Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott used a major gathering of Texas bankers to make a bold case for the state’s place in the national economy, declaring Texas the financial capital of America during the Texas Bankers Association’s 141st Annual Convention.
The announcement came during a fireside chat moderated by TBA President and CEO Chris Furlow, where Abbott tied the strength of Texas’ banking industry to the wider economic rise of the state. His message was direct: Texas’ growth did not happen by accident, and it could not have happened without access to capital.
“Texas would not be what it is today without our banks and other financial institutions,” Abbott said.
“Think of the massive tidal wave of economic growth we have in our state, and you can see what the promise of the economic future looks like. Growth cannot be accomplished without capital and access to capital, and TBA has been a part of that since the beginning. When Texans succeed, the state succeeds, and that is why we have the best economy of any state in the United States.”
Abbott’s remarks placed banks at the center of the Texas economic story. From small businesses trying to open their doors to larger companies expanding their operations, the governor said financial institutions have helped give entrepreneurs and employers the resources needed to build, grow and compete.
That role, he argued, has become even more important as Texas continues attracting companies from across the country and around the world. During the conversation, Abbott pointed to the state’s business-friendly climate and regulatory environment as key reasons why businesses and investors continue to choose Texas.
He also highlighted several major rankings often cited by state leaders, including Texas being named the Best State for Business for 21 consecutive years, the top state for economic development for 14 years, and a national leader in job creation. Those achievements, Abbott said, reflect an environment where businesses and entrepreneurs have room to move quickly, invest confidently and hire for the future.
The governor also described Texas as a growing financial headquarters, saying financial companies are choosing to develop, redomicile and expand in the Lone Star State. His comments framed the trend not simply as business relocation, but as part of a broader shift in where financial power is being built.
Furlow echoed that view, pointing to the depth of the state’s banking industry as one of Texas’ strongest advantages.
“The Texas banking sector has a deep bench with a unique combination of globally active banks and the most vibrant community and mid-size banks in America,” Furlow said. “Our banking sector’s strength and depth is a true differentiator not seen in other states or other countries. America is choosing Texas. The world is choosing Texas.”
The discussion also looked beyond current growth. Abbott emphasized that Texas’ future as a financial and business hub depends on preparing workers for the jobs that are coming next. He said the state’s workforce development initiatives are designed to help Texans fill high-demand positions while also making Texas more attractive to financial firms and other businesses looking for skilled talent.
For Abbott, the link between workforce, capital and business expansion is part of the same larger picture. Banks help fuel opportunity. Workers help sustain it. Companies follow when both are strong.
The governor closed his message by thanking TBA’s banking institutions for supporting entrepreneurs across the state. As Texas continues to grow, he suggested that its financial sector will remain a central force behind that momentum.
Additional photos from the event are expected to be provided when available.
