See you in dc!

Join us for the 2026 AFC Policy Summit, convening industry leaders and policymakers to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and shape the future of financial technology.

If you’re interested in participating as a sponsor, speaker/moderator/panelist, or have a press/media inquiry, please fill out this form.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

If you are interested in sponsoring the event and would like to review the 2026 Sponsorship Prospectus, please fill out this form.

Become a Sponsor

The AFC Awards recognize and celebrate the thought leadership of responsible innovators in fintech! Recipients will be recognized in the following categories:

AFC Fintech Advocate of the Year Award
This award honors an exceptional leader who has spearheaded sound public policy standard(s) in fintech and strenuously advocates for a transparent, innovative, and customer-centric financial system.
AFC Emerging Policy Leader Award
This award recognizes a rising star who has demonstrated commitment and passion for responsible fintech innovation.
AFC Public Service Award
This award acknowledges an elected leader who has championed responsible innovation in fintech.
AFC Exceptional Woman in Fintech Award
This award recognizes a woman who is making waves in fintech and transforming the industry, while advocating for women and gender equity.
AFC Innovative Banker of the Year
This award celebrates the contributions of a leader at the intersection of banking and technology, who is shaping the future of finance by managing growth and innovation in a safe and sound manner.

Submit Your Nomination by August 28th!

Winners will be announced at the 2026 AFC Policy Summit!

Submit Nomination
2025 AFC Fintech Advocate of the Year Award
Scott Astrada
Director of Public Policy & Public Affairs, Affirm
2025 AFC Emerging Policy Leader
RaShawn Mitchell
Head of Government Affairs, MoneyLion
2025 AFC State Public Service Award
Delegate Marlon Amprey
Maryland House of Delegates & Member, Economic Matters Committee
2025 AFC Federal Public Service Award
Chairman Rodney Hood
Independent Board Director, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta
2025 AFC Exceptional Woman in Fintech
Laurel Taylor
Chief Executive Officer,
Founder, Candidly
2025 AFC Innovative Banking of the Year
Claudia Flores
Chief Payments Officer,
First Bank of the Lake
2024 AFC Fintech Advocate of the Year Award
Gilberto Soria Mendoza
Senior Associate, Government Relations, Upstart Network
2024 AFC Fintech Advocate of the Year Award
Nat Hoopes
Vice President, Head of Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Upstart Network
2024 AFC Emerging Policy Leader Award
Claudia Flores
‍Senior Manager – Public Policy, DailyPay
2024 AFC Public Service Award
Julian Alcazar
Payments Specialist, Federal Reserve Financial Services
2024 AFC Exceptional Woman in Fintech Award
Laura Kornhauser
CEO and Co-Founder, Stratyfy
2024 AFC Innovative Banker of the Year
Chris Black
‍CEO, Thread Bank