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.

Blockchain

Tech companies join 'sandbox' to test central bank digital currency ideas

Participants include Digital Asset and Ripple alongside others involved with foreign central bank digital currencies. The program is set to begin next month.

By Carter Pape
Technology Reporter

September 1
Industry News

Bankrupt Celsius seeks to return $50 million of locked crypto

Celsius Network, the bankrupt cryptocurrency lender, is seeking to give coins back to a sliver of users who are locked out of their accounts.

September 1
Blockchain

Ex-Goldman banker's crypto startup backed by key market makers

Flow Traders and Hudson River Trading have backed Sei Labs, a crypto startup founded by Goldman Sachs and Robinhood Markets veterans that is developing a blockchain aimed at speeding up decentralized finance transactions.

August 31
Payments

Latest global banking news

This week in global news, Afterpay makes way for Block's Cash App, Singapore plots a crypto crackdown, U.K. calls for fintech deregulation, and more.

By Editorial Staff

August 31
BankThink Is FedNow a mistake?

The Federal Reserve is closing in on the launch of its real-time payment settlement system next year. By that time it will be six years behind the private-sector alternative, and it could prove to be redundant to a future Fed-issued digital currency.

August 30

John Heltman

American Banker
Regulation and compliance

Lawmaker demands details from government, crypto firms on consumer fraud

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Illinois Democrat who chairs the House Oversight Committee's consumer protection panel, sent letters to regulators and crypto exchanges demanding more be done to curb crypto fraud.

By Brendan Pedersen
Reporter

August 30
OCC

Banks fire back at Warren over OCC crypto guidance

The Bank Policy Institute and the American Bankers Association asked acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael Hsu to deny Sen. Elizabeth Warren's request to rescind Trump-era cryptocurrency guidance.

By Claire Williams
Reporter

August 26

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.