Your Leadership Link

John Crews has begun his tenure as NCUA Chairman, with modernization, safety and soundness, and innovation as key priorities. DakCU also highlights three federal advocacy priorities ahead of Congressional Caucus.

From the Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) and America's Credit Unions 

Your Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) continues working in close coordination with America’s Credit Unions, league partners, and industry stakeholders to monitor federal activity and advocate on the issues that matter most to Dakota credit unions and the members they serve.

The advocacy landscape continues to move quickly in Washington, D.C., and across the states, with several significant developments creating both opportunities and areas requiring continued vigilance for credit unions.

John Crews Begins Tenure as NCUA Chairman
Newly appointed National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Chairman John Crews has begun his tenure at the agency. DakCU and America’s Credit Unions have engaged with Crews and will continue to monitor his priorities and actions as he takes on the role.

America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson welcomed Crews, emphasizing the importance of safety and soundness alongside meaningful regulatory modernization, enhanced access and innovation. Simpson also thanked former Chairman Kyle Hauptman for his service to the credit union industry and his efforts to reduce regulatory burdens.

DakCU will keep credit unions informed as Crews establishes his priorities and the NCUA moves forward under his leadership.

CUBMA Implementation Underway
Following enactment of the Credit Union Board Modernization Act (CUBMA) earlier this summer, qualifying federal credit unions may immediately begin using a six-meeting board schedule by amending their bylaws. The NCUA considers these changes self-executing, meaning prior NCUA approval is not required. The agency will formally update its regulations and model bylaws.

Advocacy Priorities Ahead of Congressional Caucus
With Congress currently in recess, America’s Credit Unions and credit union advocates are preparing for the return of lawmakers and the upcoming Congressional Caucus. Three issues will be central to fall advocacy efforts:

• Loan Maturities: The Expanding Access to Lending Options Act (S. 3616/H.R. 4167) would give credit unions greater flexibility to offer longer loan terms, including extending maturities up to 20 years for most loans and 30 years for all mortgage loans.
• SARs and CTRs: Modernizing outdated reporting thresholds and streamlining data requirements would reduce regulatory burden, eliminate redundancies and improve reporting efficiency.
• Check Fraud: Credit unions continue working to ensure policymakers understand the scope and impact of check fraud as lawmakers consider potential solutions.

An advocacy action alert is available through America’s Credit Unions’ Grassroots Action Center to help credit unions engage lawmakers on these priorities.

Credit Union Investment Flexibility
Bipartisan legislation introduced in the U.S. House, the Credit Union Investment Authority Act, would modernize the Federal Credit Union Act and provide federal credit unions with greater flexibility to diversify investments. America’s Credit Unions supports the legislation, noting that modernized investment authority can help credit unions manage their balance sheets while maintaining safety and soundness and continuing to provide affordable financial services.

DakCU will continue working with America’s Credit Unions and credit unions across the Dakotas to advance regulatory modernization, meaningful legislative reforms and policies that allow credit unions to better serve their members and communities.

Staying Engaged
For questions please contact Director of Political & Grassroots Affairs, Taylor Stricklin; or Director of Political Strategy and Engagement, Kenley Lamberty.