Interest in cryptocurrency, stablecoins, and other digital assets is gaining momentum within the banking sector, according to new findings from American Banker’s On-Chain Finance Report. However, the research reveals that only a small fraction of the market has transitioned beyond discussions into actionable plans.
The survey, conducted online in August and September 2025, included 142 employees from banks, credit unions, and payments companies, all of whom are well-versed in their institutions’ strategies regarding digital currencies.
Key Findings
Stablecoin Activities
Despite the buzz surrounding stablecoins, most banks and credit unions have yet to initiate any concrete plans. Only 2% of respondents reported having launched a stablecoin, while an equal percentage is piloting one. An additional 4% aim to launch or pilot a stablecoin in the future, and another 4% are considering partnerships for stablecoin issuance. Notably, 70% of respondents are either in early discussions about stablecoins or haven’t broached the topic at all.
Regional or national banks with over $10 billion in assets were the only group that had piloted or launched stablecoins, with 6% reporting some level of engagement. Conversely, community banks exhibited a significant number of leaders—24%—who have decided against issuing a stablecoin, while credit unions are in a more active discussion phase, with 43% contemplating their own stablecoin initiatives.
Digital Wallet Evolution
The debate continues among banking professionals regarding offering custody services for stablecoins and other digital currencies. While 15% of respondents indicated their institutions are planning to provide or are already offering digital wallet services for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether, 31% are discussing custody services but have no immediate plans to launch.
Support for stablecoins has been more limited, with 12% of respondents working on custodial support for these assets and 32% in discussions but lacking launch timelines. When broken down by institution type, 23% of regional or national banks are engaging in custody for public cryptocurrencies, compared to smaller figures from credit unions and community banks.
Cryptocurrency Checkout Options
Only a small percentage of banks and credit unions currently enable customers to transact using cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, though some have plans to expand these services. Eleven percent of respondents reported their organizations offer or plan to implement transactions in public cryptocurrencies within the next year, while 29% are in discussions without concrete plans.
For stablecoin transactions, 12% of respondents offer or plan the capability, with 31% currently discussing it. Among regional or national banks, 19% provide such transactional abilities, contrasted by only 2% of community banks and 14% of credit unions.
Investment in Digital Assets
Approximately 20% of experts surveyed stated that their organizations are holding public cryptocurrencies or are engaged in related markets. Close behind, 11% reported involvement with stablecoins, while assets like memecoins and NFTs attracted less than 3%. A significant 70% of respondents do not hold any digital assets on their books.
In terms of institutional engagement, 51% of regional or national banks are involved with public cryptocurrencies or stablecoins, compared to only 21% of credit unions and a mere 10% of community banks. Large banks are significantly more inclined to invest in these digital assets compared to their smaller counterparts.
Conclusion
The findings from American Banker highlight a burgeoning interest in digital currencies and assets among financial institutions, yet significant barriers remain. As discussions evolve into actionable strategies, it will be crucial to monitor how banks and credit unions adapt to the increasing demand for digital financial services. The ongoing series derived from this report promises to offer deeper insights into the changing landscape of on-chain finance.
