VBE Certification for Financial Services Companies
Complete guide to Veteran Business Enterprise certification for financial services businesses — requirements, documents, corporate programs, and federal contracting opportunities.
Why VBE Certification Matters for Financial Services Companies
For businesses that are at least 51% owned by one or more veterans.
For financial services businesses, VBE certification opens doors to corporate supplier diversity programs and federal contracting opportunities specifically targeting this sector. Many Fortune 500 companies and government agencies have dedicated spending goals for VBE-certified suppliers in financial services.
Financial services is one of the most mature sectors for supplier diversity. Here's why certification matters: **Billion Dollar Commitments**: Major financial institutions are among the largest diverse supplier buyers in the world. JPMorgan Chase spends over $2 billion annually with diverse suppliers. Bank of America, Citi, and Wells Fargo each spend over $1 billion. These are not aspirational goals—they are tracked and reported commitments. **Regulatory Expectations**: The Dodd-Frank Act established Offices of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI) at major financial regulatory agencies, encouraging regulated financial institutions to assess diversity in their procurement. This regulatory backdrop reinforces bank commitment to diverse suppliers. **Broad Procurement Needs**: Banks and insurers buy everything—IT services, marketing, legal, facilities management, printing, office supplies, consulting, and more. You don't need to sell financial products to sell to financial services companies. **Community Reinvestment**: Financial institutions are evaluated under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and other frameworks that incentivize community investment, including diverse supplier spend. **Insurance Industry**: The insurance sector has its own supplier diversity requirements and organizations, providing additional opportunities beyond banking. Financial services companies in the Billion Dollar Roundtable collectively represent some of the most well-resourced and committed diversity procurement programs in the corporate world.
VBE Eligibility Requirements
Must be at least 51% owned by veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
To qualify for NaVOBA VBE certification: **Veteran Status:** - Must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces - Honorable discharge required - No disability requirement (unlike SDVOSB) **Ownership Requirements:** - 51% owned by one or more veterans - Veterans must be U.S. citizens **Control Requirements:** - Veteran owner(s) must control business operations - Must make day-to-day management decisions - Must have highest officer position
Required Documents for VBE
| Document | Status | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Government-Issued Photo ID | Required | If expired, visit your local DMV or apply for passport renewal at usps.com or travel.state.gov. |
| Business Tax Returns (3 Years) | Required | Request copies from your accountant or download from IRS.gov using Form 4506-T. |
| Organizational Chart | Required | Create using tools like Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, or PowerPoint. |
| Affidavit of Ownership | Required | Each certifying body provides their own form. Download from their website or request. |
| Operating Agreement or Bylaws | Required | Draft with an attorney or use a legal template service. Must reflect current ownership accurately. |
| DD-214 (Military Discharge Papers) | Required | Request from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) at archives.gov/veterans or eVetRecs. |
| Existing Certification Copies | Recommended | From your certification files or download from the certifying body's portal. |
| Bank Statements (6-12 Months) | Recommended | Download from your online banking portal or request from your bank. |
| Certificate of Good Standing | Recommended | Request from your state's Secretary of State office. Most states offer instant online certificates. |
How to Apply for VBE as a Financial Services Business
- **Step 1: Create NaVOBA Account**
- Register at navoba.org to begin the application.
- **Step 2: Complete Application**
- Provide all business and veteran information.
- **Step 3: Upload Documentation**
- Submit DD-214 and business documents.
- **Step 4: Pay Fee**
- Application fees typically $400-$700.
- **Step 5: Review & Verification**
- NaVOBA reviews and may request additional information.
- **Step 6: Certification Decision**
- Decisions typically within 30-60 days.
Financial Services Corporate Programs Accepting VBE
These companies have financial services supplier diversity programs that accept VBE certification:
JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase is committed to building a diverse supply chain. We actively seek partnerships with minority, women, veteran, LGBTQ+, and disability-owned businesses.
View program details →Bank of America
Bank of America has spent over $2 billion annually with diverse suppliers. We invest in supplier development and mentorship.
View program details →State Farm
State Farm is committed to building a supplier base that reflects the diverse communities we serve.
View program details →Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is committed to building mutually beneficial relationships with certified diverse suppliers who share our commitment to excellence.
View program details →Need Help Getting VBE Certified?
Our CertifyAll service handles your entire VBE application — documents, forms, and submission — for a flat $399 fee.
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Take the Certification QuizGovernment Financial Services Opportunities
**Federal Opportunities** Key agencies in the financial services ecosystem: - **Department of the Treasury**: Financial management, IT services, economic policy support - **Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)**: Banking regulation support services - **Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)**: Regulatory technology and services - **Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)**: Consumer protection technology and research **Government Financial Services Contracts** - Financial management and accounting services - IT modernization for financial regulatory agencies - Economic research and analysis - Compliance and regulatory technology solutions - Training and education services for financial literacy programs **Compliance Technology** Federal regulators need technology solutions for: - Anti-money laundering (AML) systems - Know Your Customer (KYC) platforms - Regulatory reporting tools - Cybersecurity solutions for financial infrastructure - Data analytics for market surveillance **State and Local** State treasury departments, pension funds, and insurance commissioners all procure goods and services, often with diverse supplier preferences for investment managers, custodians, legal counsel, and professional services.