The American Fintech Council (AFC) announced today the addition of Stearns Bank N.A. as its newest member. Founded in 1912, Minnesota-based Stearns Bank has become a nationally recognized financial institution with branches in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida. With a focus on expanding access to responsible credit and capital nationwide, Stearns Bank joins AFC's community of companies driving the future of financial services.

“Stearns Bank is a national leader in supporting businesses and communities alike through modern and inclusive banking,” said Phil Goldfeder, Chief Executive Officer of AFC. “As the banking industry continues to modernize, Stearns Bank has not only adapted to the landscape but shaped it through strategic partnerships with fintech companies addressing their customers’ specific needs. We are proud to welcome them to AFC’s collective mission of elevating responsible industry players and promoting consumer-centric innovation.”

In recent years, Stearns Bank has partnered with fintech companies to offer safe and responsible embedded banking solutions. The bank has prioritized risk management, compliance, and responsible technological development in its fintech partnerships as it grows its suite of services.

“Stearns Bank is rooted in entrepreneurship and we remain anchored to our original goal of innovation, empowering inclusive growth by helping our customers achieve their greatest ambitions,” said Kelly Skalicky, President and CEO of Stearns Bank. “We are excited to join AFC and expand upon our commitment to fostering economic growth and financial inclusion at the local and national levels.”

AFC is a standards-based organization representing large fintech companies and innovative Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) banks. Its mission is to promote a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system by supporting responsible innovation in financial services and encouraging sound public policy.

Stearns Bank National Association is an independently owned financial institution with over 35,000 customers nationwide. It specializes in commercial construction lending, USDA and SBA lending, small business financing, and equipment financing.

For more information about Stearns Bank visit StearnsBank.com

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