New partnership will foster responsible innovation, regulatory alignment, and industry growth between two global fintech hubs

New partnership follows March 2026 collaboration with the Canadian Lenders Association (CLA)

Tel Aviv, Israel (June 9, 2026) – The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible fintech companies and innovative banks, and the Israel Fintech Center (IFC), the premier hub for financial innovation and regulatory dialogue in Israel, announced a strategic partnership to strengthen collaboration between the U.S. and Israeli fintech ecosystems.

The partnership comes as both countries work to modernize their financial systems and expand access to innovative services, Israel continues to solidify its position as a global center for fintech, while the U.S. moves forward with significant regulatory refinements. As fintech models scale across borders, firms increasingly require structured pathways to navigate regulatory complexity and competitive dynamics. The AFC and IFC partnership establishes a framework to support market entry, regulatory dialogue, and commercial engagement between two of the world’s most vibrant financial innovation markets.

“As fintech services continue to evolve and innovate globally, strengthening ties with international financial hubs like Israel is essential,” said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. “The Israel Fintech Center represents a world-class ecosystem of technological talent and regulatory foresight, and we are excited to partner with them to advance thoughtful public policy, drive sustainable growth, and reinforce consumer protections that enable responsible innovation in both countries.”

Through this partnership, AFC and IFC will advance cross-border collaboration by supporting U.S. fintech companies entering the Israeli market and Israeli institutions engaging with the U.S. market. The partnership will focus on providing members with the resources and connections necessary to navigate local regulatory and commercial landscapes while developing joint thought leadership, such as policy papers and executive roundtables. Furthermore, the organizations will host collaborative forums in both countries to facilitate direct dialogue among fintech leaders and regulators, while promoting the exchange of best practices.

“This partnership creates a vital connection between the Israeli and U.S. fintech ecosystems,” said Shmuel Ben-Tovim, President of IFC. “By aligning our efforts in regulatory dialogue, market access, and policy engagement, we are providing both our members with the tools they need to navigate complex markets, as well as fostering a more integrated global financial system that rewards innovation and responsibility.”

In March of this year, AFC announced their collaboration with the Canadian Lenders Association, the largest finance organization in Canada representing banks, credit unions, fintech companies, and specialty finance providers to advance cross-border collaboration between the United States and Canada.

A standards-based organization, the American Fintech Council (AFC) 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 the Israel Fintech Center
The Israel Fintech Center (IFC) is a non-governmental organization established in 2013 and fully authorized by Israel’s Ministry of Justice. Formerly known as City TLV, IFC represents the full spectrum of Israel’s Fintech ecosystem, including innovators, established companies, regulators, financial institutions, service providers, investors, academia, consultants, and other key stakeholders. IFC is being supported by a select group of strategic partners alongside membership-based funding. Over the years, it has built an extensive network of cooperation programs with like-minded organizations in approximately 40 countries. IFC also works closely with Israel’s financial regulators to help advance more efficient, innovative, and sophisticated financial services in Israel.

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