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.

UBS

UBS allows wealthy clients to trade crypto ETFs in Hong Kong

UBS joined rivals such as HSBC in allowing clients in Hong Kong to trade some crypto-linked exchange-traded funds amid a push by the city to foster a digital-asset hub.

November 10
Payments

HSBC, Ripple to launch digital assets custody for tokenized securities

HSBC plans to offer institutional clients a custody service for digital assets such as tokenized securities, the bank's latest move in the new area of finance.

November 8
Industry News

FTX investors shift focus to celebrity endorsers after SBF conviction

A sweeping class-action suit in Miami federal court by investors who claim they lost billions in the collapse of FTX and seek to pin blame not just on Bankman-Fried and his inner circle, but also on celebrities who were paid to endorse it to the masses, as well as bankers, accountants and lawyers who propped up the empire's legitimacy.

November 7
BankThink Is Sam Bankman-Fried a villain or was he in over his head?

His lawyers characterize him as a math nerd and not a criminal, but the mountain of evidence presented during his trial makes it hard to see him as innocent.

November 7

Penny Crosman

American Banker
AB - Technology

With the Sam Bankman-Fried trial over, can banks get back into crypto?

FTX's implosion made it even harder for crypto-related businesses to work with U.S. banks. With the fraud conviction of the company's founder, regulatory clarity may gradually come.

By Penny Crosman
Executive Editor, Technology at Arizent

November 6
Financial crimes

Bankman-Fried found guilty of fraud at FTX criminal trial

Sam Bankman-Fried was convicted of a massive fraud that led to the collapse of his FTX exchange, following a monthlong trial.

November 2
Payments

PayPal receives SEC subpoena focused on stablecoin work

The subpoena asks the company to produce documents tied to its work on the dollar-linked stablecoin PayPal USD. The company says in a regulatory filing that it's cooperating with the probe.

November 2

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.