Nashville-based bank brings tech-driven approach to financial inclusion

Brentwood, TN (October 23, 2025) – The American Fintech Council (AFC), the premier industry association representing responsible fintech companies and innovative banks, today announced the addition of Sonata Bank as its newest member. Sonata serves both business and personal banking customers across Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky, offering an innovative banking platform that serves clients nationwide. Sonata specializes in providing digital banking solutions for underserved markets including businesses with complex cash management and treasury needs.

“Sonata Bank’s technology-first approach reflects how modernization can help banks meet customers where they are,” said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. “By combining community banking values with digital tools, Sonata demonstrates that responsible innovation can both strengthen local communities and deliver practical solutions for small businesses and workers. We look forward to working with Sonata to advance financial inclusion for workers and businesses across the country.”

Sonata Bank has rapidly become one of Tennessee’s leading community and commercial lenders, earning recognition as the fastest-growing bank in Nashville by deposits and the top-ranked commercial lender in the state, according to 2024 FDIC data. Sonata has a unique niche serving quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchise owners and their employees nationwide to improve financial inclusion and workforce retention.

“Joining the American Fintech Council reinforces Sonata Bank’s commitment to responsible innovation and strong industry standards,” said Wendell Bontrager, CEO of Sonata Bank. “We’re excited to collaborate with AFC and its members to help shape a regulatory environment that supports modern banking solutions with increased access for consumers and business owners nationwide. As we continue to scale, we're exploring opportunities to expand our fintech partnership capabilities to bring innovative financial solutions to more Americans."  

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.

About Sonata Bank
Sonata is an FDIC-chartered bank and a digital-first financial services company led by experienced banking industry leaders. Sonata is a top-ranked commercial lender in Tennessee and ranked fourth nationally. The bank is the #1 fastest-growing bank in deposits in Nashville and provides a full suite of banking products and services for business and personal banking customers in the Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky markets. In addition, Sonata serves quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchisees and their employees across the United States.