The Delaware Bankers Association is a not-for-profit private trade association comprised of national and state chartered banks, non-depository trust companies and savings banks that have assets in or are authorized to accept deposits in Delaware. As of December 2015, over 37,800 people were directly employed by Delaware financial institutions. Delaware's business-friendly environment, along with its progressive laws and chancery court system, make it a national leader in the banking industry with some of the country's largest financial institutions having operations in the State. The mission of the Delaware Bankers Association is to support its member institutions with leadership and information that will provide their employees, their communities and the State with a safe and viable financial services industry. The Association will represent the interests of the industry by addressing and/or initiating State and Federal legislative and regulatory agendas deemed important by the membership. The Association will promote educational and developmental programs as well as communication forums for the enhancement of the membership. Furthermore, it will promote and support the State of Delaware and its communities.