Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during the Texas Bankers Association’s 141st Annual Convention in Dallas on May 21, 2026 | Image by Office of the Texas Governor
Gov. Greg Abbott declared Texas the “Financial Capital of America” during a Dallas banking convention, pointing to the state’s growing financial workforce, expanding stock exchange footprint, and business-friendly regulatory climate.
Abbott made the declaration May 21 at the Texas Bankers Association’s 141st Annual Convention during a fireside chat moderated by TBA President and CEO Chris Furlow, according to the governor’s office. The official proclamation recognizes Texas as the “Financial Capital of America” and cites the Texas Stock Exchange, Nasdaq’s new regional headquarters, and NYSE Texas as signs of the state’s financial-sector growth. The proclamation also says Texas’ financial services workforce has grown to more than 648,000.
“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.”
Texas Makes Its Financial Claim
Furlow said Texas’ banking industry gives the state a financial advantage.
“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.”
Abbott’s office said the governor also highlighted Texas’ position as a destination for business and investment, including financial companies that are developing, redomiciling, and expanding in the state.
Dallas’ ‘Y’all Street’ Momentum Builds
Dallas sits near the center of that financial push, with several major exchange and financial-sector developments strengthening the city’s “Y’all Street” identity.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the Texas Stock Exchange received approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 2025, clearing the way for trading, exchange-traded product listings, and corporate listings to begin in 2026.
The Dallas Express also previously reported that Nasdaq planned to open a new regional headquarters in Dallas to serve clients across Texas and expand its presence in the state. Nasdaq said more than 200 companies listed on the exchange and carrying a combined market value of nearly $2 trillion called Texas home.
Abbott also highlighted Nasdaq’s growing Texas presence during a March 5 virtual closing bell ceremony at the Alamo. During that event, Abbott said Texas ranked first in the nation for financial-sector employment, capital investment, and capital markets.
NYSE Texas has also planted a Dallas flag. The exchange selected 28,000 square feet at Old Parkland, the Dallas office campus developed by Crow Holdings, as previously reported by DX. Texas already had more companies listed on the NYSE than any other state, with more than $3.7 trillion in market value.
Economic Wins Add To The Pitch
Abbott’s latest declaration follows several broader economic wins for Texas.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Texas secured Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup for the 14th consecutive year after attracting more than 1,400 job-creating business locations and expansions in 2025. Those projects represented more than $75 billion in capital investment and created more than 42,000 jobs.
The governor’s office said Abbott also emphasized workforce development during the banking convention, arguing that Texas must prepare workers for high-demand jobs as more financial firms grow in the state.
The governor thanked TBA’s banking institutions for helping entrepreneurs access capital, while Furlow said Texas’ banking sector gives the state a key advantage as more financial companies look outside traditional financial centers.
