Credit Union Regulatory Guidance Including: NCUA, CFPB, FDIC, OCC, FFIEC

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/The NCUA just released its 2026 Supervisory Priorities (Letter 26-CU-01), giving credit unions a heads-up on where examiners will be focusing this year.Here's what you need to know:The NCUA is doubling down on balance sheet management, with particular attention to lending, interest rate risk, liquidity, earnings, and capital adequacy. Loan delinquency and loss rates are at their highest in over a decade, and examiners will be looking closely at underwriting, loss mitigation, ACL reserves, and charge-off practices.Operational risk is a major theme. Payment systems, fraud prevention, and cybersecurity will all get heightened scrutiny as the payments landscape grows more complex and fraud risks continue to rise.BSA/AML compliance remains a priority, with an emphasis on risk-based programs tailored to each credit union's profile. Expect regulatory changes throughout the year as FinCEN and the NCUA continue implementing provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020.The agency is also signaling a shift toward a more efficient and tailored examination program, building on its 2025 efforts to reduce burden for both credit unions and NCUA staff. Defined scope exams will continue for most federal credit unions with $50 million or less in assets.What is NOT changing: The NCUA will continue enforcing all existing laws and regulations, including consumer financial protection and information security requirements. Risk-focused procedures remain the standard for larger credit unions.The 10,000-foot takeaway: Asset quality and earnings pressure are the story of 2026. Credit unions that can demonstrate strong risk management practices across lending, liquidity, and capital planning will be well positioned. Now is the time to review your ACL methodologies, stress testing, contingency funding plans, and BSA programs before examiners come knocking.One more thing worth noting: the NCUA reminds credit unions they may record their final exit meeting or joint conference for documentation and training purposes.If your credit union could use help preparing, visit MarkTreichel.com or reach out to Mark Treichel on LinkedIn. Are you worried about an NCUA exam in process or looming on the horizon? Don't face it alone!We're ex-NCUA insiders with decades of experience, ready to guide you to success. Our team understands the intricacies of NCUA examinations from the inside out.Hire us and gain:• Peace of mind during your exam process• Insider knowledge of NCUA procedures and expectations• Strategies to address potential issues before they become problems• Continuous access to our extensive subject matter expertiseWith our access retainer, you'll have on-demand support from former NCUA experts. We're here to ensure your credit union achieves flying colors in its next examination.Contact Credit Union Exam Solutions today to learn more about our services and how we can help your credit union succeed.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Changes for Corporate Credit Unions – 12 CFR 704.8 and 704.15NCUA is proposing to amend its regulations for corporate credit unions by removing the requirement that a corporate credit union’s asset and liability management committee (ALCO) must have at least one member who is also a member of the corporate credit union’s board of directors. Are you worried about an NCUA exam in process or looming on the horizon? Don't face it alone!We're ex-NCUA insiders with decades of experience, ready to guide you to success. Our team understands the intricacies of NCUA examinations from the inside out.Hire us and gain:• Peace of mind during your exam process• Insider knowledge of NCUA procedures and expectations• Strategies to address potential issues before they become problems• Continuous access to our extensive subject matter expertiseWith our access retainer, you'll have on-demand support from former NCUA experts. We're here to ensure your credit union achieves flying colors in its next examination.Contact Credit Union Exam Solutions today to learn more about our services and how we can help your credit union succeed.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/ the Board, seeks comment on a proposed rule to remove the segregated deposit and collateral requirements when a federally insured credit union, referred to as a F I C U, acts as a surety and guarantor. Removing this regulation will provide F I C U s with greater flexibility to design products that meet member needs. F I C U s would remain subject to the other requirements regarding surety and guaranty agreements. Are you worried about an NCUA exam in process or looming on the horizon? Don't face it alone!We're ex-NCUA insiders with decades of experience, ready to guide you to success. Our team understands the intricacies of NCUA examinations from the inside out.Hire us and gain:• Peace of mind during your exam process• Insider knowledge of NCUA procedures and expectations• Strategies to address potential issues before they become problems• Continuous access to our extensive subject matter expertiseWith our access retainer, you'll have on-demand support from former NCUA experts. We're here to ensure your credit union achieves flying colors in its next examination.Contact Credit Union Exam Solutions today to learn more about our services and how we can help your credit union succeed.