Banks

Coinbase said it is collaborating with leading U.S. banks on stablecoin projects and pilot crypto services, with CEO Brian Armstrong noting banks are "leaning into this as an opportunity." The move reflects a growing, if cautious, Wall Street interest in crypto infrastructure.

Authorities have widened the digital ruble pilot to more than 20 banks and remote regions, including Crimea, as preparations continue for a full launch planned in 2026.

Ten European banks, including ING and UniCredit, have set up an Amsterdam company to issue a euro-pegged stablecoin intended to challenge U.S. dominance in digital payments. The initiative signals a coordinated push by incumbent banks to reclaim payment rails and accelerate euro-based digital transactions.

Fed Governor Michelle Bowman said regulators are preparing new rules aimed at banks and stablecoins, flagging tighter oversight to address risks and regulatory gaps. The announcement points to forthcoming policy moves that could reshape how banks interact with stablecoin issuers.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin described privacy as ‘hygiene’ following a major U.S. bank data breach that has pushed users toward crypto-focused privacy tools. The incident has renewed attention on privacy protocols and Ethereum-layer solutions.

The chair of the Basel Committee told the Financial Times that global bank capital rules need a major rethink to address crypto-related risks, arguing current frameworks are inadequate. The call could prompt regulators to tighten capital requirements for banks with crypto exposure.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has authorized U.S. banks to hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and XRP on their balance sheets to cover on-chain gas and transaction fees. The move clarifies banks can maintain small token balances for operational use rather than relying solely on external wallets.

BNY Mellon joined Citi and Bernstein in forecasting up to $3.6 trillion of stablecoins and tokenized deposits by 2030, arguing these forms of digital cash will streamline corporate treasury and replace correspondent banking friction. The trend could sideline public chains like Bitcoin and Ethereum as settlement rails.