Podcasts about ncua

Join Alex Becerra at Sutter Health Park for Friends & Family Night with the A's, presented by the Perfect Cents Podcast. Alex catches up with SAFE CEO Faye Nabhani and COO Tiffani Vargas, along with SAFE members, employees, and young fans, to talk about community, connection, and baseball. From first pitches to favorite ballpark snacks, see how SAFE's partnership with the A's supports the community and provides member benefits, including discounted A's and River Cats tickets. SAFE members can purchase discounted tickets with their promo code found under "Member Perks" in the SAFE Mobile App and Online Banking. Not a SAFE member? Learn more about SAFE Credit Union and member benefits. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. SAFE Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA. Community & Local Favorites: New Member Exclusive! Discounted tickets to select A's and River Cats Games (blog) Official A's Website (MLB) Sutter Health Park Official Sacramento River Cats Website (MiLB) To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

Summary:In this special Archive episode of With Flying Colors, Mark explores the meaning and implications of "agreed upon corrective action" in credit union examinations. Drawing from his experience at NCUA, Mark explains how this term appears on examination reports and why its proper implementation is crucial for credit unions.Key Points Covered:Mark begins by breaking down the literal meaning of "agreed upon" using dictionary definitions, emphasizing that it means coming to a mutual arrangement or understanding. He shares a recent case where a small credit union reached out about their examination frustrations, highlighting how the agreed-upon process can sometimes break down.The Process:The examination report process typically includes a draft phase where credit unions can review and discuss findings with examiners. However, due to year-end pressures and internal goals, sometimes reports are finalized without proper consultation. Mark explains that the examination report's cover page explicitly states it should document "agreed upon corrective actions," making it important for credit unions to ensure they actually have input in this process.Recommendations for Credit Unions:Mark advises credit unions to push back when they don't receive proper opportunity for input. He suggests starting with the examiner, then moving up to the supervisory examiner if necessary. While NCUA has final authority on safety and soundness issues, credit unions should still receive the opportunity to influence report language to better serve their needs and their members' interests.Important Context:The podcast notes that NCUA implemented a higher level of review for examination reports, requiring supervisory review. While this creates more consistency, it can sometimes make immediate dialogue more challenging, especially when reports are delivered as final without prior discussion.Closing Thoughts:Mark emphasizes that credit unions must decide when to "go along to get along" versus when to advocate for changes. The goal should be finding language that satisfies both NCUA's safety and soundness requirements and the credit union's operational needs.Contact Information:Listeners can learn more about Mark's services at markteichel.com. The podcast releases new episodes once or twice weekly, providing expert insights on achieving success with NCUA.Listen AnywhereListen OnApple PodcastsListen OnSpotifyListen OnOvercastListen OnPocket CastsListen OnAmazon MusicListen OnYouTubeMore Options »

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Federal credit unions are limited to investing 1% of their assets, in the aggregate, in credit union service organizations. That number went into the Federal Credit Union Act in the 1970s, and when NACUSO went back and researched it, they found no legislative history explaining why 1% was chosen. It is, as NACUSO general counsel Brian Lauer puts it, truly an arbitrary number — and it is now colliding with the capital requirements of artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and stablecoin.In this episode, Mark Treichel is joined by Brian Lauer, general counsel to the National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations (NACUSO) and a partner at Messick Lauer & Smith P.C., for a wide-ranging conversation on where CUSOs stand and where the rules governing them are headed.Brian explains why NACUSO has shifted from a defensive posture on Capitol Hill — largely a response to NCUA's push for vendor authority — to an offensive one. Over roughly the last 18 to 24 months the association has been on the Hill four times and returns in September, as its own organization rather than as part of an industry fly-in, pushing for changes to the Federal Credit Union Act that would eliminate the 1% cap and let credit unions manage CUSO investments on a balance-sheet-by-balance-sheet basis, the same way boards already manage capital above the statutory prompt corrective action floor.The conversation also covers a second statutory issue that gets less attention: the "primarily serves" limitation. As Brian describes it, "primarily serves" is not a limitation on investment powers in the Act, but when NCUA wrote the modern CUSO regulation in the 1990s it conflated investment and lending and applied the standard to both. The practical effect is that a credit union asking for a strategic seat at the table with a technology company has to tell that company half its business must be with credit unions — and the company is usually the one that walks away.Elsewhere in the episode: why NCUA's CUSO numbers are unreliable, with the most recent registry list dating from 2024 and no verification of the self-reported data, even as Brian's own practice forms 30 to 40 CUSOs a year; the consolidation and acquisition activity now visible in the CUSO space, including third-party vendors buying CUSOs that fit their lanes and regional CUSOs merging across geographies; and what a one-member NCUA board does to the regulatory pendulum — faster swings, Brian argues, with less compromise built in.The episode closes on the GENIUS Act. CUSOs are named in the legislation, which Brian calls a real win, and federal credit unions that want to issue a payment stablecoin will need to do it through a CUSO. He makes the case that credit unions need a stablecoin of their own for the same reason they needed shared branching, that the only way it works is through collaboration among a large group of credit unions — he estimates closer to 1,000 than 100 — and that adoption will likely be slower than the conversation suggests, with the payments side mattering most. Mark adds the argument that moved him from skeptic to something closer to convinced: if stablecoin helps keep the dollar the world's reserve currency, that is a reason to want it developed here rather than somewhere else.Brian can be reached through his firm at cusolaw.com and on LinkedIn. NACUSO's annual conference is in Las Vegas in the spring of 2027, and the association also runs the VentureTech event for credit unions focused on technology.Concise version — social and discoveryFederal credit unions can invest only 1% of assets in CUSOs. That number went into the Federal Credit Union Act in the 1970s, and there is no legislative history explaining where it came from.Brian Lauer, general counsel to NACUSO and a partner at Messick Lauer & Smith P.C., joins Mark Treichel to explain why that arbitrary ceiling now matters more than it ever has — and what NACUSO is doing on Capitol Hill about it.Inside the episode: the 1% cap and the campaign to remove it; the "primarily serves" limitation that keeps credit unions out of strategic fintech investments; why NCUA's CUSO count cannot be trusted; CUSO consolidation and acquisition activity; what a one-member NCUA board does to the pace of regulatory change; and why any credit union stablecoin under the GENIUS Act will have to be issued through a CUSO — and will only work through collaboration.

The Examiner's Guide and National Supervision Policy Manual (NSPM) govern how NCUA examinations work. In this episode, Mark Treichel, Todd Miller, and Steve Farrar explain what credit unions need to know about both documents.  Key takeaways:  • The NSPM standardized examination procedures after years of regional inconsistency  • The Examiner's Guide is de-emphasized but its reference sections remain useful  • Credit unions should review NSPM chapters on District Management, Programs, and Regulatory Waivers  • Administrative action responses and appeals typically require action within 30 days  • Some Examiner's Guide chapters referenced by the NSPM aren't publicly available  This episode is essential listening for credit unions preparing for examinations or navigating enforcement actions.

On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra sits down with Shawn Kahan, co-owner of Yellow Brick Group and co-founder of the 'Our Street Night Market'. Shawn takes us through his incredible journey—from hustling t-shirts out of his car trunk at 17 after getting kicked out of school, to designing for NBA icons like DeMarcus Cousins, to building a multi-faceted creative agency in the heart of Sacramento. We'll dive into the origin of the 'Our Street Night Market', detailing how an event planned for a few hundred people unexpectedly drew over 11,000 attendees, inspired by his Asian and Hawaiian heritage and night market trips to Taiwan. He also honors the legacy of late developer Ali Youssefi, reflecting on the cultural impact of the Warehouse Artist Lofts (WAL), and offers profound advice for creative entrepreneurs on self-awareness, personal storytelling, and community building. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Hanai Shave Ice Camellia Coffee Roasters Instagram - @camelliacoffeeroasters Majka Pizzeria Instagram - @majkabakes Southside Super Instagram - @southsidesuper Sacramento Little Saigon To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. For more information about the upcoming Our Street Night Market visit: Our Street Night Market Instagram - @ourstreetmarket For more information about Yellow Brick Group visit: https://ybgroup.us/ Instagram - @yellowbrickgroup To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

