Washington, D.C. – (October 1, 2025) – The National Bankers Association (NBA), the leading voice for mission-driven banks, will host its 2025 Annual Conference, “Driving Growth: Mission-Driven Banks Fueling the Economy,” on October 2–3, 2025, at the Park Hyatt in Washington, D.C. The conference will convene executives from mission-driven banks, policymakers, fintech innovators, researchers, foundations, and industry partners to explore strategies that advance sustainable growth and expand financial inclusion.
“As mission-driven banks serve communities facing persistent barriers to opportunity, the question isn’t whether we must grow — it’s how we grow,” said Nicole Elam, President & CEO of the National Bankers Association. “This year’s conference focuses on equipping MDIs with the partnerships, technology, policy insights, and strategic tools needed to scale impact in a rapidly changing environment.”
Program Highlights & Featured Speakers
The two-day agenda will feature deep-dive discussions, case studies, and networking designed to address both near-term pressures and long-term strategy. Key sessions will include:
Understanding the Political and Policy Climate: A bipartisan conversation featuring Ashley Etienne (former Senior Advisor to Speaker Pelosi and the Biden Administration) and Matt Rhoades (former Campaign Manager for Mitt Romney), discussing how messaging, narratives, and public sentiment are shifting — and what that means for mission-driven banks. Followed by John Anzalone, one of the nation’s leading pollsters, offering forward-looking insights into voter sentiment heading into 2026 and its implications for regulation and advocacy.
Technology, Automation & the Future Workforce: A series of sessions focused on technology modernization and operational efficiency, including Alissa “Dr. Jay” Abdullah, Mastercard’s Deputy Chief Security Officer, on cybersecurity, risk, and AI readiness
Economic Outlook & Strategic Growth: Amid shifting interest rates, inflation pressures, and community lending needs, Cris deRitis, Deputy Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, will provide an economic outlook tailored to community and mission-driven banking markets. In addition, Mike Hardy of PwC will outline practical frameworks to drive sustainable growth through strategy, talent, and operational discipline.
Centering the Role of Mission-Driven Banks in America’s Economy
From homeownership and small business lending to access to affordable capital, MDIs continue to serve as economic lifelines in communities that have been historically overlooked. The conference will spotlight the critical role mission-driven banks play in strengthening local economies — and the strategic shifts necessary to accelerate their reach and impact.
Registration & Participation
Registration is open to MDI leadership, policymakers, community development partners, financial institutions, foundations, investors, and corporate allies interested in advancing inclusive economic growth.
Visit www.nationalbankers.org/conference-2025 to register and view the full program.