Credit Union Exam Solutions Presents With Flying Colors

This Archive Thursday episode of With Flying Colors revisits a timely and important topic: corporate governance. Mark is joined by former NCUA colleagues Todd Miller and Steve Farrar  to explore why governance issues are at the heart of many troubled credit unions.They cover:How poor governance can sink an institution — and how strong governance can turn it around.The importance of tone at the top, ethics, and board oversight.Why diversity of skills, demographics, and perspectives matters for boards.The regulatory framework: NCUA’s limited guidance versus FDIC’s more robust tools.Resources for directors, including FDIC pocket guides, training, and self-assessments.Real-world stories from examinations, conservatorships, and boardrooms.Whether you’re a director, executive, or examiner, this episode highlights why governance is more than compliance — it’s culture, accountability, and the foundation of credit union safety and soundness.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/In this episode of With Flying Colors, I sit down with Elizabeth Eurgubian, Partner at Atlas Advocacy and former Director of External Affairs and Communications at the NCUA. Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience spanning the Federal Reserve, CFPB, Sallie Mae, ICBA, CUNA, and her time inside the regulator’s office.We discuss:Her unique career path from attorney at the Fed to trade association leadership to NCUA’s front officeThe critical role of the Office of External Affairs and Communications (OAC) in shaping policy and messagingInsights into working for Chairman Todd Harper and navigating political appointee rolesThe art of preparing NCUA leadership for congressional testimony (“murder boards”)How credit union comment letters really influence regulationWhy relationships and follow-up are the currency of Washington advocacyHer current work with Atlas Advocacy and DCUCWhether you’re a credit union leader, policy professional, or industry observer, this episode gives you an insider’s perspective on how advocacy and regulation intersect at the highest levels.

This is a special Archive Thursday episode of With Flying Colors. In this conversation with Todd Miller and Steve Farrar, we dive into what happens when a credit union is downgraded to a CAMEL Code 3.We explore how NCUA approaches Code 3 institutions, what extra exams and follow-ups to expect, the impact of documents of resolution and regional director letters, and why boards and management must act decisively to restore stability.Packed with decades of insider perspective, this episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand the practical realities of moving from a 1 or 2 to a 3.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/In this solo episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel breaks down the NCUA’s proposed rule to eliminate reputation risk from its supervisory program — and the political spotlight surrounding it.Mark explains:Why the N C U A is codifying the removal of reputation risk into regulation.How codification makes the change harder to reverse in the future.The subjectivity of “reputation risk” and why examiners are no longer allowed to use it.The proposal’s explicit ban on examiners acting “for political reasons.”Connections to President Trump’s Executive Order 14331 and allegations of politically motivated account closures.Examples of industries and groups often caught in the crossfire, from firearms to advocacy organizations.What this means for state regulators, joint exams, and your next exam.Why the NCUA claims there are no new compliance costs.The expected benefits for exam consistency, predictability, and objectivity.Whether you buy into the political narrative or not, this rule is designed to keep examiners out of politically driven decisions.

