Europe Outpaces U.S. in Crypto Banking, But Can It Maintain Its Lead?

While the U.S. grapples with crypto regulations, Europe has quietly taken the lead in integrating digital assets into its banking sector.

Over 50 European banks now offer services like custody, trading, and stablecoin transactions, making the continent the most crypto-friendly financial hub.

Circle’s Patrick Hansen highlighted this shift, noting that Europe’s early regulatory clarity—particularly through MiCA—has allowed its banks to establish a strong foundation. Meanwhile, the U.S. is still catching up, with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) only recently permitting banks to provide crypto custody services.

However, Europe’s dominance faces a potential challenge from the U.S., particularly with stablecoins. Pierre Gramegna of the European Stability Mechanism warned that the rise of dollar-backed stablecoins could weaken Europe’s monetary influence, especially if major tech firms integrate them into global payment networks.

Despite these concerns, European banks continue to push forward, benefiting from years of regulatory preparation. With a growing number of institutions embracing crypto, Europe remains ahead in bridging traditional finance with digital assets.