Native American Financial Services Association (NAFSA) Announces Inaugural Native Finance Summit To Be Held January 2026 in Tulsa, Oklahoma

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Andrew Ricci (andrew@ricconstrategic.com)

Summit Will Focus on Empowering Tribal Nations Through Emerging Financial Technologies & Sovereign Finance

Washington, D.C. (August 19, 2025)—The Native American Financial Services Association (NAFSA) announced today its inaugural Native Finance Summit, taking place January 27–29, 2026 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This 3-day national event will bring together a powerful lineup of Tribal leaders, financial professionals, legal experts, and industry innovators who are shaping the future of Tribal economic development and finance to explore actionable solutions that strengthen Tribal economic sovereignty.

“The Native Finance Summit is a critical platform to equip Tribal Nations with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving financial environment,” said Gary Davis, Executive Director of NAFSA. “We’re broadening the conversation beyond Tribal lending to include sovereign finance and new economic pathways that are aligned with the self-determined futures of Indigenous communities.”

For more information, visit https://nativefinance.org/native-finance-summit-2026/.

Under the theme “Empowering Tribal Nations Through the Emerging Financial Technologies of Tomorrow & Sovereign Finance,” the Native Finance Summit 2026 will provide practical insights and tools for Tribal nations navigating today’s complex financial landscape—while also looking ahead to future pathways for growth, innovation and investment.

This year’s program strikes a balance between honoring NAFSA’s advocacy roots in supporting Tribal economic self-determination and planting the seeds for broader understanding and advocacy focused on the emerging financial technologies of tomorrow. Key summit content focus areas include:

• Sovereign Innovation: Leveraging Digital Tools in Tribal Lending
  Explore how emerging technologies—from automation to AI—are enhancing operational excellence and responsible growth within Tribal lending ecosystems.
• Fintech Within Tribal Jurisdiction
  Discover how sovereign nations are positioning themselves as fintech-forward jurisdictions, crafting legal and regulatory environments that support digital economic growth.
• Governance & Compliance in Tribal Lending
  This session will explore strategies to strengthen compliance practices, governance frameworks, and operational transparency in support of sustainable Tribal lending enterprises.
• Economic Sovereignty in the Digital Age
  Tribes are navigating a rapidly changing funding landscape. Join a discussion on proactive planning for financial sovereignty in the face of federal uncertainty.
• Pathways to Asset Innovation in Indian Country
  Learn how new financial models are helping Tribes explore ways to modernize and reimagine asset management, ownership, and investment readiness.
• Energy Meets Digital: Opportunities in Resource-to-Wealth Conversions
  Gain high-level insights into how Tribes may consider harnessing energy resources and technology to support new streams of self-determined economic development.
• Intro to Decentralized Finance (DeFi) in a Tribal Context
  This accessible session provides a foundational overview of decentralized finance principles and examines its potential relevance for Indian Country.
• Modern Payments & Tribal Enterprise Strategy
  Hear how Native-owned businesses are considering new commerce models—including digital payments and loyalty tech—to stay ahead of market shifts.
• Safeguarding Tribal Online Lending’s Future
  Tribal online lending continues to serve as a critical revenue and sovereignty strategy. This session will cover how the sector is maturing, self-regulating, and advocating for long-term viability.

Programming highlights include:

Whether it’s a deep dive into regulatory trends, a conversation about tokenized revenue models, or a visionary look at the future of Tribal finance, this year’s speaker lineup will offer both practical takeaways and bold ideas.

• Keynotes from national policy influencers, legal experts, and Indigenous economic visionaries
• Expert panels on lending regulation, fintech infrastructure and emerging financial technologies
• Sessions are designed to empower Tribal leaders, regulators, enterprise managers, and financial professionals
• Strategic networking receptions and a trade show

Who Should Attend:

Whether your focus is sovereign Tribal finance or the financial technologies of tomorrow, the Native Finance Summit offers the insights, relationships, and frameworks to move your Tribal Nation or company forward.

• Tribal Council Members & Economic Development Officers
• Executives from Tribal lending and enterprise entities
• Tribal financial and compliance professionals
• Native entrepreneurs, innovators, and project developers
• Foundations, impact investors & mission-aligned finance organizations
• Federal policymakers, regulators, and advisors

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities:

NAFSA invites mission-aligned organizations to support the Native Finance Summit 2026 through sponsorships and on-site engagement. Custom sponsorship packages are available. For sponsorship inquiries, contact sponsor@nativefinance.org

About NAFSA

The Native American Financial Services Association (NAFSA) is a 501(c)(6) trade association based in Washington, D.C. representing the interests of tribal governments and tribally owned or tribally serving businesses engaged in financial services. NAFSA advocates for tribal sovereignty, responsible lending, and economic development across Indian Country.

###