allegedly embezzled money to fund cryptocurrency investments, had received $21 million in advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank System.
February 12
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Federal prosecutors allege that Shan Hanes, the former CEO of the now defunct Heartland Tri-State Bank, illegally took money from customers to fund cryptocurrency investments. He could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
February 8 -
In correspondence with Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., the Federal Reserve and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said the Securities and Exchange Commission's proposed safeguarding rule could change banks' custody businesses.
February 5
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