Modern financial institution brings programmable banking services and a focus on regulatory oversight to AFC’s growing coalition

Kansas City, MO (June 23, 2026) – The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible fintech companies and innovative banks, announced the addition of Lead Bank as its newest member. Lead is a Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) provider offering lending, global money movement, card issuing, and depository accounts to support flexible, transparent, and responsible financial products. Designed to reduce complexity and risk for its partners, their modular infrastructure allows businesses to design financial products that adapt over time. By prioritizing regulatory oversight and risk management, Lead enables its partners to scale their financial solutions responsibly.

“Lead’s work to provide a secure and compliant banking infrastructure is critical to growing the responsible fintech sector, as they support new models and companies that serve consumers with innovative and responsible financial products,” said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. “By offering programmable financial services centered around compliance, Lead demonstrates how modern and innovative technology can empower companies to build responsibly. We are pleased to welcome them to AFC as we continue to advocate for standards that protect consumers while fostering responsible innovation.”

“At Lead, our mission is to define what is possible in banking by resolving friction behind the scenes, so that our partners can focus on creating meaningful experiences for their customers,” said Erica Khalili, Co-Founder and Chief Legal and Risk Officer at Lead Bank. “Joining the American Fintech Council reinforces our dedication to combining compliance at the core with flexible financial technology. We look forward to collaborating with fellow industry leaders to ensure the next generation of financial products is built on a foundation of trust and regulatory clarity.”

A standards-based organization, the American Fintech Council is the largest and most diverse trade association representing financial technology (fintech) companies and innovative banks. On behalf of over 150 member companies and partners, AFC promotes 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.

About Lead Bank
Lead is a state-chartered bank building technology-first, compliant banking infrastructure for the world’s top fintechs. Its banking-as-a-service (BaaS) platform delivers programmable products designed for direct integration into transaction workflows—enabling fintechs, consumer, and digital asset companies to scale with compliance and creativity. With decades of experience navigating complex regulations and developing modern banking technology, Lead supports partners in bringing innovative financial solutions to market. In addition to its BaaS platform, the company offers full-service business and personal banking to clients across the U.S.

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