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.

Regulation and compliance

Grayscale Chair Barry Silbert resigns while SEC mulls bitcoin ETF

Grayscale Investments, the cryptocurrency-trust manager vying for U.S. approval to convert the world's biggest bitcoin trust into an exchange-traded fund, says Silbert has resigned as its chairman. He heads a related company that is the subject of lawsuits by U.S. regulators.

December 26
Regulation and compliance

Four crypto developments to watch for in 2024

The crypto landscape is poised for significant developments in 2024, including a focus on tokenization, legislative uncertainties, a regulatory tug-of-war between the SEC and CFTC, and a potentially bullish year for Bitcoin.

By Ebrima Santos Sanneh
Reporter

December 26
Banking Crisis 2023

Dramatic collapses made 2023 the biggest year ever for bank failures

The five banks that went under in 2023 had nearly $550 billion of assets, the largest total in a single year. Here's a look back at how they unraveled.

By Kevin Wack
Banking Editor

December 13
Payments

CaixaBank forms gen AI team, Ripple rebrands cross-border payments

CaixaBank assembled a team of more than 100 people focused on generative artificial intelligence products, Ripple changed the name of RippleNet to Ripple Payments, and more.

By John Adams and Kate Fitzgerald

December 13
BankThink Three reasons why investors — and the financial system — should watch crypto in 2024

Several factors are combining that make it more likely bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies will become mainstream assets in 2024.

December 13

Anna Becker
Payments

Block furthers Bitcoin foray with new hardware wallet

Block is offering a new hardware Bitcoin wallet as crypto advocate Jack Dorsey focuses the payments company formerly known as Square more on security and self-governance for the digital-asset sector.

December 8
Fintech

BankSocial's plan to create a crypto-friendly credit union

Leaders of the Dallas-based crypto services platform BankSocial hope to further decentralized finance concepts throughout the industry by using distributed ledger technology to support the proposed Defy Federal Credit Union's offerings of a deposit account and cryptocurrency services.

By Frank Gargano
Data Reporter

December 7

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.