This section provides a comprehensive list of key industry associations in the United States and Canada that support equipment leasing and finance professionals. These organizations offer valuable resources, advocacy, networking opportunities, and industry insights to help businesses navigate the evolving landscape of equipment finance.

 

United States

Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA):

Overview: ELFA represents companies involved in financing the acquisition of capital goods. Its members include manufacturers and financial services companies.

Website: https://www.elfaonline.org

 

American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB):

Overview: AACFB serves commercial finance brokers and lenders, focusing on education and networking within the commercial finance industry.

Website: https://www.aacfb.org

 

American Financial Services Association (AFSA):

Overview: AFSA is a trade association for the U.S. consumer credit industry, including consumer and commercial finance companies, vehicle finance/leasing companies, and mortgage lenders.

Website: https://www.afsaonline.org

 

Association for Governmental Leasing & Finance (AGLF):

Overview: AGLF focuses on leasing and finance issues related to governmental entities, providing education and networking opportunities for professionals in this niche.

Website: https://www.aglf.org

 

American Bankers Association (ABA):

Overview: Represents banks of all sizes and charters, providing advocacy, education, and resources for the banking industry.

Website: https://www.aba.com

 

 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB):

Overview: A regulatory agency overseeing financial products and services offered to consumers, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Website: https://www.consumerfinance.gov

 

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC):

Overview: Charters, regulates, and supervises all national banks and federal savings associations.

Website: https://www.occ.treas.gov

 

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA):

Overview: FINRA is a self-regulatory organization overseeing brokerage firms and exchange markets, ensuring fair and honest operations.

Website: https://www.finra.org

 

National Futures Association (NFA):

Overview: NFA is the self-regulatory organization for the U.S. derivatives industry, including futures, forex, and swaps.

Website: https://www.nfa.futures.org

 

Financial Executives International (FEI):

Overview: FEI is a professional association for senior-level financial executives, providing networking, advocacy, and updates on financial management.

Website: https://www.financialexecutives.org

 

National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA):

Overview: NEFA is a national trade association serving the equipment leasing and finance industry in the United States. It provides networking opportunities, educational programs, and industry resources to its members, which include independent and bank-owned lessors and brokers.

Website: https://www.nefassociation.org/

 

National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA):

Overview: NAFA is a not-for-profit professional society for individuals who manage fleets of vehicles and specialized mobile equipment in the United States and Canada. It offers certification programs, statistical research, publications, and educational seminars to its members.

Website: https://www.nafa.org/

 

American Rental Association (ARA):

Overview: ARA is a nonprofit trade association representing the equipment and event rental industry in North America. Founded in 1955, it provides its members with education, networking opportunities, and advocacy services.

Website: https://www.ararental.org/

 

Canada

Canadian Finance & Leasing Association (CFLA):

Overview: CFLA represents asset-based financing, equipment, and vehicle leasing industry in Canada, supporting businesses across the country.

Website: https://cfla-acfl.ca/

 

Canadian Bankers Association (CBA):

Overview: Serves as the voice of more than 60 domestic and foreign banks in Canada, advocating for policies that contribute to a sound banking system.

Website: https://www.cba.ca

 

Canadian Lenders Association (CLA):

Overview: Represents innovative lenders in Canada, promoting standards and best practices in lending, including online and alternative lending platforms.

Website: https://www.canadianlenders.org

 

Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI):

Overview: An independent federal agency responsible for regulating and supervising banks, insurance companies, and pension plans in Canada.

Website: https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca

 

Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC):

Overview: Ensures federally regulated financial entities comply with consumer protection measures and promotes financial literacy among Canadians.

Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency.html

 

Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC):

Overview: IIROC oversees all investment dealers and trading activities on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada.

Website: https://www.iiroc.ca

 

Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC):

Overview: FINTRAC is Canada’s financial intelligence unit, responsible for detecting, preventing, and deterring money laundering and terrorist financing.

Website: https://www.fintrac-canafe.gc.ca

 

Ontario Securities Commission (OSC):

Overview: OSC regulates the capital markets in Ontario, aiming to protect investors from unfair practices.

Website: https://www.osc.ca