Washington, D.C. is set to become the epicenter of cannabis finance as the PBC Conference returns to the nation’s capital on September 3-4, 2025. This sixth annual gathering, held at the Capital Hilton Hotel, is a critical event bringing together over 500 banking, payments, compliance, and cannabis industry executives, alongside regulators and legislators. The two-day conference is poised to address the complex and rapidly evolving financial landscape of the cannabis sector, promising timely insights into regulatory shifts, payment technologies, and the future of financial infrastructure for plant-touching businesses.
A Nexus for Cannabis Finance
Founded in 2018, the PBC Conference has established itself as the premier hub for payments, banking, and compliance within the burgeoning cannabis industry. It serves as a vital platform for the private sector and government to collaborate on solutions to the unique financial challenges faced by cannabis businesses. Attendees can anticipate a comprehensive agenda featuring keynote speeches, dynamic panel discussions, and interactive workshops designed to foster connections with peers, policymakers, and essential service providers. The event aims to solidify its reputation as the essential gathering for navigating cannabis banking and regulatory compliance, fostering an environment where uncertainty is viewed as opportunity.
Navigating the Regulatory Currents
A central focus of the 2025 PBC Conference will undoubtedly be the significant movement on federal cannabis banking legislation. Despite cannabis being federally illegal in the United States, creating substantial barriers for traditional financial institutions, legislative efforts are gaining momentum. The Secure And Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act, an evolution of the SAFE Banking Act, passed the Senate Banking Committee with bipartisan support in July 2025 and currently awaits a Senate floor vote. This landmark bill seeks to provide federal protections for banks serving state-legal cannabis businesses, expand access to commercial loans, secure deposit insurance, and improve tax compliance.
Furthermore, the STATES 2.0 Act, also pending in Congress, proposes de-scheduling marijuana under federal law for state-compliant activities and could enable regulated interstate commerce. These legislative developments are trending topics, signaling a potential turning point for an industry that has long struggled with accessing mainstream financial services, often relying on cash-heavy operations due to federal restrictions.
Innovations Shaping Payments and Compliance
The conference agenda will also delve deep into the innovative payment technologies critical for the cannabis industry’s maturation. With major card networks still prohibiting cannabis transactions, businesses have embraced alternative solutions. ACH (Automated Clearing House) has emerged as a compliant and stable option, reducing cash dependence and streamlining operations. The rise of digital wallets and mobile payments is also transforming customer experiences by offering convenient and secure cashless transactions.
The integration of advanced technologies such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies is gaining traction for their transparency and security, offering potential avenues to bypass traditional banking systems. Moreover, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are being utilized for enhanced fraud detection, customer behavior analysis, and personalized payment solutions, alongside cannabis-specific point-of-sale (POS) systems that ensure real-time inventory management and compliance. These technological advancements are pivotal for the industry’s continued growth and scalability.
Key Voices and Industry Leadership
The PBC Conference consistently attracts influential figures, and the 2025 iteration is no exception. Jill Scher, Managing Director at CBIZ, is slated to contribute her expertise on the industry’s financial solutions. Terry Mendez, CEO of Safe Harbor Financial, a company that has processed over $26 billion in cannabis-related funds across 41 states and territories, will participate in a panel discussion on September 4. He will join fellow industry leaders, including Cassandra Douglass, JP Connell, Chris Van Dyck, and David Pijor, to explore how financial institutions are refining strategies to stay competitive and enhance customer experience within the evolving cannabis landscape. Their insights will focus on practical infrastructure and real-world applications, directly addressing challenges in this dynamic sector. Joshua Radbod, CEO of PBC Conference, emphasized the event’s role in driving progress and shaping the future of cannabis banking.
Beyond the Conference Floor: Education and Growth
Beyond the two-day event, PBC supports the broader “Cannabis Banking Ecosystem™” through its online Cannabis Banking Certification Program. This program aims to address the shortage of adequately trained cannabis banking staff by providing standardized knowledge for bankers and compliance professionals. The availability of such educational resources underscores the industry’s commitment to professional development and its efforts to expand the cannabis banking workforce. As the U.S. cannabis market continues its rapid expansion—projected to reach nearly $40 billion by the end of 2024 and $52.6 billion by 2026—events like the PBC Conference are instrumental in fostering the necessary financial infrastructure and regulatory clarity for sustained growth. This news highlights the critical importance of these annual gatherings for all stakeholders.
The 2025 PBC Conference promises to be a crucial event for anyone involved in the financial aspects of the cannabis industry. It represents a vital opportunity for collaboration, education, and strategic planning as the sector navigates a path toward greater financial integration and regulatory stability. The insights shared and connections made here will undoubtedly shape the future of cannabis finance.