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/NCUA's 2026 Priority Letter to Credit Unions is out! Are you worried about an NCUA exam in process or looming on the horizon? Don't face it alone!We're ex-NCUA insiders with decades of experience, ready to guide you to success. Our team understands the intricacies of NCUA examinations from the inside out.Hire us and gain:• Peace of mind during your exam process• Insider knowledge of NCUA procedures and expectations• Strategies to address potential issues before they become problems• Continuous access to our extensive subject matter expertiseWith our access retainer, you'll have on-demand support from former NCUA experts. We're here to ensure your credit union achieves flying colors in its next examination.Contact Credit Union Exam Solutions today to learn more about our services and how we can help your credit union succeed.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/ The NCUA Board, referred to as the Board, is issuing this proposed rule to streamline its regulations governing advertising and the notice of insured status. This proposed rule would eliminate provisions concerning the official advertising statement. This action is undertaken to reduce regulatory complexity, and the intended effect is to reduce the administrative burden and costs for federally insured credit unions, referred to as FICU s, and provide them with greater flexibility in their advertising activities. The proposed rule would not amend requirements related to displaying the official sign. Are you worried about an NCUA exam in process or looming on the horizon? Don't face it alone!We're ex-NCUA insiders with decades of experience, ready to guide you to success. Our team understands the intricacies of NCUA examinations from the inside out.Hire us and gain:• Peace of mind during your exam process• Insider knowledge of NCUA procedures and expectations• Strategies to address potential issues before they become problems• Continuous access to our extensive subject matter expertiseWith our access retainer, you'll have on-demand support from former NCUA experts. We're here to ensure your credit union achieves flying colors in its next examination.Contact Credit Union Exam Solutions today to learn more about our services and how we can help your credit union succeed.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/ The NCUA Board seeks comment on a proposed rule to remove the regulations related to approval and policies on making loans to other credit unions. While this provision would no longer be codified in regulation, Federal Credit Unions would remain subject to statutory requirements related to making loans to credit unions. Federally insured state-chartered credit unions would remain subject to any other applicable NCUA or state law or regulation. Are you worried about an NCUA exam in process or looming on the horizon? Don't face it alone!We're ex-NCUA insiders with decades of experience, ready to guide you to success. Our team understands the intricacies of NCUA examinations from the inside out.Hire us and gain:• Peace of mind during your exam process• Insider knowledge of NCUA procedures and expectations• Strategies to address potential issues before they become problems• Continuous access to our extensive subject matter expertiseWith our access retainer, you'll have on-demand support from former NCUA experts. We're here to ensure your credit union achieves flying colors in its next examination.Contact Credit Union Exam Solutions today to learn more about our services and how we can help your credit union succeed.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/ The N C U A Board is publishing this proposed rule to amend the requirements for federally insured credit unions to report catastrophic acts to the agency. By providing more time for federally insured credit unions to notify the agency of the occurrence of a catastrophic act and by eliminating the specific list of items to be documented, the Board expects the proposed rule to reduce the compliance burden and allow federally insured credit unions to focus their resources on recovery and core functions without compromising safety and soundness. Are you worried about an NCUA exam in process or looming on the horizon? Don't face it alone!We're ex-NCUA insiders with decades of experience, ready to guide you to success. Our team understands the intricacies of NCUA examinations from the inside out.Hire us and gain:• Peace of mind during your exam process• Insider knowledge of NCUA procedures and expectations• Strategies to address potential issues before they become problems• Continuous access to our extensive subject matter expertiseWith our access retainer, you'll have on-demand support from former NCUA experts. We're here to ensure your credit union achieves flying colors in its next examination.Contact Credit Union Exam Solutions today to learn more about our services and how we can help your credit union succeed.