For the first time in its history, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has zero board members. Not one. Not two. Zero.In this emergency episode, Mark Treichel walks through how the agency got here and, more importantly, what it means for credit unions in the meantime.Kyle Hauptman's six-year term expired in August 2025. Under the Federal Credit Union Act, a board member may keep serving after a term expires until a successor has qualified — which is why Hauptman was able to serve a full year past his expiration date. On August 7, 2026, the Senate confirmed John Crews. Three days later, Hauptman resigned and took the oath for his new post at the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). Crews has been confirmed, but he has not been sworn in — and confirmed is not the same as seated.The finish line is the oath of office, and the oath cannot happen until the commission comes over from the White House with the President's signature. That paperwork routes through NCUA's Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), to the general counsel and chief of staff, and then to a swearing-in ceremony in the NCUA boardroom. Until that happens, the seat is unfilled. Mark's argument: the gap was entirely avoidable. The statute let Hauptman stay. He left anyway.The agency does not stop, because NCUA's delegations of authority were built for exactly this kind of situation. Mark treated the delegations as his operating bible during his 33 years at the agency, and he walks through what they cover and what they do not.What keeps running: examinations and supervision on the normal cycle, findings, Documents of Resolution (DORs), Letters of Understanding and Agreement (LUAs), temporary cease-and-desist orders at the regional director level, charters, and mergers.What stops: rulemaking. Conservatorships and liquidations, which sit with the board. Asset guarantees. Loss resolutions above the delegated dollar thresholds. Appointments, removals, and promotions of senior personnel. Budget changes beyond a narrow reprogramming authority. And appeals that have reached the board level — the last rung of the appeal ladder is dark until a member is sworn in.Mark also addresses the argument some are making that a standing continuity delegation lets the executive director step into the board's shoes. His read: that delegation contemplates a national emergency in which the sitting board members are unable to serve. This is not a national emergency. This is unsigned paperwork — a different thing entirely, and not a basis for staff to exercise authority the Act reserves to the board.Also covered: the quorum question hanging over the 11 final regulations issued just before the departure; the ongoing Todd Harper and Tanya Otsuka litigation and what a win would mean; the Schedule C shuffle underway in the chairman's office; and what an incoming single-member chairman faces walking into an agency that has already lost a large share of its most experienced staff.This is a short-shelf-life episode by design. It may be resolved by the time you hear it. The structural lesson will not be.Credit Union Exam Solutions is a team of former NCUA executives and examiners who help credit unions prepare for, manage, and appeal examinations. 

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Ryan Donovan, CEO of the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks, joins Mark Treichel to walk through what came out of the first Federal Home Loan Bank oversight hearing in 15 years — and what credit unions should take from it.The Federal Home Loan Bank System is not a well-known system, as Ryan puts it, so the testimony started with education: 11 banks serving 6,300 members — credit unions, banks, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions (CDFIs) — providing liquidity so those members can serve their own members, customers, and communities.On credit unions specifically, membership growth continues. A substantial portion of credit union assets is already inside the System; by member count, there is still room to grow among smaller institutions.Ryan explains the regulatory ask that matters most for liquidity managers: when regulators look at the liquidity coverage ratio and similar measures, Home Loan Bank advances should be treated as core liquidity, reflecting the System's reliability across its history. Those conversations have begun with the FDIC and will extend to the other member regulators, including the incoming chairman of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).He also draws the distinction credit unions sometimes blur: the Federal Reserve has limited lending authority — overnight lending, with limits on consecutive days and on days borrowed within a set period — while the Home Loan Bank is a daily liquidity provider, with its nexus to housing sitting in the collateral members bring, whether mortgages they originated or bought or mortgage-backed securities they hold.On interoperability — one of the two hard-to-pronounce words of the hearing, alongside countercyclical — Ryan describes the work that came out of the March 2023 lessons learned: encouraging members to establish and periodically test discount window lines, improving Fed and Home Loan Bank communication so the right people can reach each other at 6:00 on a Friday, negotiating master subordination agreements so collateral can move faster in a crisis, and proposing that the Fed accept a Home Loan Bank letter of credit on behalf of a member in stress to bridge from Friday's close to Monday's open. Mark connects this directly to staff turnover, including the roughly 27% of NCUA staff lost to buyouts, and what that does to a call tree.On housing, the banks are required by law to set aside 10% of the previous year's net earnings for the Affordable Housing Program (AHP). For the last two years they have contributed 50% more than required, putting more than $1 billion a year toward affordable housing. Ryan is candid about AHP's burden — 13 FHFA regulations and six advisory bulletins — and notes that FHFA under Director Pulte is overhauling it. He contrasts AHP dollars committed with voluntary program dollars already out the door, and warns against any change to the 10% statutory floor that would crowd out voluntary programs.The conversation closes on CDFI membership, low income housing tax credit (LIHTC) collateral that is reliable but hard to value, the subsidized programs Chicago, Boston, and Cincinnati run, H.R. 7647 and the community financial institution definition, and why insurance companies belong in the System at all.

In this archive episode of With Flying Colors, host Mark Treichel welcomes Vin Vitton, retired NCUA Senior Credit Specialist and longtime commercial banker, for an insightful discussion on credit culture—what it is, why it matters, and how it shapes a credit union's lending success.Vin draws on his unique experience working on all three sides of the desk—as a lender, borrower, and regulator—to explain how a strong credit culture begins with board values, flows through management, and guides every credit decision. Together, Mark and Vin unpack key takeaways including:The definition and purpose of credit culture within a credit union.How board values and management philosophy shape consistent lending practices.The importance of reading regulatory preambles to understand NCUA's intent.Why every policy, system, and training program should reinforce a consistent credit approach.How examiners and credit unions can align on “the art” of evaluating risk rather than relying on “paint-by-number” regulation.The role of appropriate structuring, documentation, and open dialogue with examiners.Whether you're a CEO, board member, or senior lender, this episode provides valuable insight into balancing safe and sound lending with member-focused service.

What happens when a mid-sized credit union outgrows its comfort zone? Andrew Wilson of Navigator Credit Union joins host Mark Ritter to unpack the strategy behind explosive net income growth, a booming mortgage lending portfolio, and a scrappy new commercial lending division built almost from scratch. Wilson gets candid about surviving NCUA Exams, building trust with regulators, and why CUSO partnerships have become a secret weapon for smaller credit unions competing against the biggest banks in the country. Along the way, Auburn football and Mississippi Gulf Coast living make for a genuinely fun listen.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Navigator Credit Union built a thriving commercial lending program through smart CUSO partnerships✅ Why strong credit union lending yields and low cost of funds drive outsized net income✅ Practical tips for surviving NCUA exams and building lasting relationships with regulators✅ How digital banking and mortgage lending growth expanded member access along the Mississippi Gulf CoastSubscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union's growth today.TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Andrew Wilson of Navigator Credit Union talks about Birmingham, growth along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Auburn football(13:29) A discussion on CUSO partnerships and collaboration among credit unions in commercial lending(16:45) Wilson explains how Navigator balances digital banking with in-branch member experience(20:07) The strategy behind Navigator's high net income and impressive credit union lending yields(22:32) Wilson shares his top tips for navigating NCUA exams and building examiner relationships(28:43) Wilson details loan portfolio diversification and strong mortgage lending growth and shares his outlook for the futureKEY TAKEAWAYS:

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/ In this episode, Mark Treichel sits down with Lenwood Brooks — former chief of staff to NCUA Chairman Rodney Hood, former Director of Government and Industry Relations at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, and now a managing director at Performance Trust Capital Partners — for a wide-ranging conversation about what happens to NCUA next.Lenwood walks through the mechanics of Senate confirmation for nominee John Crews, including why the shift to en bloc cloture votes has compressed a process that took Kyle Hauptman four or five months down to a matter of weeks. He explains why confirming Crews is a step toward resolving the quorum question but not the resolution — the agency stays under what he calls a gray cloud until the board reaches at least two members or a court rules.The conversation then turns to what recent removal-power litigation means in practice. If the reasoning in the Federal Trade Commission case holds, the six-year NCUA board term no longer functions as designed. Board seats become tied to a presidential administration, and Lenwood's advice to credit unions is direct: prepare for the NCUA to run a lot more like the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, with drastic swings in supervisory priorities between administrations.Mark and Lenwood also cover what it is like to arrive at NCUA as a political appointee amid an experienced career staff, why career staff become a force multiplier once they trust you, the trend of NCUA board members coming out of Senate Banking Committee staff rather than from credit unions, and the balance sheet lesson from March 2023 — that chasing yield and duration alone gives you a single-dimension picture of a multi-dimension problem.Finally, Lenwood offers the observation credit union leaders will recognize immediately: examiners often do not appreciate that a passing comment can set off a fire drill in the C-suite that takes weeks to resolve. A whisper from an examiner comes across as a yell.Reach Lenwood Brooks at lbrooks@performancetrust.com. For help preparing for your NCUA examination, responding to a Document of Resolution, or navigating the appeals process, contact Credit Union Exam Solutions at marktreichel.com.

