American Express (Amex) views cryptocurrency as an asset class, according to CEO Steve Squeri. He added that at this time, the company does not see cryptocurrency as an immediate or medium-term threat to its business.
American Express CEO Discusses Crypto Strategy
American Express (Amex) President and CEO Steve Squeri answered some questions about cryptocurrencies during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call on Tuesday.
Squeri said, “When it comes to cryptocurrencies, we look at cryptocurrencies… We think across the spectrum of digital currencies. We think about cryptocurrencies. We think about stablecoins. We think of central bank digital currency [CBDC].” The CEO continued:
At this particular time, we see cryptocurrency more as an asset class.Regarding the use of cryptocurrencies as a currency for payments, he said, “it’s kind of hard to use that way.”
The American Express executive further noted, “And when it comes to blockchain, we have investments in blockchain companies… We constantly look at blockchain and ask ‘are there use cases for us?'”
Commenting on stablecoins and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), Squeri said, “As far as stablecoins and NFTs and things like that, obviously we are partnering with the NBA and Top Shot. And we will look for ways to get involved.”
However, the CEO revealed, “We are probably not going to offer a cryptographic card.”
He also opined:
We keep an eye on the cryptocurrency if it becomes more stable. But at the moment, I don't see this as an immediate or medium-term threat to our business. 