The
NATIVE FINANCE SUMMIT
January 27-29, 2026
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Tulsa, Oklahoma
The NAFSA Difference: Tribal Financial Advocacy Built for Impact
While many organizations work to uplift Tribal economic opportunities, NAFSA stands alone as the only 501(c)(6) trade association solely focused on Tribal financial services advocacy. Our structure empowers us to engage directly—and persistently—with lawmakers, regulators, and federal institutions to shape policy and protect sovereignty.
NAFSA ADVANTAGE
501(c)(6) Trade Association
Exclusive Focus on Tribal Financial Services
Governed by Tribal Nation Leadership
Frontline in Emerging Financial Technology
Complementary, Not Redundant
WHY IT MATTERS
Enables ongoing political lobbying and policy influence—unlike charitable nonprofits
No mission drift—our members’ financial sovereignty and innovation are our sole mission.
Authenticity through Tribal-led voting structure, not outside control.
Shaping Tribal engagement in crypto, DeFi, sovereign fintech, and digital finance
We fill a unique advocacy role, not duplicating charitable or educational orgs.
The Latest Financial News
Despite Funding Questions, CFPB to Continue Work During Government Shutdown
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) told staff earlier this week that it will continue to operate, even though the government is shut down as lawmakers are at an impasse regarding the budget. Since the watchdog agency’s funding is not set by Congress through annual appropriations, their funding would not…
NYDFS Superintendent Steps Down
New York’s Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) superintendent Adrienne Harris is stepping down, she announced, effective next month. The former Obama administration official leaves as the longest-serving NYDFS superintendent after a reform-heavy tenure that increased the national profile of the agency. “I\'d like to thank Superintendent Harris for her four…
Remembering Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. (1959-2025), One of Indian Country’s Most Dedicated Champions for Tribal Sovereignty
With great sadness, NAFSA today reflects on the life of Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., who history will remember as a relentless giant and a tireless champion for all of Indian Country. In addition to his unparalleled record of leadership, we will remember Ernie for his true warrior…
Trump Administration’s Attempts to Fire Fed’s Cook Head to Supreme Court
Last week, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to immediately allow President Trump to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook while the case against her continues in an appeals court. Chief Justice John Roberts asked for a response from Cook by September 25, and arguments in the case will…
OCC Greenlights Banks’ Crypto Activities
Jonathan Gould, head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), said earlier this month that the crypto activities that many banks want to participate in are legally permissible. He wants to eradicate a two-tiered system that stigmatizes these activities and makes it more difficult for banks to…
Congressional Budget Cuts Signal Likely Impending Workforce Reductions at CFPB
Funding cuts imposed by the budget bill that was approved by Congress and signed into law earlier this year will likely lead to more workforce reductions at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), recent reporting suggests. The CFPB sent an email last week notifying staff to anticipate upcoming reductions in…
CFPB Issues Deregulatory Agenda For Measures Under Consideration Through May 2026
Last week, the CFPB published its long-awaited Spring 2025 Unified Agenda, which outlines 24 regulatory items the Bureau intends to consider over the next nine months. The efforts largely focus on updating projects, reconsidering rulemakings, and adding limited new initiatives. Many of the included actions would roll back or rescind…
Americans Pessimistic on Economy with Nearly Half Believing It Will Get Worse Over the Next Year
A newly released poll conduct by the Wall Street Journal/NORC has revealed that pessimism about the economy is reaching all-time highs, with 45 percent of Americans believing that the state of the economy will get worse in the coming year. Only 25 percent believe that it will improve, with 29…
Trump Attempts to Fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook, Lawsuit Pending
Last week, President Donald Trump tried to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook under the pretense of mortgage fraud allegations. Trump said the move was “effective immediately,” however, Cook’s lawyer Anne Lowell revealed that she has sued the Administration and is seeking an injunction from a federal district court to…
CFPB Seeking Comments on Open Banking
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is issuing an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comments on its 2024 open banking rule. The comment period will last for 60 days, offering an opportunity for banks, fintechs, and other institutions to shape the rule. The CFPB obtained a stay in federal…
The Impact of Tribal Financial Services: Case Studies
Coming from a history of staggering unemployment rates, limited opportunities, and lack of access to fundamental resources, Tribal Nations began sovereign lending businesses to create real change for the future. Subsequently, e-commerce has been a vehicle for supporting economic growth, Tribal services, and Tribal development. These are their stories.
Policy & Advocacy for Tribal Finance in the Digital Economy
NAFSA is actively shaping the policy landscape that governs the future of Tribal finance.
As the only national 501(c)(6) trade association focused exclusively on Tribal financial services, NAFSA continues to protect and advance sovereign Tribal financial services while also leading the national advocacy agenda around digital finance innovation in Indian Country.
We engage directly with federal agencies, policymakers, and regulatory bodies to ensure that Tribal Nations are not only included—but prioritized—in emerging financial policies related to:
Cryptocurrency and blockchain regulation
Decentralized finance (DeFi) and digital asset frameworks
Stablecoin policy and its implications for Tribal monetary sovereignty
Sovereign fintech regulation and Tribal digital financial infrastructure
Digital lending, e-commerce, and financial technology platforms under Tribal law
NAFSA advocates for Tribal governments’ inherent right to define, regulate, and benefit from these technologies on their own terms—free from preemption or exclusion by state or federal authorities. This includes advocating for Tribal Nations to have a clear and protected role in the evolving stablecoin ecosystem—whether as participants, regulators, or potential issuers—ensuring these tools can support digital commerce, payments, and long-term economic self-determination under Tribal jurisdiction.
Through ongoing policy development, lobbying, and strategic engagement, NAFSA is securing a future where digital finance is a tool for Tribal empowerment—not exclusion.
Our Mission
To advocate for Tribal sovereignty, promote responsible financial services, and provide better economic opportunity in Indian Country for the benefit of Tribal communities.
Promoting Tribal Consultation in Federal Policymaking
Engaging federal agency leadership to promote Tribal consultation and protect sovereignty in regulatory policymaking.
Convening Leadership at the Native Finance Summit
Hosting the Native Finance Summit to unite leaders and drive innovation in Tribal economic development.
Legal Advocacy Through Amicus Briefs
Advancing Tribal sovereignty by filing amicus briefs that shape legal precedent in key federal and Supreme Court cases.
Supporting Tribes in Emerging Financial Technologies
Supporting Tribal Nations through education and awareness to explore, understand, and shape their role in emerging financial technologies.
Coordinating Congressional Advocacy on Capitol Hill
Coordinating Capitol Hill Day to empower Tribal leaders in advocating directly with Congress on sovereignty and economic priorities.
Strengthening Tribal Financial Governance
Supporting Tribal governments in building strong financial oversight and regulatory infrastructure.
Narrative Change & Public Engagement
Shaping public understanding through narrative change, media outreach, and coalition-building.
Establishing Industry Standards
Setting industry best practices that ensure Tribal financial services are compliant, transparent, and sovereignty-driven.
Workforce Development
Building Native workforce pipelines through training, mentorship, and education.
