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
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…
Executive Order Targets Debanking
Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal regulators to investigate and punish banks that illegally discriminate against conservatives with fines and other penalties, continuing his administration’s campaign against debanking. Many of the policy changes build on efforts that have already been enacted by Trump-appointed regulators at…
Divided Federal Appeals Court Gives Go Ahead for Mass CFPB Firings
Last week, a divided federal appeals court paved the way for President Trump to resume the mass firings at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), ruling that the lower court that temporarily blocked the firings did not have the jurisdiction to do so. The 2-1 ruling stated that legal defects…
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…
CFPB Opens Comment Period to Roll Back Nonbank Supervision Regulations
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has considered cutting back on the number of nonbank companies it supervises in the debt collection, auto finance, international money transfer, and consumer credit reporting markets. The rulemaking is currently in the beginning stages, where the Bureau has opened a comment period for consumers…
SEC Chair Lays Out Pro-Crypto Plans
Paul Atkins, Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), recently revealed plans to overhaul capital market regulations to support both cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based trading. He laid out several pro-crypto plans, including that he has directed commission staff to develop guidelines on when a crypto token is a security, and…
CFPB to Rewrite Open Banking Rule
In a recent court filing, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) revealed that it plans to rework a U.S. open banking rule aimed at establishing industry-wide standards for data sharing between banks, fintechs, and consumers. The Bureau plans to revise the rule through an accelerated rule making process. “In light…
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.