How is the upcoming combination of SAFE and BECU going to change the future of banking in Northern California and Washington? On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, Alex Becerra sits down with SAFE COO, Tiffani Vargas, and BECU Chief Member & Digital Experience Officer, Jason Rudman, to dive deep into what this historic credit union partnership actually means for members and local communities. Discover how both institutions are uniting under the "Coming Together, Member First" philosophy, combining cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to community impact. From reducing member fees to expanding first-time homebuyer grants, learn how this combined force of nearly 2 million members aims to move people from financial access to true financial freedom! Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on how we're helping our communities win! SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Mount Rainier National Park Big Sur State Park (CA) Visit Carmel-By-The-Sea Visit Napa Valley To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. The Sacramento Bee - SAFE Credit Union makes the case for its pending merger with Seattle-area firm Gold Mountain California News Media | Future of SAFE is still local To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

Why Does NCUA Ask to Meet with CU Board without CU Staff Present?Join Mark Treichel and his team as they delve into the rare but important topic of why the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) might ask to meet with a credit union's board of directors without staff present. In this episode, Mark, Steve Farrar, and Todd Miller share personal experiences and insights from their extensive careers in credit union examination and supervision. Learn about the reasons behind such requests, how to handle these meetings, and the implications they might have for your credit union.  Guest Introductions Steve Farrar's Background Todd Miller's Background Increasing NCUA Board Meetings without Staff Board Chair vs. Full Board Meetings Meeting with Specific Board Members Supervisory Committee Conversations Handling Full Board Meetings without Staff Considerations for Board Responses Recording Meetings and Legal Counsel Emotional Responses and Agreement Caution Conclusion 

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/State-level interchange legislation is no longer a one-state story, and a federal preemption ruling has left credit unions on opposite sides of a line they did not draw. Mark Treichel, former Executive Director of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), talks with Jason Stverak, Chief Advocacy Officer of the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC), about where interchange fights stand, what the NCUA board vacancies mean heading into budget season, and why every credit union should have a government shutdown plan ready before the end of September. Interchange at the state levelMassachusetts convened a commission to study interchange and has taken input from retailers, credit unions, card companies, and processors across multiple hearings — Jason testified at the third. Illinois passed an interchange law that has been delayed a year and is now in the courts. A federal judge, relying on the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) position on federal preemption, ruled the law does not reach card networks, federally chartered banks, or other federally chartered savings institutions — but does reach federally chartered credit unions, state-chartered credit unions, and state-chartered banks. The NCUA has since moved on an interim rule extending the same exemption to federally chartered credit unions, with the comment period recently closed.That leaves state-chartered institutions carrying a compliance burden their federally chartered competitors do not. Jason's concern is structural: the strength of the credit union movement has always been the dual charter system, and a rule that effectively tells institutions to change charters to escape paperwork erodes it. Colorado's legislature passed an interchange bill that the governor vetoed; the issue has been introduced in a number of other states and in Puerto Rico. As more states pass their own versions, credit unions face the prospect of multiple interchange payment networks — and members who care about one thing only: whether the card works where they are. Marshall-Durbin in WashingtonThe Marshall-Durbin interchange legislation remains contained, but not dead. DCUC is watching the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), floor amendments, and any must-pass vehicle that could carry it. Jason's framing: the worry is not a fair fight, it is a provision slipping into a bill at two in the morning in December.For defense credit unions, the stakes are specific. Interchange revenue funds the ability to extend credit to eighteen-year-old service members with no credit history — a $1,000 card to fix a car or buy groceries until payday. Take that away and the alternative is the payday lender outside the front gate. The NCUA boardChairman Kyle Hauptman is set to depart. John Crews has had his nomination hearing. As of August 1, Hauptman will have served a year past the end of his term. The Senate has roughly three weeks before its August recess, and the practical hope is that a nominee package moves — or that Crews is processed individually before the August 6 recess. Mark's point from the Executive Director's chair: get him seated in August, because the budget is coming, and a new board member approving a budget in his second month is not the scenario that produces an optimal budget.Separately, Todd Harper and Tanya Otsuka are proceeding with their court case following the Supreme Court's decision in Trump v. Slaughter, which gave the president broad removal authority over independent agency heads with the Federal Reserve excepted. Their argument is that Slaughter is specific to the Federal Trade Commission. The case sits in the D.C. Circuit and may or may not resolve this year. Coast Guard pay and shutdown readinessThe Coast Guard is part of the military but is funded through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), not the Department of Defense, absent a declared war. During the shutdowns, that meant Coast Guard members went unpaid. Credit unions filled the gap — Keesler Federal Credit Union committed its reserves to cover member paychecks; others set up food banks. Jason notes the balance-sheet reality: money going out increases, money coming in decreases, and examiners will see the reserve position. He credits the NCUA for working with credit unions through it.Looking ahead: no spending bills have been signed, and funding runs out September 30 at midnight. DCUC has already told its members to dust off their shutdown plans, because by mid-September members will be asking about mortgages and tuition, and members of Congress will be asking what programs are in place. Jackson Area and the banking tradesOn the alleged fraud at Jackson Area Federal Credit Union, both agree the issues are serious and warrant investigation, and that the industry should lead on governance, board training, and internal controls rather than wait to be led. What draws Jason's objection is the speed with which the banking trades pushed the story into congressional inboxes as evidence of an industry-wide problem, paired with the familiar asks: hearings, Form 990 filings, tax status. Mark adds a point from the record — the October 2025 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Inspector General report on Pulaski Savings Bank, a $45 million institution with two sets of books and a loss in the range of $28 to $30 million, a larger percentage loss than Jackson Area. Both push toward the same conclusion: identify the problem, fix the problem, and ask the board-level questions — why can one person control both inflow and outflow, and are we getting the audit we should be getting rather than the audit we are required to get? About DCUCNow in its 63rd year, DCUC was created as a council under CUNA to represent credit unions on military bases and has expanded well beyond them. Membership is open to any credit union — teacher, firefighter, oil and gas, and traditional charters are all in the mix. Dues are capped at $22,500 for the largest institutions, and the vast majority of members pay less than $1,000. The annual meeting runs August 3–6 in Aventura, Florida, with regional sub-councils bringing programming closer to members who cannot travel. Reach Jason Stverak: jstverak@dcuc.orgLearn more about DCUC: dcuc.org Credit Union Exam Solutions helps credit unions prepare for NCUA examinations, respond to Documents of Resolution, and navigate regulatory challenges. Learn more at creditunionexamsolutions.com.

Send us Fan MailThe Student Choice CUSO, built around student loans, is expanding and now has introduced a program that will enable credit unions to issue small dollar, emergency loans to members with no credit check.These are not payday loans.  Interest rates are capped at 18% per NCUA policies.How can this be?  On the show is Scott Patterson, ceo of Student Choice, and the episode starts with a view into the current state of student loans and the big changes that are transforming the market.But Patterson came on the show to talk up the new Employer Choice program that will enable credit unions to make small dollar loans to employees of SEGs and to do so with little risk.What kind of voodoo is this? Patterson explains and it's definitely not voodoo.The key is that the lending is tied into the employee's payroll system.  Yes, there is no credit check but “instead [there are] employment-based underwriting factors, including job tenure, income stability, and employer characteristics.”Patterson elaborates on this in the show.The first credit union up with Employer Choice is Affinity Plus Credit Union in Minnesota which, Patterson indicated,has started by offering the program to its own employees.Other credit unions, says Patterson, want to start by offering the program to SEGs who will set this up as an employee benefit.  So, says Patterson, this has the potential to become a new member acquisition tool.Remember this: estimates are that half of American families do not have $1000 on hand for emergencies.  A friction-free emergency loan program just might be the life raft many families need and, says Patterson, credit unions can play a big part in helping out those families in need - and doing so at small risk and also low interest rates.Listen up.Like what you are hearing? Find out how you can help sponsor this podcast here. Very affordable sponsorship packages are available. Email rjmcgarvey@gmail.com  And like this podcast on whatever service you use to stream it. That matters.  Find out more about CU2.0 and the digital transformation of credit unions here. It's a journey every credit union needs to take. Pronto

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Credit union acquisition activity in 2026 tells a story the headline numbers hide. Only four or five bank purchases have been announced so far this year — but according to Michael Bell of Honigman LLP, that is not a slowdown. It is a market in which banks are bidding more aggressively than ever, and credit unions are losing more bids than they win. Bell argues that outcome is actually evidence against the banking-lobby claim that credit unions overpay and compete unfairly: if credit unions were routinely overpaying, they would not be finishing in second place on roughly ten strong bids in the last few months.Mark Treichel talks with Bell and his Honigman partner Justin Gingerich about the full range of credit union non-organic growth: whole-bank purchases, bank branch deals, and — newer — the acquisition of mature CUSOs by large credit unions bringing services in-house. They dig into state-level friction, including Washington State's tax law that Bell says has raised zero revenue while shutting down credit union bidding there and depressing bank valuations, and the parallel dynamic in Tennessee.The conversation turns to the biggest shift of all: credit union to credit union mergers of equals (MOEs). For most of Bell's 23-year career these barely happened. Now he is having new MOE conversations weekly, and once a letter of intent is signed, roughly eight of ten close. Gingerich walks through the Wings/Ent transaction — a merger creating an institution north of $10 billion that won NCUA approval in four to five months, a timeline he calls unheard of — and credits Honigman regulatory partner Brandy Bruyere for navigating a process he describes as “baking a cake when the recipe is only half written.”Treichel adds the regulator's view: NCUA honors the democratic member-vote process when disclosures are sound, and with roughly 30% fewer staff after retirements, deal teams are effectively re-educating the agency as volume rises. The takeaway from both guests: strategic non-organic growth is now a mainstream lever for institutions building 2027 strategy — and sticking your head in the sand is not a strategy.

