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.

Agentic Commerce

JPMorgan Payments' agentic commerce play; Ripple's Australian deal

The bank is partnering with a French software company to upgrade its usage of the emerging forms of artificial intelligence. Plus, Ripple plans to buy a local payment company to secure a license in Australia, and more in American Banker's global payments and fintech roundup.

By John Adams and Joey Pizzolato

March 11
Payments

Kraken's Fed master account could be the new normal

Kraken Financial's receipt of a limited Federal Reserve master account is leading some industry observers to question whether the approval creates a new avenue for master account-seekers or whether it's a preview of the proposed "skinny" account.

By Maria Volkova
Reporter

March 11
Blockchain

Clinton alum Eugene Ludwig courts banks for stablecoin alternative

Cari has lined up five banks so far to support tokenized deposits for transactions such as real-time payments.

By John Adams
Executive Editor, Payments

March 10
Tokenization

Nasdaq partners with Kraken for its tokenized stock plans

Nasdaq announced its partnership with the crypto exchange as part of an initiative for 24/7 trading that is pending regulatory approval from the SEC.

By Melinda Huspen
Tech Reporter

March 9
Licenses and charters

Zerohash is latest crypto firm to apply for a trust charter

The digital asset company, currently partnered with firms like Morgan Stanley and One Pay, is seeking its own national trust bank charter from the OCC.

By Melinda Huspen
Tech Reporter

March 6
Industry News

JPMorgan's Porretti departs, Goldman bankers pose for fashion shoot

JPMorganChase's Alfredo Porretti has left the firm; two junior Goldman Sachs bankers took part in a controversial fashion shoot; Societe Generale appointed Selina Cheung head of equity capital markets in Asia Pacific; and more in this week's banking news roundup.

By Traci Parks
Copy editor, American Banker

March 6
BankThink What do banks owe victims of romance scams?

Romance scams and other "pig butchering" frauds are growing rapidly. Should banks refund the stolen money? Not all agree on the answer to that question.

March 6

Paul Vigna

American Banker

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.