2025 AFC Awards recognize industry leaders and trailblazing advocates for financial inclusion and transparency

AFC Policy Summit to take place next week in Washington, DC

Washington, D.C. (November 12, 2025) – The American Fintech Council (AFC), the premier industry association representing responsible fintech companies and innovative banks, announced the recipients of the 2025 AFC Awards ahead of the ninth annual AFC Policy Summit on Tuesday, November 18. The awards honor outstanding fintech leaders, policymakers, regulators and advocates driving responsible innovation for the future of consumer-centric financial services.

“We are proud to congratulate the 2025 AFC Awards recipients for their achievement, and express our gratitude for their tireless work as champions for financial inclusion and consumer protection in our industry,” said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. “These fintech leaders are shaping the future of products, services, and policies that enable millions of people to better manage their finances and improve their lives. That is no small task, and we are excited to continue working alongside them and the larger AFC family in the years to come.”

The recipients of the 2025 AFC Awards are:

Fintech Advocate of the Year: AFC recognizes Scott Astrada, Director of Public Policy, Government Relations, and Social Impact at Affirm, for his outstanding leadership in advancing sound public policy and championing a transparent, innovative, and consumer-focused financial ecosystem. “I’m deeply honored to be named Fintech Advocate of the Year by the American Fintech Council,” said Astrada. “This recognition reflects the work of an extraordinary team that proves innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. At Affirm, we’ve built a policy function that treats access, trust, and accountability as necessary foundations for success. I’m proud of how far our industry has come in expanding opportunity while protecting consumers – and even more excited about what thoughtful regulation and collaboration can make possible next.”

Emerging Policy Leader: AFC recognizes RaShawn Mitchell, Head of Government Affairs at MoneyLion, as an up-and-coming leader for his commitment to empowering working Americans with safe and innovative financial tools. “I’m honored to receive this recognition from the American Fintech Council,” said Mitchell. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen how thoughtful policymaking and collaboration between industry, regulators, and consumer advocates can open doors for millions of Americans. I’m proud to be part of a community working to expand access, strengthen trust, and shape the future of fintech in a way that truly serves people.”

Federal Public Service Award Recipient: AFC recognizes Chairman Rodney Hood, former Acting Comptroller of the Currency, for championing responsible innovation in financial services at the federal level. “I’m honored to receive the American Fintech Council’s Federal Public Service Award,” said Hood. “When guided by integrity and purpose, innovation can expand opportunity and strengthen trust in our financial system, ensuring progress that uplifts every community.”

State Public Service Award Recipient: AFC recognizes Delegate Marlon Amprey, Maryland House of Delegates, 40th District, Member, Economic Matters Committee, for his leadership advancing sound policy that not only expands financial access for Maryland families, but sets a standard for other states across the country. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the American Fintech Council for my advocacy for sound, pragmatic fintech policy at the state level," said Delegate Amprey. "By collaborating with AFC to create the legislative clarity required for continued responsible innovation, we’re serving Maryland families and ensuring they can access the safe financial tools they deserve.”

Exceptional Woman in Fintech: AFC recognizes Laurel Taylor, founder and CEO of Candidly, for her leadership in driving transformation across the fintech industry and advancing women’s empowerment and gender equity. “Thank you to the American Fintech Council for this honor,” said Taylor. “Candidly’s mission is people and outcomes-first innovation, using AI to demystify complex choices and drive tangible progress, from student debt, to wellness, and wealth. Paired with AFC’s policy leadership, we can scale solutions that expand access and advance inclusive financial outcomes across the country.”

Innovative Banker of the Year: AFC recognizes Ana Liza Grandner, Chief Payments Officer at First Bank of the Lake, for her leadership bridging banking and technology to better serve communities across the country. “It’s truly an honor to receive this recognition from the American Fintech Council,” said Grandner. “In a rapidly changing financial services ecosystem, it’s crucial to look for innovative and responsible ways to serve customers while remaining grounded in your mission, for us, that’s building scalable fintech partnerships that deliver seamless and compliant digital banking capabilities that reach underserved consumer segments and fuel growth across communities.”

A standards-based organization, AFC is the premier trade association representing the largest financial technology (Fintech) companies and innovative banks offering embedded finance solutions. AFC’s mission is to promote a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system by supporting responsible innovation in financial services and encouraging sound public policy. AFC members foster competition in consumer finance and pioneer products to better serve underserved consumer segments and geographies.

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