This Archive Thursday episode of With Flying Colors revisits a timely and important topic: corporate governance. Mark is joined by former NCUA colleagues Todd Miller and Steve Farrar  to explore why governance issues are at the heart of many troubled credit unions.They cover:How poor governance can sink an institution — and how strong governance can turn it around.The importance of tone at the top, ethics, and board oversight.Why diversity of skills, demographics, and perspectives matters for boards.The regulatory framework: NCUA's limited guidance versus FDIC's more robust tools.Resources for directors, including FDIC pocket guides, training, and self-assessments.Real-world stories from examinations, conservatorships, and boardrooms.Whether you're a director, executive, or examiner, this episode highlights why governance is more than compliance — it's culture, accountability, and the foundation of credit union safety and soundness.

What actually happens to your money when you shop local? On this episode of The Perfect Cents Podcast, we sit down with Brian Munn, CEO of the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, to explore how the cooperative business model builds long-term regional wealth. Brian shares his journey from classical culinary training to managing a 50-year-old Sacramento institution. We dive deep into the unique economic engine of co-ops, how their direct relationships with farmers protected their supply chain during global disruptions, and why partnerships between financial and consumer cooperatives create a stronger economic safety net for the community. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op Hawk's Public House Mulvaney's B&L To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/In this episode of With Flying Colors, host Mark Treichel welcomes back David Reed of Reed & Jolly, PLLC — a longtime credit union attorney, former general counsel, and self-described “recovering supervisory committee member” who served a decade on a supervisory committee, including six or seven years as chair. David reached out after listening to Mark's earlier coverage of the Jackson Area Federal Credit Union case, just as he was kicking off a two-day national supervisory committee school, and the timing made for a rich conversation.The heart of the discussion is fraud prevention through the lens of the supervisory committee. Using the Jackson Area allegations as a teaching tool — and stressing repeatedly that everything is alleged, drawn from NCUA's amended lawsuit — David walks through why trust is not an internal control, why insider accounts are the single greatest fraud risk at smaller credit unions, and why occasional reviews of senior executives' own accounts (even just by volume) should be routine and done independently. He and Mark unpack the “clipboard audit” problem, the limits of pop teller audits, and the difference between a full CPA opinion audit, agreed-upon procedures, and a supervisory committee doing the work itself.David makes a direct case that the $500 million CPA opinion-audit threshold is outdated — arguing it should drop to $250 million — because technology has erased the product-and-service gap between small and large credit unions while leaving the same fraud exposure. He notes that many of his sub-$500 million clients already choose to get CPA audits because they add accountability and assurance, and that scope can be added to any audit like a cafeteria plan, including a targeted review of senior-executive and insider accounts.The conversation then broadens. On the NCUA board, David explores the implications of changes to Humphrey's Executor — the prospect of removable board members, a possible “clean sweep” every administration, the chilling effect on recruiting qualified people to serve partial terms, and the resulting shift of power toward the permanent bureaucracy. On succession planning, he champions a “junior varsity governance” model with associate board and committee members, and reframes every incumbent nomination as a re-selection that deserves real evaluation. On collections, he urges credit unions to turn the same predictive analytics they use to find lending opportunities inward — reaching members before they fall two or three payments behind and stop answering the phone.Throughout, David returns to one theme: most credit unions already have the tools, processes, and even the results they need — the question is whether anyone is actually activating and reviewing them. Reach David Reed at david@reedandjolly.com.

"Liquidity Management: Reading Between the Lines of NCUA's Latest Guidance"In this insightful episode, Mark Treichel and former NCUA Capital Markets Specialist Todd Miller analyze NCUA's April 2023 liquidity webinar and provide their expert take on the agency's current perspective on liquidity management.Episode Highlights:Todd Miller shares his 34-year experience at NCUA, including his roles as a regional capital market specialist and director of special actionsKey liquidity guidance documents discussed: 2010 Interagency Policy Statement on Funding and Liquidity Risk Management, 2013 CU 10 guidance on Regulation 741.12, and the 2023 addendum on contingency funding plansAnalysis of credit union deposit composition changes: from 55% in money markets, CDs, and wholesale funding in 2009 to 52% currentlyDiscussion of "reversion to the mean" in deposit mix and how credit unions have adapted to the rate environmentExamination inconsistencies: varying liquidity ratios and expectations from examiner to examinerThe importance of forward-looking liquidity management versus "rear-view mirror" approachesDisconnect between NCUA's public statements (e.g., "supervisory test is not how credit unions should manage interest rate risk") and examiner actionsHow improved analytics allow credit unions to operate with lower cash holdings while still managing risk effectivelyThe appropriate use of wholesale funding, borrowings, and non-member deposits in liquidity managementWhy well-capitalized credit unions with good asset quality will generally maintain access to liquidityResources Mentioned:2010 Interagency Policy Statement on Funding and Liquidity Risk Management2013 CU 10 guidance on NCUA Regulation 741.122023 addendum to the 2010 interagency statement on funding and liquidity risk

Why is SAFE Credit Union combining with BECU? On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, SAFE President and CEO Faye Nabhani sits down to explain the strategic vision behind this combination and what it actually means for members and the community. Discover how this new partnership will drive greater member value through lower fees, competitive rates, and expanded consumer and small business loan opportunities. Faye shares insights on why now is the perfect time for this evolution while maintaining their core "people helping people" mindset.  SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Eat A Pita - Rancho Cordova To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. The Sacramento Bee - SAFE Credit Union makes the case for its pending merger with Seattle-area firm To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

Ever wonder what happens to your savings if the economy hits a rough patch? In this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex sits down with SAFE's Corporate Compliance Manager, Marina to demystify the NCUA and explain exactly how your money is federally protected. Many people have heard of bank insurance through the FDIC, but what about credit unions? Enter the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Created to modernize the credit union industry, the NCUA's Share Insurance Fund provides automatic, federally backed protection for your deposits of $250,000. Key takeaways include: What exactly is the NCUA, and how does it safeguard your financial journey? How does credit union protection compare to traditional bank insurance (NCUA vs. FDIC)? What specific accounts are covered (joint accounts, retirement, and upcoming trust account changes)? How can you easily calculate your personal coverage details? Why federal backing gives you ultimate peace of mind compared to private options. Best of all? This coverage is 100% automatic—there's absolutely nothing you need to sign up for to keep your hard-earned funds secure. To date, not a single penny of member deposits has ever been lost from a federally insured credit union. SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Karen's Bakery & Cafe To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Calculate Your Protection Coverage: To check your exact status or map out your accounts using the official share insurance calculators, visit: https://mycreditunion.gov. To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

The worst time to think about succession is when your organization is already in crisis. In this episode, Scott and Scott sit down with succession planning expert Jerry Nelson and ServiStar's Peter Tyson to unpack what the NCUA succession planning rule really means for credit unions. Too many organizations believe having “a name” is the same as having a plan. It is not. Real succession planning develops leaders years before transition happens. Jerry shares practical strategies from his NEXT Method to help boards and CEOs move beyond gut feelings and create measurable leadership readiness. From scorecards and executive demeanor to culture fit and bench strength, this conversation challenges leaders to protect the mission by preparing the next generation before they are needed.  In this episode we talk about and answer these questions:  • what problem is the NCUA trying to solve with succession planning requirements  • why having a replacement name is not the same as having a development plan  • how can boards and CEOs evaluate future leaders beyond technical performance  • what should be included in a succession scorecard for executive readiness  • how often should succession plans and leadership evaluations be reviewed  • how do Target Leadership tools help leaders build executive presence and culture fit  Click Here to Submit Your Questions  Links from show:  Succession Now website The NEXT Method  ServiStar's TARGET Leadership Program  ServiStar's Credit Union PHD course  Subscribe to ServiStar Leadership Podcast on your favorite streaming service 

