Argomenti trattati
On March 5, 2026, the American Fintech Council (AFC) announced that registration is open for its 10th Annual Policy Summit, scheduled for November 17, 2026 at Capital Turnaround in Washington, D.C.. The release frames the Summit as a central forum where regulators, lawmakers, and private-sector leaders will take stock of policy choices that shape the future of financial services. The announcement reiterated AFC’s role as a standards-oriented association representing innovative banks and fintech firms, emphasizing its position as a convening platform for cross-sector dialogue and practical policymaking.
The Council emphasized that, with more than 150 members and partners, the Summit is designed to surface a wide range of perspectives on industry trends and regulatory priorities. The organization positioned the event as both a catalyst for coalition building and a venue to advance responsible approaches to technology-driven finance. Attendees are being invited to explore themes such as consumer safeguards, market structure, and the implications of new tools for payments and lending—topics AFC describes as central to a transparent, customer-centric financial system.
What the summit will cover
The program will focus on several core themes intended to guide the sector’s evolution: responsible innovation, stronger consumer protection, and supervision of emerging technologies. Panels and conversations will examine the latest in digital assets, the governance of artificial intelligence in financial services, and practical models for bank–fintech partnerships. Speakers will also evaluate the changing landscape of credit and capital markets and the regulatory frameworks that influence them. In AFC’s framing, this balance between innovation and oversight is essential to expand access while guarding against systemic and consumer risks.
Programming and format
The Summit is planned as a full day of keynotes and panel sessions that combine policy discussion with implementation-focused dialogue. Expect a mix of moderated conversations, audience Q&A, and breakout sessions that are designed to translate regulatory principles into operational priorities for firms. The agenda will place equal weight on high-level strategy and granular questions about compliance, technology standards, and supervisory expectations. By blending strategic framing with executional detail, organizers aim to create actionable takeaways for participants across startups, established banks, and regulatory offices.
Who will attend and why it matters
AFC has traditionally attracted a cross-section of government and industry voices, and last year’s Summit illustrated that mix: participants included Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould, FDIC chair Travis Hill, Undersecretary of Domestic Finance Jonathan McKernan, and lawmakers such as Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI), Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), and Rep. Young Kim (R-CA). Those appearances underscored the event’s role as a place where policy trajectories are debated and where priorities are clarified in front of industry practitioners. For 2026, AFC expects expanded attendance as the venue moves to Capital Turnaround, signaling an ambition for the largest summit to date.
Voices shaping the conversation
Leaders from AFC framed the Summit as an opportunity to move beyond rhetoric toward collaborative solutions. AFC CEO Phil Goldfeder highlighted the association’s growth and described the gathering as a crossroads where diverse stakeholders can align on policies that both protect consumers and permit innovation to flourish. Ezra Garrett, Chair of AFC’s Board of Directors and Senior Vice President of Public Affairs & Impact at Oportun, emphasized the practical value of face-to-face engagement as regulatory frameworks evolve. Legal and industry supporters, including firms such as Chapman and Cutler LLP, have announced sponsorships tied to the November 17, 2026 event, reflecting broad institutional interest.
How to participate and next steps
Prospective attendees are encouraged to register early and explore opportunities to present or sponsor, as organizers note that sponsorships are selling fast. The AFC has provided channels for inquiries about speaking roles and exhibition space; these options are intended to ensure a mix of policy makers, regulators, and practitioners in the room. For those evaluating attendance, the Summit offers a concentrated venue for networking, policy influence, and staying current on the regulatory pathways that will shape the next phase of fintech development.