WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Financial Technology Association (FTA) today announced its board leadership for 2026, assembling a group of experienced industry leaders to advance fintech policy as digital financial services reach unprecedented scale across American households and businesses.
Tom Manatos, Head of Americas Policy at Block, will continue to serve as Board Chair. Jeffrey Stoltzfoos, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs at Chime, will serve as Vice Chair; Sarah Paul, Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Americas, at Remitly, as Secretary; and Andy Halataei, Head of Americas Government Relations at PayPal, as Treasurer.
The board leadership announcement comes as fintech has reached a critical inflection point: 8 in 10 Americans rely on digital financial tools to spend, save, invest, or manage their money, while nearly all consumers (96%) and small businesses (98%) report high satisfaction with these products – underscoring both the industry’s strong growth and its record of success with millions of users.
“2025 was a year of major progress for the fintech industry and the millions of American consumers, small businesses, and startups who depend on innovative financial services,” said Penny Lee, President and CEO of the Financial Technology Association. “With digital finance now embedded in the daily lives of most Americans, we’re fortunate to have such accomplished leaders help us seize the opportunities of 2026 and continue advocating for financial innovation and modernized regulations that protect consumers while fostering competition.”
“Under Penny Lee’s leadership, FTA has established itself as the leading voice for fintech innovation in Washington and across the country,” said Tom Manatos, Head of Americas Policy at Block and FTA’s 2026 Board Chair. “As we enter 2026, our focus is clear: work with policymakers to craft forward-looking regulations that expand access to financial tools while maintaining strong consumer protections. With Penny and her team at the helm, FTA is well-positioned to achieve those goals and ensure the fintech industry has a strong voice in Washington.”
Digital financial tools have fundamentally transformed how American consumers and businesses manage money. Startups and small businesses increasingly depend on fintech platforms to access capital, manage expenses, process payments, and grow successfully – often accessing services that were unavailable or expensive through traditional channels.
FTA advocates for financial policies and regulations that reflect this digital transformation while prioritizing consumer protection, market competition, and continued innovation in financial services.
ABOUT US
The Financial Technology Association (FTA) is a network of fintech leaders shaping the future of finance. We champion the power of technology-driven financial services to catalyze innovation and advocate for modernized policies and regulations that reflect the digital transformation.