Is it time to ditch the traditional piggy bank? In this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra sits down with parent and banking expert Marcie Johnson to explore how to build financial confidence in children early. In an increasingly digital world where physical cash is disappearing, teaching kids how to manage money online is more important than ever. Marcie shares her personal experience opening a checking account and getting a debit card for her child, highlighting how moving away from cash allowances helps prevent instant gratification. They discuss the major shift in family banking, including how credit unions like SAFE lowered the account age requirement to 6 years old, so kids can learn financial responsibility by doing. From navigating ATMs to checking online banking logs , discover how you can actively coach your kids toward smart budgeting, saving habits, and lifelong financial literacy.  SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Rocklin Community Theatre Broadway Sacramento SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/For the first time in 30 years, the CAMELS rating system is being rewritten. In this episode, Mark Treichel is joined by Todd Miller and Steve Farrar — all former NCUA — to break down the proposal moving through the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) and what it means for credit unions.The headline change: Management (the “M”) loses the special status that let it override the other five components. The agency's own data showed Management was the most influential factor in composite ratings; under the proposal, it's weighed alongside Capital, Asset quality, Earnings, Liquidity, and Sensitivity — not above them.Mark, Todd, and Steve dig into the new “material financial risk” threshold that must now be met to downgrade Management to a 3 or worse; the removal of judgment-heavy language like “resiliency” and “size and complexity”; the push toward fewer, sharper Documents of Resolution; and the compliance carve-outs that keep the system from being toothless. They also weigh the trade-off at the heart of the proposal — more objective, consistent ratings versus the loss of a forward-looking early warning system — with Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank as cautionary examples.The practical bottom line: most credit unions won't see their composite change, but those sitting right at a rating boundary should pay close attention. Comments are open, and the notice doubles as a useful primer for boards and senior staff.

This week we're bringing back an archive episode of With Flying Colors that remains just as relevant today as when it was first recorded.I'm joined by Steve Farrar and Todd Miller, both longtime NCUA veterans and now part of my team at Credit Union Exam Solutions. Together, we break down what it means if NCUA directs your credit union to conduct an organizational review—and why this is one of the most serious signals an examiner can send.In this episode, we cover:Why an organizational review is almost always tied to serious management or governance weaknesses.How CAMELS codes connect to “unwilling or unable” management findings.The difference between NCUA's approach and how the FDIC structures its organizational review requirements.The role of third-party consultants, approval requirements, and pitfalls boards must avoid.Why humility and proactive planning are key if your credit union receives this directive.War stories from our years at NCUA—including conservatorship cases and tough appraisal calls—that illustrate the real-world consequences.If you've ever wondered what this type of supervisory action means for a board, a CEO, or an examiner, this conversation will give you candid insight from those who have lived it.

Are your current vendor relationships helping you solve real problems or just cluttering your technology stack? In this episode, Mark Ritter sits down with Melissa Kopp, Chief Revenue Officer for the League of Credit Unions and its affiliate Leverage, to discuss how credit union fintech partnerships are shifting from standard product pitching to collaborative problem solving. Melissa shares her insider perspective on how institutions can build a trusted member journey by moving past isolated products and focusing on connected experiences. This conversation delivers practical advice on maximizing conference ROI, evaluating vendor ecosystems, and leveraging the true spirit of cooperation among cooperatives.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why shifting from isolated product evaluations to comprehensive ecosystem evaluation is critical ✅ How prioritizing problem solving over aggressive sales tactics drives credit union growth ✅ What fintech disruption means for credit unions trying to build modern experiences ✅ Why focusing on credit union collaboration and shared mission outlasts big bank tacticsSubscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union's growth today.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction: Meet Melissa Kopp03:55 The evolution and footprint of the League of Credit Unions and Leverage 05:09 Vendor connection mistakes and building a trusted member journey 08:06 Shifting from simple product sales to strategic ecosystem evaluation 12:17 Packaging financial outcomes over individual product banking 15:57 Navigating conference networking and driving relationship transformation 19:16 Embracing credit union collaboration and cooperation among cooperatives 23:00 Melissa's practical advice on creating modern experiences for membersKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Glen meets with Edelman Smithfield Managing Director Deidre Campbell to break down the annual Edelman Trust Barometer, the public's "retreat into insularity," and the resulting action items for banks and credit unions. Also- Illinois turns its focus to BNPL while JD Power highlights an FI opportunity, X Money broadens its reach, and the murky NCUA waters begin to clear.    Links related to this episode: Edelman Smithfield's Financial Services Trust Barometer: https://www.edelmansmithfield.com/2026-Edelman-Trust-Barometer-Key-Insights-for-Financial-Services Edelman's 2026 Global Trust Barometer: https://www.edelman.com/trust/2026/trust-barometer Illinois' newly signed BNPL law: https://www.paymentsdive.com/news/illinois-enacts-bnpl-law-pritzker-consumer-crypto/823835/ JD Power's Buy Now Pay Later customer satisfaction study (good news for FIs): https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2026-us-buy-now-pay-later-satisfaction-study PYMNTS.com on X Money's latest move toward general availability: https://www.pymnts.com/commerce/social-commerce/2026/x-opens-x-money-to-premium-subscribers-ahead-of-broader-launch  Mark your calendar to join the next CU Town Hall- Wednesday July 15 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- our live and lively interactive monthly conversation where credit union leaders tackle the biggest issues facing the sector today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/  https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/  

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Mark Treichel sits down with former NCUA colleagues Steve Farrar and Todd Miller to review the credit union industry data for the quarter ending March 31, 2026. The consensus: a quiet, healthy quarter with steady capital, improving earnings, and incrementally better liquidity — alongside a few signals worth a board's attention.The conversation covers the macro backdrop (persistent inflation, a resilient economy, and widely varying state unemployment) before walking through the data CAMELS-style: capital, asset quality, earnings, and liquidity.Highlights include a 28% single-quarter jump in merger-related “phantom equity” from $9.2B to $11.9B; total delinquency falling 19.7% quarter over quarter even as commercial real estate delinquency climbs; the persistent loan-loss and operating-expense gaps between credit unions and community banks; and 639 credit unions reporting negative earnings, overwhelmingly those under $100 million in assets. The group closes on what a stable quarter means for an NCUA adjusting to a 25% staffing reduction.Topics: NCUA Q1 2026 call report data, net worth and PCA, mergers and intangible equity, delinquency by loan category, commercial real estate risk, credit union vs. community bank comparisons, liquidity and share growth, and small-credit-union earnings pressure.

Episode Summary:In this episode of With Flying Colors, host Mark Treichel is joined by former NCUA capital markets expert Todd Miller to discuss the latest updates to NCUA's Interest Rate Risk (IRR) Supervisory Framework. Following NCUA's recent stakeholder webinar, we break down key takeaways, including changes to risk categorization, the elimination of the extreme risk rating, and how these updates impact credit unions navigating today's economic landscape.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ The history and evolution of NCUA's NEV framework✅ Why NCUA eliminated the “extreme risk” category and what it means for credit unions✅ The role of examiner judgment in assessing interest rate risk under the new guidance✅ How credit unions can mitigate risk and avoid a Document of Resolution (DOR)✅ The growing importance of liquidity management and how credit unions should prepare✅ Why examiner scrutiny of IRR is increasing, despite the removal of automatic DORsKey Takeaways from the NCUA Webinar:

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Mark Treichel hosts a Washington roundtable with John McKechnie, Geeff Bacino, and Alonzo Swann — each with deep NCUA and credit union experience — to break down the forces reshaping the agency this summer.The conversation opens with the NCUA board itself: nominee John Crews and his likely path through a Senate Banking confirmation hearing, and a pending Supreme Court removal-power case that could reinstate two dismissed members or clear the way for new appointments. The group weighs what a full versus divided board would mean for examination priorities, enforcement, and the pace of rulemaking.From there, the discussion turns to a Mississippi conservatorship that became a fraud. Mark explains the single balance-sheet signal — an unusually high cash position paired with heavy borrowing and low loans-to-assets — that pointed to trouble before the word “fraud” was ever used, and the panel discusses what it reveals about supervisory committees, external audits, and internal controls. All wrongdoing is alleged, and a material loss review by the Inspector General follows.The panel then makes the case for examiner presence — the “empty cop car” effect — and why on-site observation catches what data alone cannot, especially as staffing tightens. The episode closes with a look at the Credit Union Board Modernization provision moving through Congress, which would give qualifying, healthy credit unions relief from monthly board-meeting requirements, and a candid take on why credit unions still trail banks on legislative relief.Topics: NCUA board composition and the confirmation timeline; the pending removal-power case; the Jackson, Mississippi conservatorship and alleged fraud; internal controls and supervisory committee oversight; examiner presence and staffing; the material loss review process; and the Credit Union Board Modernization provision.