This week we’re bringing back an archive episode of With Flying Colors that remains just as relevant today as when it was first recorded.I’m joined by Steve Farrar and Todd Miller, both longtime NCUA veterans and now part of my team at Credit Union Exam Solutions. Together, we break down what it means if NCUA directs your credit union to conduct an organizational review—and why this is one of the most serious signals an examiner can send.In this episode, we cover:Why an organizational review is almost always tied to serious management or governance weaknesses.How CAMELS codes connect to “unwilling or unable” management findings.The difference between NCUA’s approach and how the FDIC structures its organizational review requirements.The role of third-party consultants, approval requirements, and pitfalls boards must avoid.Why humility and proactive planning are key if your credit union receives this directive.War stories from our years at NCUA—including conservatorship cases and tough appraisal calls—that illustrate the real-world consequences.If you’ve ever wondered what this type of supervisory action means for a board, a CEO, or an examiner, this conversation will give you candid insight from those who have lived it.👉 Note: This is an archive episode—we’re resurfacing it because the lessons are timeless and many credit unions will benefit from a refresher.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/ In this episode of With Flying Colors, host Mark Treichel sits down with Scott Gladden and Kenny Ray Mitchell of Innovations Credit Union to preview the CUES Florida Council Cruise happening January 16–20, 2026. This unique event combines professional development, networking, and a Caribbean getaway—all tailored for credit union leaders, board members, and supervisory committees.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The origins of the CUES Council Cruise and how it became a 20-year tradition of education and collaboration.Event details: sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island and Nassau.Why the cruise is open to all credit union professionals across the country—not just Florida.The speaker lineup, including:John DeLoach, credit union attorney (compliance, BSA, OFAC updates)Trey Rudder, Corporate America (financial training for boards and committees)Mike Mola, Olden Lane (industry consolidation, subordinated debt)Mark Treichel, Steve Farrar, and Todd Miller of CU Exam Solutions (strategies to pass your NCUA exam with flying colors)Perks of the cruise: deluxe beverage package, included Wi-Fi, networking receptions each evening, and a relaxed but focused learning environment.How the informal conversations—over coffee, dinner, or a glass of wine—often prove just as valuable as the sessions themselves.Why Attend? If you’re looking to combine professional development with a January getaway, the CUES Council Cruise is an affordable, high-impact option. You’ll return with new insights, stronger connections, and renewed energy to lead your credit union.Event Info 📅 Dates: January 16–20, 2026 (Friday–Tuesday) 🚢 Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas 📍 Ports: Fort Lauderdale → Grand Bahama Island → Nassau 🎓 Audience: Credit union executives, board members, and supervisory committees 📞 For questions and booking: Contact Kenny Ray Mitchell at (850) 832-3872

In this special archive replay of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel is joined by his colleagues Steve Farrar and Todd Miller — both former senior leaders at NCUA — to discuss why regulators sometimes ask to meet directly with a credit union’s board of directors without management present.They break down the nuances, including:When it’s routine vs. when it’s unusual.Why NCUA may ask to meet with a board chair separately.Situations where examiners want to hear directly from board members.The role of supervisory committees and board governance accountability.How boards should prepare — including when to ask for an agenda, whether to bring counsel, and why you should avoid making commitments in the room.This candid discussion highlights the importance of communication, trust, and preparedness when navigating examiner requests.Key TakeawaysA request to meet with a board chair is often routine and about building trust.A request to meet with the full board without staff is rare — usually a signal of deeper concerns.Boards should listen carefully, avoid agreeing to actions on the spot, and consider legal counsel if appropriate.Examiners are trained in conflict resolution — open, respectful dialogue goes a long way.Recording or documenting meetings can protect both parties and ensure clarity.ResourcesLearn more about how Credit Union Exam Solutions supports boards and executives: marktreichel.comSubscribe to With Flying Colors on your favorite podcast app for more insights on navigating NCUA exams.

The discussion dives into NCUA's drastic budget proposal, revealing a 23% staff cut, the smallest workforce in over two decades. Mark highlights the implications of a hiring freeze and voluntary separations, which are causing exam disruptions. The looming risk of fewer but more intense examinations raises concerns for credit unions. With a $10 million transformation fund on the table, there's hope for tech upgrades, yet long-term challenges persist. Tune in for insights on governance uncertainties and the balance between short-term relief and potential future losses.

Mark Ritter, CEO of Member Business Financial Services (MBFS) and host of Credit Union Conversations, shares insights from decades in credit union business lending. He discusses the evolution of member business lending, the need for community-focused relationships, and the impact of low unemployment on loan performance. Ritter highlights refinancing opportunities as interest rates decline and reflects on the 12.25% cap's unintended effects. He emphasizes the importance of shifting from transactional exams to a portfolio management approach, urging credit unions to focus on serving small businesses and underserved communities.

Dive into the latest insights from NCUA's board meeting with revelations about CAMELS ratings, showing slight improvements but indicating a 'treading water' status. With 27% of staff taking buyouts, the capacity for examinations is at risk, potentially leading to fewer exams and faster upgrades of struggling credit unions. Hear about budget implications and a possible reduction in exam costs for future evaluations. The removal of risk ratings from reports could change how CEOs and credit unions navigate their strategies moving forward.