The National Bankers Association reflects on the progress we have made in 2025 and our goals for the future.

All In, but First Let’s Have a Working AI Policy   Minority Depository Institutions in the Age of AI:   Adopting New Technologies The banking landscape is constantly evolving, driven by rapid advancements in technology. For Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), staying at the forefront of innovation is crucial to serving communities effectively and ensuring long-term growth. Recent insights gathered from members of the National Bankers Association highlight a clear trend:

Strength of MDIs: A Roundup of 2025 MDI Research from the National Bankers Association and our partners

This year, the National Bankers Association brought together over 260 attendees, 27 sponsors, and more than 30 strategic partners and advisory council members  for two days of dynamic discussion and collaboration at our 2025 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.  The theme of this year’s conference was growth—and despite the headwinds, one thing is clear: we’re poised for it.   Across every session and conversation, we explored what it means to drive growth in today’s politic

As digital expectations rise, one of the most effective strategies for MDIs has been building shared technology platforms that reduce costs while expanding digital capacity.  The MDI ConnectTech program supports this effort by helping banks assess technology needs, design implementation roadmaps, and connect with vetted vendors. Through ConnectTech, modernization becomes more affordable and efficient.

At Optus Bank, which is a member of the National Bankers Association, financial empowerment isn’t just a mission—it’s a movement rooted in Banking on Communities. That’s why they jumped at the opportunity to bring the Our Money Matters (OMM) program to life in their community. 

Robinhood and the National Bankers Association convened a roundtable gathering leaders from a variety of backgrounds to discuss financial inclusion, barriers to market participation, strategies for building investor confidence, and the role of emerging technologies in democratizing access.

Detroit is at the forefront of implementing cutting-edge community development initiatives. Despite experiencing economic setbacks, the city has emerged in a position of strength through the leadership and hard work of its ecosystem of community-based organizations. 

The National Bankers Association Foundation is helping MDIs digitize their services through its flagship program—MDI ConnectTech so they can modernize and better serve low-to-moderate income communities and build stronger, self-reliant neighborhoods.

The National Bankers Association hosted the inaugural Native American Banking Symposium which brought together Native banking leaders, policymakers, philanthropic partners, and mission-driven financial institutions for dialogue, data sharing, and collective visioning.

Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to raise visibility and address the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. It's also an opportunity to examine some of the triggers that exacerbate mental illness, such as financial difficulties.

Industrial Bank’s Justice Exposed Financial Empowerment Program is an initiative that plays a critical role in supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society. 

In our 2025 survey, we ask our members about economic conditions, growth strategies, technology, and more.

Oscar Abello's book launch panel discussion for the Banks We Deserve: Reclaiming Community Banking for a Just Economy

Banking is key to financial freedom. Access allows people to grow their money, establish credit, and invest in their future.

The National Bankers Association wants to thank our members and partners and share highlights from an incredible 2024.

The National Bankers Association (NBA) conducted research shedding light on the vital role MDIs play in fostering economic inclusion.

The National Bankers Association Annual Conference fostered collaboration among mission driven banks and leaders in financial services.

Earlier this summer, at our National Bankers Association Strategic Planning Meeting, we surveyed our member banks to gauge their...

The National Bankers Association (NBA) brought together its member banks to discuss trends, challenges and opportunities.