September 12, 2025

Tallahassee, FL — The National Automotive Finance (NAF) Association recently convened compliance professionals and auto finance leaders at the Compliance Champions Workshop, held September 9–10, 2025, at the Texican Court in Irving, Texas.

The workshop brought together lenders, legal leaders, and industry partners for practical training, peer discussions, and real-world strategies to help navigate today’s complex regulatory environment. With upheaval at the federal level and uncertainty at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the focus was clear: states are busier than ever with new regulations, making peer-to-peer dialogue and preparedness essential.

“This workshop reinforces our commitment to providing members with not only education, but actionable tools they can apply immediately within their organizations,” said Jennifer Martin, Executive Director of the NAF Association. “The strong engagement and thoughtful dialogue made this one of our most impactful compliance events yet.”

Highlights from the two-day program presented in partnership with Hudson Cook LLP and co-facilitated by leading industry attorneys Eric Johnson and Patty Covington included:

  • Expert-led sessions on regulatory trends, enforcement updates, and operational best practices.
  • Small group discussions that allowed attendees to share challenges and strategies in a candid, peer-to-peer format.
  • Networking opportunities designed to connect compliance leaders with colleagues facing similar issues.

The Compliance Champions Workshop is part of NAF Association’s broader commitment to compliance education, which also includes specialized programs for both compliance professionals and front-line staff. These offerings ensure organizations can build a culture of compliance that extends from leadership through day-to-day operations.

“The Compliance Champions Workshop was a tremendous success,” said Eric Johnson, Partner at Hudson Cook and event co-facilitator. “The energy and engagement from participants exceeded expectations, and it was clear that the Workshop not only deepened the attendee’s knowledge base but also inspired practical strategies for strengthening compliance in their day-to-day operations.  Participants left energized, better equipped, and inspired to reinforce compliance across their organizations.”

The Compliance Champions Workshop continues to be a cornerstone of NAF Association’s professional development programming, offering timely content and meaningful connections for compliance professionals at every level.

Patty Covington, Partner at Hudson Cook LLP and event co-facilitator added, “In its second year, the Compliance Champions Workshop was another success! Attendees learned about, and discussed, the turning focus of legal and regulatory compliance from federal to state. They walked away with tangible information to take back to their companies to help refocus and align their compliance practices and efforts. Again, attendees are deeply appreciative of NAF’s continued commitment to keep their members and the industry informed on legal and regulatory issues.”

The NAF Association looks forward to building on this momentum at upcoming events, including the 2026 Annual Conference, June 2-4, 2026, at the Omni Las Colinas in Irving, Texas.

About the NAF Association

The National Auto Finance Association is the leading trade association for the non-prime auto financing industry. Committed to promoting the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct, NAF Association provides a platform for industry collaboration, education, and information.

For more information about the NAF Association and its programs, visit www.nafassociation.com.