Nearly 40% of Banks Will Offer Cryptocurrency Services to Customers

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The financial world is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation — and at its core is the growing integration of cryptocurrency into traditional banking. According to a 2022 banking outlook report by American Banker, a leading industry publication known for its focus on innovation, technology, and regulation, nearly 40% of global banking executives anticipate offering crypto-related services to retail clients within the year.

This shift is based on a survey of 175 banking leaders, including executives from regional, global, and community financial institutions. While only about 20% of banks currently offer crypto asset advisory services, and just 10% manage Bitcoin or other digital currencies in customer accounts, the momentum is clearly building.

👉 Discover how financial institutions are preparing for the digital asset revolution.

Growing Adoption Among Customers and Advisors

Despite cautious institutional adoption, customer interest in cryptocurrency is rising. The report reveals that approximately 4% of bank customers already own some form of cryptocurrency. More significantly, a majority of financial advisors expect this number to grow in 2022.

Currently, only 20% of financial advisors — described in the report as predominantly older white males — provide guidance on crypto investments. Even fewer, just over 10%, actively manage Bitcoin or digital assets within client portfolios. However, 60% of surveyed advisors believe crypto ownership among clients will increase, signaling a shift in perception and demand.

To meet this evolving need, banks are being urged to build more inclusive and representative teams. As the report notes, failing to adapt could result in lost revenue and relevance. “Waiting ten years to make these changes will impact profitability,” it warns.

Regulatory Momentum and Institutional Support

Regulatory clarity is another key driver behind banks’ growing interest in crypto. Around 66% of banking executives believe that stronger policy frameworks — particularly around stablecoins — could spur competition and innovation.

In the U.S., lawmakers and regulators have shown increasing support for digital assets. Some states have already taken action, such as Miami’s mayor opting to receive his salary in Bitcoin and promoting cleaner energy for mining operations. While it remains uncertain whether the U.S. will follow El Salvador’s lead in adopting Bitcoin as legal tender, the conversation is now mainstream.

In Europe, the European Union continues to debate comprehensive crypto regulations. With Switzerland emerging as a crypto-friendly hub, regulatory progress may accelerate. The EU faces pressure to act quickly — not only to support innovation but also to maintain its position in the global digital economy.

Meanwhile, the UK sees Brexit as an opportunity to lead in fintech and digital assets. The Treasury has recently consulted on regulating certain stablecoins, especially those pegged to fiat currencies or commodities. While the UK is ahead of many European nations in its path toward adopting a central bank digital currency (CBDC), consumer-facing services are still years away, according to a recent PwC analysis.

Central Bank Digital Currencies: A Game Changer?

The rise of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) adds another layer to the evolving financial landscape. Some countries view CBDCs as a defense against the uncontrolled spread of private cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Others see them as tools to attract blockchain-savvy investors and businesses.

2022 could be a pivotal year in determining which approach prevails: a closed system where national digital currencies dominate, or an open ecosystem where CBDCs coexist with private cryptocurrencies, serving as bridges between public monetary policy and private financial innovation.

👉 See how CBDCs and decentralized finance are reshaping global banking.

Real-World Moves by Forward-Thinking Banks

The trend isn't just theoretical — real institutions are taking action.

In December 2021, Mecro Bank, a Sweden-based crypto-friendly bank, announced a pilot program for digital asset custody services. The bank also plans to launch its own NFT collection and virtual banking experiences within metaverse platforms. Mecro Bank believes the metaverse will become a central hub for financial transactions, personal interactions, and business operations — making seamless financial management essential for immersive digital environments.

Similarly, Sygnum, a Swiss digital asset bank and trading platform, raised $90 million in January 2022, reaching an $800 million valuation. Backed by investors like Natixis, Animoca Brands, and Meta Investments, Sygnum has expanded its offerings to include DeFi token custody and trading for protocols like Aave, Uniswap, Curve, and MakerDAO. It has also enhanced banking services tied to USDC, a leading stablecoin.

These developments signal that traditional finance is not just watching the crypto space — it’s actively building within it.

The Road Ahead: Regulation, Innovation, and Competition

As more institutions enter the digital asset space, regulatory frameworks will continue to evolve. The goal? To balance innovation with risk management in an increasingly blurred line between financial and tech companies.

While uncertainty remains about the long-term trajectory of crypto markets, one thing is clear: the future will be more regulated, structured, and integrated. This is now an industry-wide consensus.

Anndy Lian, blockchain investor and author of Blockchain Revolution 2030, puts it succinctly: “Mainstream banks must take their customers’ crypto investment needs seriously — or risk losing them to crypto-first startups. The real question is whether they’ll fight for customer choice in the face of CBDCs or simply comply with central bank policies.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What percentage of banks currently offer cryptocurrency services?
A: Approximately 20% of banks currently provide crypto asset advisory services, with only about 10% managing digital currencies like Bitcoin in customer accounts.

Q: Why are banks starting to adopt cryptocurrency services?
A: Rising customer demand, increasing advisor expectations, regulatory developments, and competitive pressure are driving banks to explore crypto offerings.

Q: What role do central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) play in this shift?
A: CBDCs are shaping the future of money by offering governments control over digital currency while potentially coexisting with private cryptocurrencies in a hybrid financial ecosystem.

Q: Are financial advisors supportive of crypto investments?
A: While only a small fraction currently manage crypto assets, 60% of surveyed advisors expect client ownership of cryptocurrencies to increase in the near future.

Q: How are banks preparing for the metaverse and digital assets?
A: Banks like Mecro Bank are launching NFT projects and virtual banking experiences in metaverse platforms to stay relevant in emerging digital economies.

Q: Is regulatory approval slowing down crypto adoption in banking?
A: Regulation remains a challenge, but many banking executives believe clearer rules — especially around stablecoins — will actually accelerate innovation and competition.

👉 Stay ahead of the curve — explore the future of banking and digital assets today.

Core Keywords

The integration of cryptocurrency into traditional finance is no longer a question of if — but how fast. With nearly 40% of banks preparing to launch crypto offerings and regulators moving toward clearer frameworks, the era of institutional crypto adoption has officially begun.