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

Moody's is working on scoring system for crypto stablecoins

Moody's is working on a scoring system for stablecoins, the crypto sector's most traded tokens, as the asset class grows and faces increased scrutiny from regulators and investors.

January 26
Bankruptcy

FTX says Wall Street heavyweights are among its creditors

The collapsed crypto exchange FTX owes money to a dizzying assortment of firms including Goldman Sachs Group and JPMorgan Chase, according to bankruptcy court documents.

January 26
Regulation and compliance

Warren praises SEC for making it harder for banks to custody crypto

Sen. Elizabeth Warren said Silvergate's connection with crypto and the traditional banking system raises the specter of a crypto collapse.

By Claire Williams
Reporter

January 25
Bitcoin

Bankrupt lender BlockFi to sell bitcoin mining machine-backed loans

The bankrupt crypto lender BlockFi plans to sell about $160 million of loans backed by around 68,000 bitcoin mining machines, according to two people familiar with the matter.

January 24
Blockchain

Binance acknowledges storing user funds with collateral in error

Binance Holdings, the world's largest crypto platform, acknowledged that it mistakenly keeps collateral for some of the tokens it issues in the same wallet as exchange customer funds.

January 24
Workforce management

Winklevoss twins' Gemini Trust cuts another 10% of workforce

Gemini Trust Co. is eliminating another 10% of its workforce, according to a person familiar with the matter, as the digital-asset firm founded by the billionaire twins Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss remains pressured by a monthslong industrywide slump.

January 23
Blockchain

Ethereum founder Buterin weighs a more private transaction system

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed a new system that would allow the blockchain's users to generate obfuscated addresses and receive funds privately on the network.

January 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.