The National Bankers Association's Year in Review
A Letter from the CEO
Happy Holidays!
As we close out an extraordinary year, the National Bankers Association (NBA) and the National Bankers Association Foundation (Foundation) are proud to reflect on the progress we have made together. For 98 years, our mission has remained constant: to strengthen Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and the communities they serve. Yet the way we serve has evolved through bold advocacy, innovative programs, cutting‑edge technology support, strategic partnerships, and research that shapes the national dialogue on MDIs.In 2025, we advanced our work across every dimension of our North Stars – value creation, thought leadership, and long‑term sustainability. Despite significant headwinds, including rising anti‑DEI sentiment and increased regulatory pressure, we strengthened our national positioning as the leading voice for mission‑driven banks. We expanded access to capital and technology, deepened collaboration with federal and philanthropic partners, and continued building a more modern, resilient, and profitable MDI sector.
Below are just a few of the year’s key accomplishments:
NATIONAL IMPACT & ADVOCACY
42 meetings with the Administration, Congress, and regulators – elevating MDI priorities and supporting member testimony.
18 letters, comments, and testimonies advancing practical policy reforms and protecting MDIs from harmful regulatory actions.
11 high‑impact meetings during Capitol Hill Day and two exclusive fundraisers with congressional leadership, including the House Financial Services Committee Chair.
VISIBILITY, THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
62 national media hits and 54 speaking engagements, strengthening MDI visibility.
10 Coffee & Conversations virtual sessions and 7 industry webinars delivering actionable insights and partnership opportunities.
10 hosted events – including Capitol Hill Day, the NBA/ABA MDI Partnership Summit, Native MDI Symposium, Federal Reserve Bank of New York Capital Event, and our Annual Conference with 255+ attendees.
Developed the first proactive anti‑DEI messaging framework for the MDI sector.
MEMBERSHIP & PARTNERSHIPS
100% member retention and a free in-person Member Strategic Planning Retreat.
25 strategic partners and 11 Strategic Advisory Council members, plus 57 sponsors, grantors, and allies supporting modernization, advocacy, and visibility.
Strengthened partnership engine driving revenue, member value, and national influence.
FOUNDATION IMPACT
Raised $4.2M+ in new grants to support free pilots, programming, and resources for members and the communities they serve across 4 pillars: Financial Wellness, Small Business, Research & Impact, and Capacity & Collaboration.
Advanced major initiatives, including:
EquityEQ compliance and impact reporting tool
MDI ConnectTech technology modernization
Our Money Matters Digital Financial Wellness Platform
Bonds & impact‑investing initiative to expand revenue opportunities for MDIs
Published 9 research reports and insights shaping national conversations on MDI performance, small business, financial wellness, and capital access.
A LOOK AHEAD
In 2026, we will build on this momentum. Guided by our North Stars, our priorities include supporting members in modernizing their systems and technology, expanding member value, deepening advocacy partnerships, scaling flagship initiatives like Bonds and MDI ConnectTech, launching the NBA 100th Anniversary Legacy Documentary Project, and continuing to grow diversified and sustainable revenue streams for both the NBA and the Foundation.
This year’s accomplishments happened because of you – our members, partners, funders, and allies. Thank you for trusting us, challenging us, and working alongside us to advance economic mobility and financial inclusion for the communities we collectively serve.
We look forward to achieving even more together in 2026.
Warmest holiday wishes,
Nicole A. Elam, Esq.
President & CEO, National Bankers Association
Executive Director, National Bankers Association Foundation
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