American Bankers Association

The American Bankers Association (ABA) is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association for the U.S. banking industry. Founded in 1875, ABA today represents banks of all sizes and charters, including community banks, regional and money center banks, savings associations, mutual savings banks, and trust companies, with the average member bank having approximately $250 million in assets.Like many large trade associations, ABA's principal activities include lobbying, professional development for member institutions, maintenance of best practices and industry standards (for example, routing transit numbers), consumer education, and distribution of products and services. ABA is considered the largest financial trade group in the United States.