Episode Description:In this special archive episode of With Flying Colors, Mark shares valuable insights from his years of experience in credit union examination and consulting. Broadcasting straight from the beach, he breaks down the top 10 ways credit unions can avoid receiving a Document of Resolution (DOR) from the NCUA. Whether you're preparing for an exam or just looking to fine-tune your operations, these practical tips will help ensure compliance and maintain a smooth examination process.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Understanding Document Resolutions (DOR): What they are, why they occur, and how to avoid them.Key Triggers for DORs: Common issues such as violations of regulations, policies, or strategic plans.Proven Strategies: How to communicate, negotiate, and train effectively to avoid potential pitfalls.Best Practices: Mark's insights on proactive planning, staying informed, and maintaining good examiner relationships.Top 10 Tips Highlighted in This Episode:Comply with the Federal Credit Union Act and NCUA regulations.Follow your organization's policies diligently.Stick to your approved strategic plan or adjust it responsibly.Communicate effectively with NCUA examiners.Negotiate issues identified during the examination process.Invest in training for staff, boards, and committees.Stay updated with regulatory changes by subscribing to NCUA Express.Listen to informative podcasts like With Flying Colors and Credit Union Regulatory Guidance.Avoid accounting problems by ensuring reconciliations and timely audits.Make senior leadership accessible to examiners during the examination process.Resources Mentioned:NCUA ExpressCredit Union Regulatory Guidance podcastMark's consulting services for NCUA examination supportCall to Action:If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to With Flying Colors for more actionable tips and insights into navigating NCUA exams and credit union compliance. Ratings and reviews on Apple Podcasts and Spotify are always appreciated! 

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/In May, NCUA conserved Jackson Area Federal Credit Union, and I recorded an episode saying I suspected the reported cash wasn't real. This follow-up walks through what the public record now confirms.The institution reported about $162 million in assets and 9.2% net worth, but only 28% of assets in loans, roughly 66% in cash, and $41 million in non-member deposits it didn't appear to need — the pattern that prompted my phantom-cash thesis. Since then, NCUA filed a restated call report recognizing a $91.7 million loss, cutting cash by $93.6 million, and swinging net worth from positive 9% to negative 107%, leaving the institution materially insolvent.On June 11th, NCUA filed a federal complaint alleging the former CEO diverted at least $95 million for personal use — roughly $51 million in false deposit entries plus overstated corporate-credit-union cash, the exact mechanism I had inferred from the 5300. The complaint also details alleged personal spending and a co-defendant spouse, and references an admission made to the board and NCUA in April.I cover the separation-of-duties failure at the center of the case (one person signed the filings and held wire authority), why an examiner is not a fraud auditor, the likely $77 million-plus hit to the share insurance fund, and the coming Inspector General material loss review. I close on the macro backdrop: fewer exams and a contemplated FFIEC change to CAMELS, and what that trade-off means for boards over the long run.

Episode SummaryIn this archive episode of With Flying Colors, Mark sits down with Todd Miller — longtime NCUA expert, former Director of Special Actions, and member of the CU Exam Solutions team — to break down one of the most misunderstood and under-optimized tools in credit union governance: the board package.Boards get in trouble not because they don't care, Todd explains, but because they are often misinformed, overwhelmed, or kept in the dark. A well-designed board package solves that — if it's built with the right mix of clarity, consistency, and candor.Todd explains:What high-performing board packages includeWhy “size and complexity” shape reporting expectationsThe danger of data dumps, inconsistent formatting, and detail overloadHow to pair dashboards with strong qualitative narrativesThe one question every executive should answer in their reportsWhy peer comparisons matterHow risk appetite, strategic plans, and deviation explanations must tie togetherReal-world stories from troubled and well-run credit unionsHow to avoid examiner criticism by aligning reporting with actual riskThis episode is full of practical actions your board and leadership team can apply immediately.Key Themes & Takeaways1. Great Board Packages Balance Qualitative + Quantitative ReportingTodd outlines a simple principle: Board reports should demonstrate management's compliance with the business plan, board policies, and the credit union's risk appetite. transcript Board Packages Todd …Boards need both data and narrative to understand where the credit union is, how it got there, and where it's going.2. Consistency Builds Board TrustFrom formatting to color-coding to dashboards, consistency helps directors quickly understand risk without getting bogged down.Inconsistent layouts or disorganized reporting create confusion and can lead to micromanagement or oversight failures.3. Avoid the “Data Dump” TrapTodd highlights that many troubled credit unions had mountains of data… but no clarity. Board packets that keep expanding over time—without periodic pruning—bury critical insights.Annual reviews of what stays, what goes, and how information is summarized are essential.4. Dashboards Are Critical — But Must Be Thoughtfully BuiltDashboards should show:Where the CU has beenWhere it is nowWhere it's trending nextThey must also be paired with narrative analysis to flag:VariancesDeviations from strategic/annual plansNew risksNew opportunities5. The Biggest Blind Spot: Credit Risk ReportingCredit risk is the No. 1 cause of failures. Todd explains how to reduce hundreds of pages into 2–3 meaningful pages with:Risk migration visualsLTV + credit score overlaysPortfolio trendsBusiness loan concentration & large-borrower exposure6. Committees Create Risk — and Reporting ObligationsALCO, lending, IT, risk committees… Boards need visibility but not minutiae.Todd walks through how well-run credit unions:Summarize committee outputElevate red flagsKeep the board focused on strategy, not operations7. Real-World Stories—The Good, The Bad, The UglyTodd shares examples of:39 unprofitable branches hidden in an overly detailed packetBoards blindsided by marijuana banking risk and resulting finesA $4 million depositor walking out because the board lacked contextThese stories underscore the need for transparency, context, and prioritization.Why This MattersA strong board package:Improves governanceEnhances regulator confidencePrevents surprisesSupports faster, cleaner examsKeeps boards strategicHelps management demonstrate competence and controlThis episode is a must-listen for CEOs, CFOs, lending executives, and directors looking to elevate their governance culture.

Are you facing job loss, the rising financial stress, or unexpected bills? You don't have to handle it alone. On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra welcomes SAFE Loan Service Manager, Amber Mitchell to discuss how to partner with your financial institution during tough times. Topics include: Communication is Key: Loan servicing departments call out of care to find flexible solutions, not to penalize you. Flexible Options: Programs like Skip-A-Pay move your payment to the end of the loan term, protecting your credit. Community Support: Local credit unions focus on tailored, win-win outcomes for their neighbors.  SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Thai Hut (Sacramento) To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org To watch this episode in video-format and access more financial education tips, subscribe to the SAFE Credit Union YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SAFECreditUnionCA

 | WFC Classic: Rating Commercial Credit Risk — What NCUA Expects

Credit union strategy takes center stage as Mark Ritter welcomes industry veteran Jay Murray to Credit Union Conversations. From teller to CEO, Jay's path through corporate credit union leadership shaped decades of collaboration within the credit union sector. He reflects on the financial crisis, regulatory gaps, and how shared services helped small institutions survive and scale. Jay also unpacks the importance of succession planning and why the cooperative model remains vital. His long-tail insight: Credit union succession planning strategies are essential for institutions that want to outlast their current leadership.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How credit union strategy evolves over decades, and why leaders who embrace credit union collaboration and shared services consistently outperform those who go it alone.✅ What the corporate financial crisis revealed about regulatory oversight and why understanding credit union history prepares today's leaders for tomorrow's risks.✅ Why succession planning at both the CEO and board level is the difference between an institution that thrives beyond its founder and one that quietly disappears.✅ How the cooperative model and financial literacy initiatives can position credit unions as indispensable community anchors in an increasingly corporate financial landscape.Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union's growth today.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Jay Murray's origin story: from forestry dreams to credit union leadership and becoming a teller at a family savings and loan03:16 The early days of corporate credit union outreach, visiting 1,150 Pennsylvania credit unions 05:34 How Mid-Atlantic Corporate grew through mergers and rebranded as VIZO08:55 The financial crisis: what regulatory oversight missed and what the NCUA ultimately did 15:33 Building credit union collaboration through myCUservices and RKGO BIG19:57 Succession planning and forward-thinking board governance determine whether a credit union survives KEY TAKEAWAYS:

