The American Fintech Council (AFC) has announced the recipients of its 2025 AFC Awards, which recognize leaders in the fintech industry who have contributed to financial inclusion and transparency. The awards will be presented at the ninth annual AFC Policy Summit, scheduled for November 18 in Washington, D.C.
Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council, stated: “We are proud to congratulate the 2025 AFC Awards recipients for their achievement, and express our gratitude for their tireless work as champions for financial inclusion and consumer protection in our industry. These fintech leaders are shaping the future of products, services, and policies that enable millions of people to better manage their finances and improve their lives. That is no small task, and we are excited to continue working alongside them and the larger AFC family in the years to come.”
This year’s awardees include Scott Astrada of Affirm as Fintech Advocate of the Year. Astrada commented: “I’m deeply honored to be named Fintech Advocate of the Year by the American Fintech Council. This recognition reflects the work of an extraordinary team that proves innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. At Affirm, we’ve built a policy function that treats access, trust, and accountability as necessary foundations for success. I’m proud of how far our industry has come in expanding opportunity while protecting consumers – and even more excited about what thoughtful regulation and collaboration can make possible next.”
RaShawn Mitchell from MoneyLion was named Emerging Policy Leader. He said: “I’m honored to receive this recognition from the American Fintech Council. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how thoughtful policymaking and collaboration between industry, regulators, and consumer advocates can open doors for millions of Americans. I’m proud to be part of a community working to expand access, strengthen trust, and shape the future of fintech in a way that truly serves people.”
The Federal Public Service Award goes to Chairman Rodney Hood for his efforts at promoting responsible innovation at a national level. Hood remarked: “I’m honored to receive the American Fintech Council’s Federal Public Service Award. When guided by integrity and purpose, innovation can expand opportunity and strengthen trust in our financial system, ensuring progress that uplifts every community.”
Delegate Marlon Amprey received the State Public Service Award for his work on financial access policy in Maryland. Amprey stated: “It’s an honor to be recognized by the American Fintech Council for my advocacy for sound, pragmatic fintech policy at the state level. By collaborating with AFC to create the legislative clarity required for continued responsible innovation, we’re serving Maryland families and ensuring they can access the safe financial tools they deserve.”
Laurel Taylor of Candidly was recognized as Exceptional Woman in Fintech. She said: “Thank you to the American Fintech Council for this honor. Candidly’s mission is people and outcomes-first innovation, using AI to demystify complex choices and drive tangible progress, from student debt, to wellness, and wealth. Paired with AFC’s policy leadership, we can scale solutions that expand access and advance inclusive financial outcomes across the country.”
Ana Liza Grandner from First Bank of the Lake received Innovative Banker of the Year honors. Grandner commented: “It’s truly an honor to receive this recognition from the American Fintech Council. In a rapidly changing financial services ecosystem, it’s crucial to look for innovative and responsible ways to serve customers while remaining grounded in your mission; for us, that’s building scalable fintech partnerships that deliver seamless and compliant digital banking capabilities that reach underserved consumer segments and fuel growth across communities.”
The AFC represents major fintech companies along with innovative banks offering embedded finance solutions nationwide. Its mission is focused on promoting transparency as well as customer-centricity within financial systems by supporting responsible innovation.