\n Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during the Texas Bankers Association\u2019s 141st Annual Convention in Dallas on May 21, 2026 | Image by Office of the Texas Governor <\/p>\n
Gov. Greg Abbott declared Texas the \u201cFinancial Capital of America\u201d during a Dallas banking convention, pointing to the state\u2019s growing financial workforce, expanding stock exchange footprint, and business-friendly regulatory climate.<\/p>\n
Abbott made the declaration<\/a> May 21 at the Texas Bankers Association\u2019s 141st Annual Convention during a fireside chat moderated by TBA President and CEO Chris Furlow, according to the governor\u2019s office. The official proclamation recognizes Texas as the \u201cFinancial Capital of America\u201d and cites the Texas Stock Exchange, Nasdaq\u2019s new regional headquarters, and NYSE Texas as signs of the state\u2019s financial-sector growth. The proclamation also says Texas\u2019 financial services workforce has grown<\/a> to more than 648,000.<\/p>\n \u201cTexas would not be what it is today without our banks and other financial institutions,\u201d Abbott said. \u201cThink 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Texas Makes Its Financial Claim<\/p>\n Furlow said Texas\u2019 banking industry gives the state a financial advantage.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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,\u201d Furlow said. \u201cOur banking sector\u2019s strength and depth is a true differentiator not seen in other states or other countries. America is choosing Texas. The world is choosing Texas.\u201d<\/p>\n Abbott\u2019s office said the governor also highlighted Texas\u2019 position as a destination for business and investment, including financial companies that are developing, redomiciling, and expanding in the state.<\/p>\n Dallas\u2019 \u2018Y\u2019all Street\u2019 Momentum Builds<\/p>\n Dallas sits near the center of that financial push, with several major exchange and financial-sector developments strengthening the city\u2019s \u201cY\u2019all Street\u201d identity.<\/p>\n As previously reported<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n The Dallas Express also previously reported<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Abbott also highlighted Nasdaq\u2019s growing Texas presence during a March 5 virtual closing bell ceremony at the Alamo. During that event, Abbott said<\/a> Texas ranked first in the nation for financial-sector employment, capital investment, and capital markets.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> by DX. Texas already had more companies listed on the NYSE than any other state, with more than $3.7 trillion in market value.<\/p>\n Economic Wins Add To The Pitch<\/p>\n Abbott\u2019s latest declaration follows several broader economic wins for Texas.<\/p>\n