American Bankers Association

The story of the American Bankers Association (ABA) begins not in a boardroom, but in the turmoil of a financial crisis. Following the Panic of 1873, a St. Louis banker named James Howenstein navigated a severe cash squeeze by relying on frequent communication with his peers. This experience sparked an idea: a formal organization for bankers to connect and share resources. Howenstein convened a group of 17 bankers in May 1875, leading to the ABA's first official gathering in Saratoga Springs, New York, just two months later, with 350 bankers from 31 states. The new association was founded to represent the varied interests of the entire banking industry, including national, state, and savings banks—a unique approach at a time when such institutions were often divided. From its early days, the ABA focused on creating industry standards. One of its most significant contributions came in 1910 with the introduction of the nine-digit routing number, a system that standardized check processing and remains essential today. A major event in the ABA's more recent history was its 2007 merger with America's Community Bankers. This move consolidated two major banking trade groups, strengthening their collective voice in advocacy and member services. Throughout its history, the ABA has been a powerful lobbying force, engaging on legislation like the Dodd-Frank Act and advocating on issues critical to banks of all sizes. Today, the ABA continues to provide training, research, and advocacy for the nation's banking sector.