Most Banks Still Planning Crypto and Stablecoin Strategies, American Banker Finds
New American Banker research shows most banks are still planning crypto and stablecoin strategies, while a few early adopters have launched pilot projects.
New research from American Banker reveals a cautious, exploratory approach to crypto and stablecoins across the banking industry. While the majority of financial institutions are still hashing out plans and internal frameworks, a handful of banks have moved ahead and launched pilot projects that test real-world use cases for digital assets.
The study shows many banks are in planning or evaluation stages rather than full deployment. Teams are drafting roadmaps for tokenization, custody, and payment rails, but final decisions are often deferred as institutions weigh technical feasibility, compliance, and customer demand. Keywords like crypto strategy, stablecoin adoption, and digital asset roadmap are appearing increasingly in boardroom conversations.
At the same time, a small but visible group of institutions have already launched projects. These pilots range from limited stablecoin payment tests to trial custody services and partnerships with fintechs. Early adopters emphasize tight risk management, selective use cases (cross-border payments, liquidity management), and measured rollouts that gather operational data without exposing the bank to systemic risk.
Why the split? Regulatory uncertainty remains a primary barrier. Banks want clear guidance on stablecoin classification, custody rules, and anti-money-laundering requirements before scaling solutions. Technical and operational considerations — such as secure custody, interoperability, and ledger choice — also slow broader implementation. Many institutions prefer to build proofs of concept before committing capital and staff resources.
The landscape creates opportunity. Banks that move from planning to pilots can capture advantages in payments efficiency, settlement speed, and client services. Strategic fintech partnerships accelerate development, while robust compliance frameworks reduce regulatory friction. For customers, stablecoins promise faster cross-border transactions and new liquidity tools, but adoption will depend on trust and regulatory clarity.
Looking ahead, expect a phased migration: more pilots this year, targeted rollouts for high-value use cases, and regulatory updates that influence pace of adoption. Banks that combine careful risk management with pragmatic pilot testing are best positioned to lead when the market matures.
For industry observers and executives, the American Banker research underscores a moment of preparation — not panic. The future of crypto and stablecoins in banking will likely be evolutionary: slow and deliberate at first, then accelerated as regulation, technology, and customer demand align.