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The share of credit unions that are "very concerned" about exam consistency more than doubled between 2017 and 2018, according to NAFCU's latest Economic & CU Monitor report. Roughly one-third of survey respondents identified "more consistent examiner interpretations of rules and regulations" as the most beneficial type of exam reform for their credit union.

In addition, the Monitor revealed that smaller credit unions (those with assets under $100 million) on average saw their examinations increase from 6 days last year to 11 days in 2018. NAFCU has been supportive of NCUA's efforts to improve exam efficiency and will continue to advocate for additional improvements, including expanding extended exam cycle eligibility to all well-run, low-risk credit unions.

The new edition of the Monitor – now available for download – also showed the Credit Union Sentiment Index (CUSI) rebounded in November after hitting its lowest point on record the previous month. The CUSI an index based on NAFCU member responses to eight questions on growth and earnings outlook, lending conditions and regulatory burden.

The growth score saw the largest increase as respondents were optimistic about the economy and loan demand. Loan demand also had a positive impact on the earnings component, which showed noticeable improvement in November as well.

NAFCU relies on survey responses to provide its members a glimpse of trends affecting the credit union industry as a whole. The association also uses survey responses to inform its advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and with regulatory agencies such as the NCUA, the bureau and the Federal Reserve.

The next survey is focused on credit unions' economic outlook. Participants can fill out the survey online; responses are due Dec. 7.