Newsroom

August 21, 2015

McWatters: Longer exam cycle merits 'thoughtful reflection'

NCUA Board Member J. Mark McWatters, in a Credit Union Journal op-ed on Friday, raised concerns about NCUA's appearing to dismiss without consideration a recommendation made by NAFCU to return to an 18-month examination cycle for low-risk institutions.

NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger made the recommendation in a letter last week to NCUA.

"That NCUA would scuttle this request without debate among the board offices further evidences the lack of transparency and collegiality within the agency," McWatters wrote. "As we all know, more than 70% of NCUA's operating budget consists of examination and travel-related costs, and any reasonable suggestion regarding how to better manage the inexorable increase in these costs merits thoughtful reflection."

He continued, "NCUA seems to have forgotten that it's not 2008, but, instead, 2015 and that the credit union community — in NCUA's own assessment — is strong and resilient. That the top-tier of credit unions require full-tilt examination every 12 months is worthy of challenge and rigorous debate."

On Thursday, CU Journal quoted NCUA spokesman Ben Hardaway as saying the 12-month exam cycle is "more appropriate and more effective."

Berger, in last week's letter, noted that the $6.39 million allocated for employee airfare and auto rentals could be streamlined by transitioning to a longer examination cycle, which NCUA has done in the past. He also noted that an 18-month exam program would allow NCUA more flexibility in balancing staff and resources without compromising the safety and soundness of the industry.