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AMEX CEO Says Crypto Is Unlikely a Threat to Traditional Credit Cards

Crypto, though, can make cross-border payments “a lot more seamless,” he said.

Updated May 11, 2023, 7:06 p.m. Published Oct 23, 2021, 5:52 p.m.
American Express (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
American Express (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Traditional credit card payments will hold firm amid the growth of cryptocurrencies, American Express CEO Stephen Squeri predicted on the company’s third-quarter earnings call Friday.

  • Unlike crypto, traditional credit cards offer clients rewards, service and the ability to dispute charges, along with the ability to extend credit, Squeri said.
  • Squeri said he sees cryptocurrency much more as an asset class at this time, adding that clients don’t use AMEX to “buy stock” and doesn’t see them focusing on buying crypto either.
  • Squeri said he sees a role for digital currencies, however, adding they can make cross-border payments “a lot more seamless.”
  • Currently, AMEX’s biggest role in the crypto sector is in the non-fungible token and stablecoins universes, Squeri said, citing the card’s usage to buy digital collectibles such as NBA Top Shot.

Read more: American Express Invests in Institutional Trading Platform FalconX

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The chairman of the former bitcoin miner-turned-ether treasury firm reiterated his view that Ethereum is the future of finance.

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  • Tom Lee, chairman of Bitmine Immersion (BMNR), urged shareholders to approve an increase in the company's authorized share count from 500 million to 50 billion.
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