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Episode TitleCredit Card Risk, Consumer Stress, and the 18 Percent RealityEpisode DescriptionIn this episode, Samantha Shares reviews key findings from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s latest Consumer Credit Card Market Report and explains what they mean for credit unions.The discussion focuses on how credit card usage has evolved since the pandemic, where growth is occurring, and why consumer stress signals remain elevated even as delinquency rates normalize. Samantha also explains how credit unions manage credit card risk differently from large banks, particularly given the statutory 18 percent loan-rate cap.This episode is designed to provide practical context for credit union leaders, board members, and exam preparation conversations.Key Topics CoveredHow large the credit card market has become and how embedded cards are in daily lifeWhy recent credit card spending growth is concentrated among higher-credit-score borrowersWhat rising balances and minimum-payment behavior signal about consumer stressWhy normalization in delinquency rates does not necessarily mean household finances are healthyHow credit cards are increasingly used for essential expenses rather than discretionary spendingWhy smaller issuers hold a larger share of higher-risk credit card balancesHow credit unions manage credit card risk under the 18 percent loan-rate capThe growing importance of underwriting discipline, credit limits, monitoring, and servicing controlsOperational risk trends, including disputes tied to recurring transactionsHow innovation, artificial intelligence, and alternative payment methods may shape future card usageWhy This Episode MattersCredit unions operate in a high-rate environment with uneven consumer stress while serving a membership base that often includes higher-risk borrowers. Understanding how credit card risk is distributed across the market—and how credit unions manage that risk structurally rather than through pricing—is essential for strategy, governance, and exam readiness.Sponsor MessageThis podcast is sponsored by Credit Union Exam Solutions Incorporated. Their team has over two hundred and forty years of National Credit Union Administration experience and helps credit unions prepare for and navigate NCUA examinations.Learn more at MarkTreichel.com.Related ContentWith Flying Colors podcastCredit Union Regulatory Guidance podcastArticles and resources at MarkTreichel.com Are you worried about an NCUA exam in process or looming on the horizon? Don't face it alone!We're ex-NCUA insiders with decades of experience, ready to guide you to success. Our team understands the intricacies of NCUA examinations from the inside out.Hire us and gain:• Peace of mind during your exam process• Insider knowledge of NCUA procedures and expectations• Strategies to address potential issues before they become problems• Continuous access to our extensive subject matter expertiseWith our access retainer, you'll have on-demand support from former NCUA experts. We're here to ensure your credit union achieves flying colors in its next examination.Contact Credit Union Exam Solutions today to learn more about our services and how we can help your credit union succeed.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Changes for Guidelines for Safeguarding Member Information – 12 CFR 748 Appendix ANCUA is proposing to remove Appendix A to part 748, guidelines for safeguarding member information, from the Code of Federal Regulations. Are you worried about an NCUA exam in process or looming on the horizon? Don't face it alone!We're ex-NCUA insiders with decades of experience, ready to guide you to success. Our team understands the intricacies of NCUA examinations from the inside out.Hire us and gain:• Peace of mind during your exam process• Insider knowledge of NCUA procedures and expectations• Strategies to address potential issues before they become problems• Continuous access to our extensive subject matter expertiseWith our access retainer, you'll have on-demand support from former NCUA experts. We're here to ensure your credit union achieves flying colors in its next examination.Contact Credit Union Exam Solutions today to learn more about our services and how we can help your credit union succeed.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Show Notes In this episode of Samantha Shares, we present an audio version of the Semiannual Risk Perspective from the National Risk Committee, Fall 2025, issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.This report provides a comprehensive overview of conditions in the federal banking system, including balance sheet strength, capital and liquidity levels, earnings performance, and emerging risks. The document discusses trends in credit quality across major loan categories, underwriting standards, commercial real estate conditions, and market and liquidity risk. It also highlights key operational and compliance considerations, including cybersecurity threats, fraud risk, and the evolving regulatory environment.The report examines the role of financial innovation, including artificial intelligence and payment system developments, and outlines how banks are balancing innovation opportunities with governance and risk management expectations. It concludes with an assessment of the economic environment and bank performance, including interest rate trends, profitability, and resilience under potential stress.This episode is a near-verbatim spoken reading of the source document. It is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice.Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Credit Union Exam Solutions Incorporated. Our team has over two hundred and forty years of National Credit Union Administration experience and assists credit unions with NCUA examinations so they can save time and money. Learn more at Mark Treichel dot com.Related Podcast Be sure to also check out our companion podcast, With Flying Colors, where we share practical insights and strategies to help credit unions achieve success with NCUA. Are you worried about an NCUA exam in process or looming on the horizon? Don't face it alone!We're ex-NCUA insiders with decades of experience, ready to guide you to success. Our team understands the intricacies of NCUA examinations from the inside out.Hire us and gain:• Peace of mind during your exam process• Insider knowledge of NCUA procedures and expectations• Strategies to address potential issues before they become problems• Continuous access to our extensive subject matter expertiseWith our access retainer, you'll have on-demand support from former NCUA experts. We're here to ensure your credit union achieves flying colors in its next examination.Contact Credit Union Exam Solutions today to learn more about our services and how we can help your credit union succeed.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Changes for Guidance on Response Programs for Unauthorized Access to Member Information and Member Notice – 12 CFR 748 Appendix BNCUA is proposing to remove Appendix B to part 748, guidance on response programs for unauthorized access to member information and member notice, from the Code of Federal Regulations. Are you worried about an NCUA exam in process or looming on the horizon? Don't face it alone!We're ex-NCUA insiders with decades of experience, ready to guide you to success. Our team understands the intricacies of NCUA examinations from the inside out.Hire us and gain:• Peace of mind during your exam process• Insider knowledge of NCUA procedures and expectations• Strategies to address potential issues before they become problems• Continuous access to our extensive subject matter expertiseWith our access retainer, you'll have on-demand support from former NCUA experts. We're here to ensure your credit union achieves flying colors in its next examination.Contact Credit Union Exam Solutions today to learn more about our services and how we can help your credit union succeed.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/"Most banks maintained relatively consistent reliance on Federal Home Loan Bank advances — including during periods of financial stress."— Government Accountability OfficeThe GAO just dropped a detailed report examining the Federal Home Loan Bank system during COVID-19 and the March 2023 banking stress.Here's what they actually found (without the noise):What the data shows:• FHLBank advances functioned as a stabilizing liquidity tool — not a risk amplifier• Especially true for institutions under $10 billion in assets• Consistent usage patterns even during stress periods• No evidence of panic borrowing or destabilizing effectsWhy it matters: While everyone was wringing their hands about liquidity risk, most community institutions used FHLBanks exactly as designed — as a reliable backstop when deposits got shaky.The real takeaway: For smaller institutions, FHLBank membership provided stability when they needed it most. Not a crutch. Not a risk factor. Just a tool that worked.I've posted a ~9-minute audio summary walking through what the GAO actually found.🎧 Listen at MarkTreichel.com or on your favorite podcast app (Samantha Shares).Translation: FHLBanks did their job. The system worked as intended. Are you worried about an NCUA exam in process or looming on the horizon? Don't face it alone!We're ex-NCUA insiders with decades of experience, ready to guide you to success. Our team understands the intricacies of NCUA examinations from the inside out.Hire us and gain:• Peace of mind during your exam process• Insider knowledge of NCUA procedures and expectations• Strategies to address potential issues before they become problems• Continuous access to our extensive subject matter expertiseWith our access retainer, you'll have on-demand support from former NCUA experts. We're here to ensure your credit union achieves flying colors in its next examination.Contact Credit Union Exam Solutions today to learn more about our services and how we can help your credit union succeed.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Changes for Supervisory Committee Audits and Verifications – 12 CFR 715NCUA is proposing to amend its regulations governing supervisory committee audits to eliminate unnecessary, redundant, and overly prescriptive provisions. Are you worried about an NCUA exam in process or looming on the horizon? Don't face it alone!We're ex-NCUA insiders with decades of experience, ready to guide you to success. Our team understands the intricacies of NCUA examinations from the inside out.Hire us and gain:• Peace of mind during your exam process• Insider knowledge of NCUA procedures and expectations• Strategies to address potential issues before they become problems• Continuous access to our extensive subject matter expertiseWith our access retainer, you'll have on-demand support from former NCUA experts. We're here to ensure your credit union achieves flying colors in its next examination.Contact Credit Union Exam Solutions today to learn more about our services and how we can help your credit union succeed.