September 9, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2026

 

Contact: Press@FintechCouncil.org

Sutton Bank Joins the American Fintech Council (AFC) to Advance Responsible Innovation in Banking, Payments and Embedded Finance

Ohio-based innovative community bank brings nearly 150 years of financial experience, national payments expertise and modern payment solutions to AFC’s coalition of responsible innovators

Attica, OH (September 9, 2026) – The American Fintech Council (AFC), the largest industry association representing both responsible fintech companies and innovative banks, announced the addition of Sutton Bank as its newest member. Founded in 1878, Sutton Bank is an independent community bank that provides personal and business financial services alongside its dedicated Sutton Payments division. By joining AFC, Sutton Bank will contribute to efforts that seek to create more secure, compliant, and accessible financial experiences for businesses and consumers alike.

“As the financial services landscape evolves, community banks that combine traditional banking principles with modern technology are essential,” said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. “Sutton Bank’s dedication to providing accessible financial products and payment solutions makes them a valuable addition to AFC. We look forward to working together to advocate for a clear regulatory framework that supports responsible innovation across the broader financial system.”

For nearly 150 years, Sutton Bank has helped customers achieve financial success through personalized service, strong community roots, and forward-thinking innovation. Today, Sutton is recognized as both a trusted community bank and a leading payments infrastructure provider, delivering secure, scalable banking solutions that support consumers, businesses, and fintech partners across the United States. By combining financial strength, regulatory discipline, and commitment to customer service, Sutton continues to bridge traditional banking and the future of payments.

Sutton Bank offers a range of personal and commercial banking products, including consumer checking, agricultural and business lending, and treasury management. Alongside its traditional branch network across north and central Ohio, it operates Sutton Payments, which facilitates modern payment services and provides foundational banking infrastructure for financial technology platforms. For more than two decades, Sutton’s focus on partnership, innovation, and operational excellence has helped fintech partners launch successful card programs and strengthened the Bank’s position as one of the nation’s largest card issuers.

“At Sutton Bank, our approach to banking is built on relationships and what we call old-fashioned innovation to build stronger communities,” said Tony Gorrell, CEO at Sutton Bank. “Joining the American Fintech Council strengthens our commitment to trust, compliance, and regulatory clarity. We look forward to collaborating with AFC and its members to advocate for policies that serve both the local town square and the modern digital economy.”

Rooted in north central Ohio, Sutton Bank reflects the region’s people, commerce and values. With $2.2 billion in assets, more than 200 employees, and eight full-service branches across four counties, Sutton remains committed to local growth while simultaneously serving as a trusted payments and fintech partner nationwide.

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 Sutton Bank
Founded in 1878, Sutton Bank is an Ohio-based independent community bank with deep expertise in payments and card issuing. Sutton Bank’s payments business has supported hundreds of card programs and partnerships across card networks, processors, program managers and fintech companies. Through Sutton Payments, the Bank supports a broad range of modern payments and card program needs, including BIN sponsorship, issuing services and fintech program support.