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Episode: NCUA's 2026–2030 Strategic Plan: What Changed and Why It MattersIn this solo episode, Mark Treichel walks through NCUA's newly released 2026–2030 Strategic Plan and compares it section by section against the prior 2022–2026 plan. The contrast tells credit union leaders exactly where the agency is going — and which of those decisions are now codified as five-year commitments rather than reversible management choices.What's covered:•        The framework requirements: OMB Circular A‑11 and which 19 items the plan needed to address.•        What dropped out of the 2026 plan: the eight-page economic outlook, dedicated climate-related financial risk objective, full enterprise risk management section, standalone minority depository institution objective, diversity-equity-inclusion language, and the cross-agency collaboration narrative.•        What's new in 2026: AI as a standalone strategic objective, the GENIUS Act stablecoin rulemaking as a performance target, the reorganization codified as objective 3.2, real estate footprint reduction language, merit-based hiring as a deliverable, deregulation quantified at 30 actions, and a chartering automation target.•        The political cycle behind the swings: every administration gets a year after inauguration to issue a new five-year plan, and the language reflects whoever is in office.•        Practical implications for credit unions: AI-assisted exam scoping, the shift of stakeholder-facing work to the regions, what the 27% workforce reduction means for examination dynamics, and how to read the deregulation scoreboard for substance vs. headline count.•        Mark's takeaways: reorganization is now a five-year strategic commitment, safety and soundness remains the North Star, AI in examinations is coming and measurable, the deregulation scoreboard is mostly budget dust with a few real items, and the smaller examiner footprint creates short-term wins and longer-term structural questions.A practical episode for credit union CEOs, board members, CFOs, and senior staff who want to understand what NCUA has actually committed to over the next five years and what to do about it before the next board meeting.About the host:Mark Treichel is the principal of Credit Union Exam Solutions. He spent more than 33 years at NCUA, including eight as Executive Director and over five years on the senior leadership team. He hosts With Flying Colors to help credit unions navigate examinations and regulatory change.

WFC Classic: Conservatorship - When NCUA Removes the Board of Directors

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Mark Treichel sits down with Rick Mumm — a 34-year NCUA veteran who spent 26 of those years in field of membership work, including bylaws, mergers, liquidations, and charter expansions — to walk through NCUA's proposed rule change on customer-client relationships in field of membership decisions.This proposal is unusual in two respects. First, unlike most of NCUA's recent deregulation announcements, it has real practical impact for credit unions seeking to add fraternal organizations or associations with any customer-client element. Second, the rule is the direct result of an actual appeal that went all the way to the NCUA Board — an appeal pursued by POLAM Federal Credit Union, led by CEO Jennifer Audette, in which the Board denied the appeal but acknowledged inconsistencies in the existing rule and committed to a rewrite.Topics covered:•        Why the current Chartering Manual creates inconsistency by specifically naming the Knights of Columbus as qualifying while excluding similar fraternal organizations that sell insurance•        How Thrivent fits into the picture as another mutual insurance organization that converted from a mutual savings bank into a federal credit union•        The affiliate-membership wrinkle: under both Knights and Thrivent, members who don't buy insurance are affiliate members without voting rights — which the Chartering Manual says shouldn't qualify for credit union membership•        What the proposed rule actually says, why it's so sparse, and what's notably absent from it•        Why concerns about NCUA's loss of corporate knowledge at the Office of Credit Union Resources and Expansion mean execution will matter more than the text•        How credit unions should position applications under the new standard•        Why credit unions with stalled or denied applications should consider submitting comment lettersRick can be reached at rick@rcservices.com or via rcservices.com.

Glen chats with Lee Wetherington about Jack Henry's newly minted survey of nearly 200 credit union and bank CEOs, exploring how strategic priorities and top concerns differ by group and how they've shifted over time. Also, a treasure trove of new industry data- on consumer payment choice, household economics, crypto/stablecoin usage, and a breezy 269-page NCUA stroke of GENIUS for your holiday reading pleasure.      Links related to this episode: Jack Henry's 2026 Strategy Benchmark Study: https://discover.jackhenry.com/strategy-benchmark-study-2026 FRB Services' Diary of Consumer Payment Choice: https://www.frbservices.org/news/research/2026-findings-diary-consumer-payment-choice The Kansas City Fed's paper on stablecoin use: https://www.kansascityfed.org/documents/15703/PaymentsSystemResearchBriefing26Noll0410.pdf The Federal Reserve Board's 2025 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (SHED): https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/files/2025-report-economic-well-being-us-households-202605.pdf   CU Today on the NCUA's proposed approach to implementing the GENIUS Act: https://www.cutoday.info/THE-feature/NCUA-s-New-Stablecoin-Framework-Sparks-Debate-Over-CUs-Best-Digital-Dollar-Strategy  Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday May 20 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. In this session, John will dissect OpenAI's new personal finance offering. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/   Follow us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/  https://www.linkedin.com/n/glensarvady/

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Mark Treichel walks through NCUA's most recent Inspector General semi-annual report to Congress, covering the April through September 2025 reporting period. Seven credit union failures occurred during the cycle, with internal fraud driving the two largest losses for a combined total of more than $16 million. Mark breaks down the fraud triangle (pressure, opportunity, rationalization), examines what the failures reveal about supervisory committee performance, walks through the patterns NCUA examiners look for, and lays out a practical prevention playbook scaled to credit union size.In this episode:•        The seven credit union failures from NCUA's most recent Inspector General report•        Why internal fraud accounted for the largest losses•        The fraud triangle and why opportunity is the most controllable element•        Record keeping failures as a force-multiplier for every other control breakdown•        The supervisory committee as the first line of defense•        What examiners pattern-match against during exams•        Prevention strategies for credit unions under $50 million in assets•        Prevention strategies for mid-size and larger credit unions•        The living fraud risk assessment: member risk, product risk, enterprise risk•        Why on-site exams will not be replaced by virtual examsMark Treichel spent 33 years at NCUA, including eight years as Executive Director. He is now principal of Credit Union Exam Solutions and host of the With Flying Colors podcast.

Is the Sacramento housing market finally cooling down, or are we entering a significant period of transition? On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra sits down with renowned housing analyst and certified appraiser Ryan Lundquist to break down the latest Sacramento real estate trends. With over 20 years of local experience, Ryan provides a data-backed look at why the current market is shifting from a fast-paced environment to a much tighter, inventory-strained landscape. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seller trying to understand local appraisal trends, this interview offers the technical analysis you won't find in viral headlines. Topics include: Market Inventory Dynamics: Why low supply coupled with low demand is creating a unique state of "normal." Regional Growth Drivers: The massive population shift toward Roseville and the ongoing transformation of downtown Loomis. The Bay Area Effect: How migration patterns from the coast continue to influence Sacramento home prices. Buying Strategy for 2026: Why a 20% down payment isn't a requirement and how to navigate the current entry-level market. Luxury Market Trends: An analysis of million-dollar sales and where the top 10% of the market is heading. About the Guest: Ryan Lundquist is a certified residential appraiser and housing market analyst in the Sacramento area. Ryan runs the Sacramento Appraisal Blog, which is a top-ranking appraisal blog in the United States. He is a member of the Real Estate Appraisers Association of Sacramento. His clients include homeowners, real estate agents, CPAs, and attorneys. In his spare time, Ryan does woodworking. He also loves to walk. SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Shangri-La (Fair Oaks) High-Hand Cafe (Loomis) High-Hand Brewing Company (Loomis) To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. To see this episode in our new video format visit: Sacramento Housing Market Update: Trends & Analysis with Ryan Lundquist (YouTube) To view Ryan's official website and read his latest blog visit: Sacramento Appraisal Blog To like, share, and subscribe to SAFE Credit Union's official YouTube page visit: SAFE Credit Union (YouTube) To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org

Are you torn between the convenience of a fintech app and the personalized service of a credit union? In this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra is joined by Marcus Webb, Branch Manager at SAFE Credit Union's Granite Bay location. With over 24 combined years of experience, they break down the shifting financial landscape—from the rise of "niche" apps like Rocket Money and Chime to why having a face-to-face relationship still carries immense "intangible value" in a digital world. Topics include: Defining Fintech: Why younger consumers are drawn to specialized, one-dimensional digital tools. The "Data Point" Problem: The difference between being a member of a community and just another entry in an algorithm. The Credit Union Philosophy: How not-for-profit institutions prioritize the person over the profit. Life's Milestones: How a dedicated financial partner helps you navigate buying a first car, planning a wedding, or starting a family. About the Guest: Marcus Webb is a veteran in the banking industry with 12 years of experience. He currently serves as the Branch Manager for the SAFE Credit Union Granite Bay branch, focusing on community-based growth and member success. SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: R-Vida Cantina To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org

