 |
Credit Union Exam Solutions Presents With Flying ColorsTips for Credit Unions Success on the NCUA Examination. Author: Mark Treichel's Credit Union Exam Solutions
Tips for Credit Unions Success on the NCUA Examination. Brought to you by Mark Treichel's Credit Union Exam Solutions. Language: en Genres: Business, Education, Management Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
Listen Now...
Breaking: NCUA Moves to Remove a Major Barrier to Board Service
Episode 323
Thursday, 22 January, 2026
In this emergency update of With Flying Colors, Mark breaks down a newly proposed NCUA rule that could meaningfully reduce barriers to serving on a federal credit union board.The proposal would allow federal credit unions to reimburse or directly pay reasonable dependent care costs for volunteer officials when those costs are incurred while attending board meetings or performing official duties — including, potentially, training and conferences.This is a narrow but important change that reflects rising childcare and eldercare costs, declining volunteerism, and the increasing demands placed on credit union boards.Mark also shares brief updates on the Central Liquidity Facility (CLF), NCUA’s regulatory simplification efforts, and what’s coming next on the podcast following recent discussions at a credit union conference cruise.🔍 What the Proposed Rule Would DoApplies to federal credit unions only (state charters follow state law)Allows reimbursement or direct payment of:ChildcareAdult dependent care (elder care, disabled dependents)Covers costs incurred while:Attending board meetingsPerforming official duties (which may include training and conferences)Applies only to volunteer officials, not paid executives🚫 What the Rule Does Not DoDoes not allow reimbursement for:Lost wagesPaid leaveIndirect costs of volunteeringDoes not change compensation rules under the Federal Credit Union ActDoes not require credit unions to reimburse these costs — policies remain optional and discretionaryDoes not change IRS tax treatment — consult tax professionals for reporting requirements💡 Why This MattersChildcare costs have increased more than 200% since 1990Volunteer participation has declined significantly since pre-pandemic levelsFederal credit union boards:Must meet at least 12 times per yearCannot generally be compensatedThis proposal may help:Attract younger and working-age professionalsSupport caregivers and single parentsImprove diversity of experience and perspective on boards🧭 What NCUA Is Asking for Public Comment OnNCUA is inviting industry feedback on:Whether reimbursement should be limited to temporary or incremental costsWhether training and conference travel should clearly qualify as official dutiesDocumentation and internal control standardsBest practices from state-chartered credit unionsCredit unions and board members are encouraged to submit comments during the open comment period.🔜 What’s Coming Next on the PodcastA follow-up episode with Mark’s team discussing:NCUA’s 2025 Supervisory Priorities LetterWhat it really means for exams and operationsCoverage of NCUA’s upcoming webinar on supervisory priorities (February 19)Continued “emergency update” episodes when time-sensitive issues break
