American Fintech Council (AFC) and Klaros Group Announce Strategic Partnership to Support Responsible Growth and Regulatory Clarity for Innovative Banks

AFC is the leading trade association for responsible fintech companies and innovative banks, and Klaros Group advises many of the most innovative companies in financial services on regulatory strategy and strategic growth

Collaboration will bring together policy leadership and banking expertise to support financial institutions at every stage, from established innovative banks to fintech companies exploring a bank charter

Klaros, AFC, and Orrick will host a Charter & Partner Bootcamp on Nov. 18th to help industry leaders navigate the real-world decisions shaping bank charters

Washington, D.C. (October 29, 2026) – The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible fintech companies and innovative banks, announced a strategic partnership with Klaros Group. Klaros Group provides advisory, investment, talent, data, analytical, and strategic support to the leading innovators in financial services, with special expertise in responsible bank chartering and regulatory guidance. As strategic partners, AFC and Klaros will collaborate to provide responsible fintech companies and innovative banks with guidance on the complex chartering process and bank-fintech partnerships in the rapidly evolving fintech ecosystem.

Klaros and AFC will join with law firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe to co-host an interactive Charter & Partner Bootcamp in Washington, D.C. on November 18. Designed to help companies navigate the real-world decisions shaping bank charters and fintech partnerships, this event will offer insights on whether to pursue a charter and what kind, how to stay partnered at scale, and how to prepare for future regulatory landscapes. Find more details and RSVP here.

“Banks have long protected the integrity of our financial system, and since day one, AFC has championed the nation’s most innovative banks as they embrace responsible technology to drive competition and deliver better products for consumers,” said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. “That work has always gone hand in hand with regulators, helping educate and bring clarity to the rules so innovation never comes at the expense of consumer protection. Fintech companies that pursue bank charters the right way will only strengthen consumer choice and bank innovation. Klaros brings deep experience in charter applications, regulatory compliance, and bank partnerships, and we are thrilled to work together to support our members, beginning with our Charter & Partner Bootcamp in November.”

Klaros works alongside fintechs, sponsor banks, embedded finance providers, and financial innovation investors to help them navigate complex industry challenges. The firm focuses on key areas such as bank charters, sponsor bank partnerships, U.S. market entrance, BSA/AML, and enforcement action compliance. Its team of former regulators, founders, and industry executives offers practical experience in obtaining a bank charter and building resilient financial business models.

“We’re excited to collaborate with AFC and its members in this moment where new responsible and innovative players are considering the value of bank charters and sponsor bank partnerships,” said Konrad Alt, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Klaros Group. “Whether a fintech is evaluating the path to a bank charter or strengthening a sponsor bank partnership, they need practical, experienced guidance to make the best long-term decisions. We look forward to working with AFC and its members to help them build resilient, compliant, and successful business structures.”

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 nearly 175 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 Klaros Group
Klaros Group provides advisory, investment, talent, data, analytical, and strategic support to the leading innovators in financial services. Its principal operating subsidiary, Klaros Advisors, works with innovators and incumbents to develop and implement smart strategies to scale their businesses responsibly, in full compliance with regulatory requirements and expectations. For more information visit klaros.com.

‍