The Art of Commercial Lending and the Role of Credit Culture

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.