Native American Financial Services Association

Types

Accounting & Financial Services Financial Services Non-Profit Organizations

About Native American Financial Services Association

The Native American Financial Services Association (NAFSA) is a national 501(c)(6) trade association headquartered in Washington, DC, dedicated to advancing Tribal sovereignty within the financial services industry. Established in 2012, NAFSA serves as the exclusive advocacy organization focused solely on Tribal financial services, distinguishing itself through its unique structure and mission-driven approach. The organization provides comprehensive advocacy, policy engagement, and regulatory support to empower Tribal nations and their economic subdivisions in pursuing financial services opportunities. NAFSA's expertise spans traditional lending services and emerging financial technologies, including blockchain, digital assets, and sovereign fintech solutions. The association works to expand economic opportunities across Indian Country by promoting responsible financial innovation while protecting the inherent sovereign rights of Tribal governments. NAFSA members operate under rigorous best practices frameworks that ensure federal compliance, consumer protection, and transparency throughout all financial services. The organization actively engages with lawmakers, regulators, and federal institutions to shape policy that supports Tribal economic self-determination and reduces reliance on federal funding. By addressing systemic barriers to capital access for Indigenous entrepreneurs and underbanked communities, NAFSA advances financial products and services tailored to meet real-world needs. The association's leadership structure, governed by elected officials from federally recognized Tribal Nations, ensures that all advocacy and decision-making remain firmly rooted in Tribal governance and accountability. Through strategic capacity-building and policy influence, NAFSA positions Tribal nations at the forefront of financial innovation while safeguarding their sovereignty and economic resilience in an evolving digital financial landscape.