Nature Abhors a Vacuum & So Does the Rumor Mill

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

Episode Overview:

In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel tackles two hot topics ahead of the upcoming NCUA Board meeting:

1. The Staff Buyout Program: With 145 FTEs already accepting voluntary separation packages—roughly 12% of NCUA's workforce—Mark explores the deeper implications. Could the agency be targeting a symbolic sub-1,000 FTE threshold? Poll results and inside intel help paint the picture.
2. The Wildfire Relief Briefing: Mark offers context for why the interagency appraisal relief rule—issued in January—is now being briefed to the NCUA Board in April.

Plus, a timely listener tip leads to a discussion of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant’s recent remarks about reshaping regulatory culture—calling for more transparency, better tailored supervision, and a possible redefinition of "safety and soundness."

📊 Topics Covered:

• C. Northcote Parkinson’s quote on vacuums and rumors
• Triangulating NCUA’s staff reduction targets
• Poll insights: 90% of listeners prioritize the buyout news
• Board dynamics and scripted briefings—what to listen for Thursday
• Treasury’s evolving role in banking regulation under Bessant
• Why defining “unsafe and unsound” could transform CU oversight

🗣️ Listener Tip of the Week: A sharp-eyed listener flagged Bessant’s speech, opening the door to a broader discussion on Main Street vs. Wall Street priorities and the future of regulatory supervision.

🎧 Listen to learn:

• What NCUA might really be signaling with its buyout program
• How upcoming briefings may reveal internal Board dynamics
• Why new rhetoric from Treasury could matter for credit unions