Send us Fan MailThe NCUA looks to be getting a new board chair: John Crews, a longtime Washington DC hand and currently Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Treasury Department.  Prior jobs include Policy Director of the Senate Banking Committee and Policy Advisor to House majority leader Steve Scalise.  He's a guy who knows his way around inside the Beltway.There's an urgency to his nomination because present  NCUA board chair Kyle Hauptman has been named to the board of the Public Company Accounting Oversight board.  Hauptman also is the only member of the NCUA's current board. There are two other seats but their occupants presently are involved in litigation and no longer serve.Will Crews cross the finish line in the Senate and assume the top job at NCUA?On the show is Washington DC lobbyist Elizabeth Ergubian, herself a former staffer at NCUA where she served as  Director of External Affairs & Communications and Policy Advisor to the Chair.Before that she was Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer & Senior Counsel at CUNA.She knows the Beltway doings, she knows credit unions, and here she tells what to expect in Crew's confirmation hearing - and when to expect it.Listen up.Like what you are hearing? Find out how you can help sponsor this podcast here. Very affordable sponsorship packages are available. Email rjmcgarvey@gmail.com  And like this podcast on whatever service you use to stream it. That matters.  Find out more about CU2.0 and the digital transformation of credit unions here. It's a journey every credit union needs to take. Pronto

Are you ready to stop paying your landlord's mortgage and start building your own equity? In this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra sits down with SAFE Credit Union Home Loan Manager Casey Jenkins to demystify the journey to homeownership. Whether you're worried about your credit score or struggling to save for a down payment, this discussion provides a clear roadmap for anyone looking to secure their first set of house keys. Topics include: Why your "bad credit" might actually be better than you think. The real cost of renting vs. the long-term benefits of home equity. How to balance paying off debt while saving for a down payment. Why working with a mortgage advisor can help you create a winning plan. About the Guest: With over 15 years of experience, Casey shares why the "boring" logistics of mortgages—rates, terms, and payments—are actually powerful tools to help you reach financial freedom. SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. Community & Local Favorites: Zócalo - Modern Mexican Hospitality To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Beyond Everyday Banking Blog - SAFE Home Loan Consultants Help You Every Step of the Way For details about SAFE HomeRewards, visit: SAFE HomeRewards To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org

On this episode of the Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra sits down with Lawrence Lomeli, AVP of Consumer Lending at SAFE Credit Union, to break down the complex world of borrowing and credit to help you build financial freedom for your future.  Topics include: Borrowing as a Tool: Why credit should be viewed as leverage for big-ticket items like homes, cars, and education rather than a source of anxiety. Credit Score Factors: A deep dive into what influences your score, including repayment history, credit mix, and the depth of your profile. The Benefits of High Credit: How a strong score leads to better interest rates, lower costs, and more options from financial institutions. Overcoming Challenges: Understanding that credit is a journey and that past hardships like medical issues or setbacks are not a reflection of your self-worth. Red Flags to Avoid: Critical warnings about the dangers of payday loans and using credit for everyday living expenses like groceries and gas. About the Guest: Lawrence Lomeli brings over 35 years of industry experience to the conversation, specializing in signature, personal, and auto loans. Resources: For more information on financial products and services, visit safecu.org to schedule an appointment with a professional expert today. SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Land Ocean - New American Grill To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org

"Picky eater" is one of the most common labels in pediatrics and one of the easiest to overlook. But when a child's diet is shrinking instead of expanding, when meals are a source of stress instead of routine, or when growth and nutrition start to feel like a question mark, it's worth taking a second look. In this episode, we're discussing ARFID: what it looks like in clinic, how to spot the difference from typical picky eating, and how to approach these patients with a sharper clinical lens. In this episode, we are joined by Kimberly Sheffield, PhD. She is an eating disorders psychologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, as well as the Clinical Director of Pediatric Mental Health Institute (PMHI) day programs, and the Associate Training Director for Psychology Training.  Some highlights from this episode include: Specific growth or nutrition patterns that should raise suspicion of ARFID Treatment options pediatricians can manage in clinic  Overlap between ARFID and neurodiversity   Patterns to look for in certain age groups  This episode is underwritten by Ent Credit Union, proud supporter of Charting Pediatrics and Children's Hospital Colorado. Ent is Colorado's largest credit union serving more than 550,000 members at 60 service centers across the Front Range. Ent generously responded to Children's Colorado's State of Emergency for pediatric mental health in 2021 and is pleased to support this episode. Visit ent.com, insured by NCUA.  For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

What does it take to build a thriving credit union business lending program in today's market? Mark Ritter sits down with Joe Hyatt of DFTC to unpack decades of experience in commercial lending, loan underwriting, and portfolio diversity. From navigating NCUA compliance to chasing treasury management goals, they share candid insights on what credit unions are doing right and where they still fall short. If you work in business lending, this conversation will hit close to home.What You Will Learn in This Episode: ✅ How credit union business lending has shifted from a rigid, prescriptive regulatory framework to a more flexible, opportunity-driven environment, and what that means for your program today.✅ Why strong credit administration, consistent independent loan review, and thorough annual reviews are the foundation of surviving and succeeding in an NCUA compliance examination.✅ How portfolio diversity, including a move toward C and I lending, small business lending, and treasury management, is reshaping how credit unions approach growth and member relationships.✅ Why credit union technology and emerging AI tools are no longer optional, and how embracing innovation will determine which programs lead and which get left behind.Subscribe to Credit Union Conversations for the latest credit union trends and insights on loan volume and business lending! Connect with MBFS to boost your credit union's growth today.TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Joe Hyatt details DFTC's loan underwriting, training, and independent loan review services built for credit unions nationwide04:25 Reflecting on the early days of member business lending and the evolution of talent, tools, and portfolio limits 08:39 Joe outlines keys to NCUA compliance: strong policies, solid credit administration, and proactive loan workout planning12:50 Exploring portfolio diversification, treasury management, and why small-business lending competes with larger commercial real estate deals18:45 Some of the big differences for better or worse today versus the old days21:48 Joe's closing thoughts on portfolio diversity, AI adoption, and why credit union technology will separate tomorrow's leaders from the restKEY TAKEAWAYS:

Are you looking to improve your financial health but don't know where to start? In this episode, join host Alex and special guest Marcie Johnson (Debit and Credit Program Manager at SAFE Credit Union,) as they discuss why mindful spending is the absolute foundation of long-term financial wellness. Whether you're a parent teaching your kids about money or just trying to navigate the convenience of digital payments, this conversation offers practical strategies for everyone.  Topics include: The Three Spending Zones: How to categorize your expenses into essential, flexible, and emergency spending. Mindfulness & Money: Why taking a moment to think before you "tap" can prevent overspending in a world of Apple Pay and Google Pay. Strategic Tools: How to use mobile banking alerts and card notifications to keep your budget on track. Needs vs. Wants: Tips for differentiating between what you truly need and what can wait for a better time. Community & Local Favorites: Supporting Local Arts - Marcie discusses the positive community impact of Rocklin Community Theatre, a local nonprofit where her children participate. Local Eats - The episode wraps up with a nod to Thai Basil, a favorite local dining spot. SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. Rocklin Community Theatre Thai Basil: Fresh, Authentic, Thai To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org

On this episode of The Perfect Cents Podcast, host Alex Becerra is joined by Emilio Barrera, a Community Development Specialist at SAFE Credit Union. Together, they dive into the power of financial planning and how it can completely transform your relationship with money, starting with the way you spend. Emilio shares his expert insights on why a solid plan isn't just about numbers; it's about alleviating stress and stopping the impulse decisions that set you back. Whether you are starting your financial journey from scratch or recovering from past "speed bumps," this conversation provides a judgment-free roadmap to success. Key Takeaway: Financial wellness is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's about aligning your spending with your core values and building a small pathway of steps to reach your larger vision.  SAFE is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing opportunity lender. To check out the resources highlighted in this episode visit the links below. To register for an upcoming Financial Wellness webinar visit: https://www.safecu.org/community/events To read the latest edition of SAFE's Beyond Everyday Banking blog visit: https://blog.safecu.org/ To learn more about SAFE Credit Union products and services visit: https://www.safecu.org/  To contact the podcast team, email Podcast@safecu.org