Texas Bankers Association supports launch of industry-owned blockchain network

8/25/2026

Banks of all sizes to be able to safely offer modern payments services, preserving local lending in communities across the country .

(AUSTIN) – Today, the Texas Bankers Association and 38 state bankers associations from across America announced the formation of BankChain Alliance to provide customers secure, modern banking services at financial institutions of all sizes. 

Representing one of the most expansive efforts among state bankers associations, the Alliance is creating an industry-owned, industry-designed and industry-governed network built on a common blockchain platform. The BankChain Alliance network will allow participating financial institutions the ability to provide emerging banking capabilities while maintaining the regulatory standards, security, and trust that customers expect from their banks. Examples of such innovations are smart payment tools, tokenized deposits, stablecoins, automated settlement, and other innovations. 

“Texas bankers are proud to have helped lead the formation of BankChain Alliance and especially proud that this incredible national effort is registered in the State of Texas,” said Chris Furlow, president and CEO of the Texas Bankers Association. “By bringing so many state bankers associations together, the Alliance uniquely creates a powerful network effect, giving Texas community banks and Main Street banks across the country a practical path to participate in new financial technologies while keeping the needs of their customers and local communities in focus.” 

“This is about banks of all sizes building their own future,” said Kathy Kraninger, Interim Chair, BankChain Alliance, and Florida Bankers Association President and CEO. “Through an unprecedented collaboration representing thousands of banks, BankChain Alliance is developing a secure, regulated, industry-built and industry-owned network that allows institutions of all sizes to provide modern capabilities so they can continue serving customers safely and efficiently in rural, urban and regional communities across the country.” 

The Alliance is undergoing a rigorous process to select a technology partner and is targeting a 2027 launch. The BankChain Alliance network will be interoperable with other networks and will invite ownership from banks across the country. 

Together, the state bankers associations represent thousands of financial institutions serving millions of consumers, businesses, and communities nationwide. While each association serves its own unique market, this initiative reflects a unified vision: that the future of banking is strongest when built collaboratively, governed by industry, and accessible to all institutions. 

Participating State Bankers Associations Include:                            

Alabama Bankers Association   New Hampshire Bankers Association
Arkansas Bankers AssociationNew Jersey Bankers Association
Connecticut Bankers AssociationNorth Carolina Bankers Association
Delaware Bankers AssociationNorth Dakota Bankers Association
Florida Bankers AssociationOhio Bankers League
Georgia Bankers AssociationOklahoma Bankers Association
Idaho Bankers AssociationOregon Bankers Association
Indiana Bankers AssociationPennsylvania Bankers Association
Iowa Bankers AssociationRhode Island Bankers Association
Kansas Bankers AssociationSouth Carolina Bankers Association
Maine Bankers AssociationSouth Dakota Bankers Association
Maryland Bankers AssociationTennessee Bankers Association
Massachusetts Bankers AssociationTexas Bankers Association
Michigan Bankers AssociationUtah Bankers Association
Minnesota Bankers AssociationVermont Bankers Association
Mississippi Bankers AssociationVirginia Bankers Association
Missouri Bankers AssociationWashington Bankers Association
Nebraska Bankers AssociationWisconsin Bankers Association
Nevada Bankers AssociationWyoming Bankers Association

Media Contacts:

Texas Bankers Association

Carlos Espinosa

Carlos@texasbankers.com

BankChain Alliance

Barbara Hagenbaugh

barbara@willowoakcommunications.com