Credit Union Exam Solutions Presents With Flying Colors

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Trump’s Workforce Cuts Hit NCUA: What’s Changing, What’s NextShow NotesIn this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel breaks down the biggest NCUA update in years — a Trump-era Executive Order has triggered a 20% voluntary staff reduction at the agency.This May 22 board briefing outlines how the NCUA will operate with fewer people, a tighter budget, and a restructured exam program — all while staying focused on its core mission.20% Staff Reduction by Year-End NCUA is cutting 250 positions — driven by Executive Order 14210.No Layoffs, All Voluntary Staff could opt for paid leave (NDRP) or a $50K incentive (NVSIP).Program Exceeded Target 297 enrolled; around 250 will actually depart — above the 217 needed.HQ Was Hit Hardest 30% of HQ staff enrolled vs. 20% in the regions — right-sizing in progress.Hiring Freeze Through July 15 Replacements limited to 1 hire for every 4 departures, only in top-priority roles.Realignment Likely Signals point to fewer departments, streamlined reporting, and a leaner structure.Extended Exam Cycles Well-run credit unions get more time between exams — up to 24 months in some cases.$75M in Budget Savings Expected in 2026 Minimal 2025 savings due to admin leave; big gains next year.Agency Admits: 'Less with Less' NCUA is trimming low-value work and asking staff for smarter, simpler workflows.Tech + Targeted Hiring Ahead Come 2026, investments in automation and skilled examiners are planned.

Todd Miller and Steve Farr, both former NCUA employees, share their extensive knowledge on document resolutions and project management for credit unions. They delve into the complexities of conservatorships, emphasizing the importance of communication during NCUA examinations. Todd and Steve discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has created additional challenges and stress the need for transparency in project management. Their insights on balancing reporting with action and maintaining accountability offer valuable strategies for credit unions facing regulatory scrutiny.

Ryan Donovan highlights the essential role of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system in providing liquidity to credit unions, which is crucial for community support. He discusses the historical context and mission of FHLB, emphasizing its contributions to affordable housing. The conversation compares FHLB with the Federal Reserve, illustrating their distinct functions. Donovan encourages credit unions, especially smaller ones, to join FHLB for enhanced growth and stability while nurturing member relationships.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/NCUA is hitting corporate governance hard.  In this episode we discuss why and what to do if it happens to you.

Bill Paton, a key player at Alloya Corporate Credit Union, shares insights about their groundbreaking loan participation program, which has facilitated over $3 billion in transactions. He discusses how this initiative has transformed the credit union landscape, fostering collaboration and liquidity among nearly 600 credit unions. Bill delves into the importance of compliance under NCUA regulations and the tech-driven approaches that streamline financial processes. Listeners will be intrigued by the diversity of loans available and the innovative strategies enhancing credit union growth.

Join Steve Farr, a former NCUA expert in enforcement, and Todd Miller, a seasoned examiner with 34 years at NCUA, as they delve into the complexities of organizational reviews in credit unions. They discuss the potential implications of these reviews on credit union management and operations. With personal anecdotes, they highlight the importance of proactive measures for governance compliance and the benefits of hiring experienced professionals to navigate systemic challenges. It's a must-listen for those seeking to enhance their operational strategies!

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/NCUA has reopened the Succession Planning Rule for public comment.  In this episode JT Blau and I discuss the rule and its requirements.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Presidential Power and Independent Agency Autonomy: The 2025 NCUA Board Removal CaseI. Legal and Constitutional FrameworkA Constitutional Showdown BeginsFrom "At Pleasure" to Independence: The 1978 RestructuringThe Humphrey's Executor Precedent: Protecting Independent AgenciesUnitary Executive vs. Congressional DesignThe Narrowing Path of Agency IndependenceSwan v. Clinton: The Precedent That Wasn't Quite50 Years of Respect for Fixed TermsII. The NCUA's Specific Structure and FunctionsThe Removed Regulators: Harper and OtsukaThe NCUA: A Core Financial RegulatorExecutive Function or Independent Regulation?The NCUSIF: Owned by Credit Unions, Not GovernmentThe Central Liquidity Facility: A Link to TreasuryOperating Without a QuorumFinancial Stability at StakeIII. Litigation Strategy and Broader ImplicationsSix Legal Theories for VictoryDavid vs. Goliath: The Legal TeamThe Long Road to the Supreme CourtBeyond NCUA: Implications for the Administrative State

Conservatorship: When NCUA Removes the Board & What You Need to KnowEpisode Summary:In this special episode, hosts Mark Treichel, Steve Farrar, and Todd Miller dive into the high-stakes world of NCUA conservatorships—when the agency steps in to remove a credit union’s board and take control. Drawing from their extensive experience handling some of the largest conservatorships in NCUA history, they provide insider insights on:What conservatorship means and when it happensThe role of the NCUA as both regulator and conservatorWhy NCUA often opts for conservatorship over cease-and-desist actionsThe challenges of managing a conservatorship from both a regulator’s and a credit union’s perspectiveSuccess stories and lessons learned from past conservatorshipsThe hosts reflect on the intensity, challenges, and rewards of the conservatorship process, including the balance between protecting the NCUSIF (National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund) and serving credit union members. Whether you’re a credit union executive, regulator, or industry observer, this episode delivers valuable insights into one of the NCUA’s most powerful enforcement tools.Key Quotes:🗣️ “Conservatorships are an adrenaline ride. They can be a challenge, they can be fun, they can be scary—and they can be very effective when they're appropriate.” – Mark Treichel🗣️ “Most conservatorships come down to people problems—boards and executives that can’t or won’t fix the issues.” – Todd Miller🗣️ “NCUA has to strike a balance between protecting the insurance fund and doing what’s best for the credit union’s members.” – Steve FarrarResources & Links:🔹 Learn more about NCUA conservatorships and credit union exam solutions at MarkTreichel.com🔹 Subscribe to With Flying Colors on your favorite podcast platform to stay up to date on credit union regulations and best practices.🎧 Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most extreme actions NCUA can take—hit play now!

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/The NCUA’s boardroom has been rocked. Two board members fired. DOGE staff roaming the halls. Rumors of a regulatory consolidation swirl. In this must-hear episode, Mark Treichel is joined by former NCUA Board Member Geoff Bacino and former NCUA Congressional Affairs Director John McKechnie to unpack one of the most chaotic weeks in recent credit union regulatory history.From unprecedented dismissals to the looming question of NCUA’s independence, we cover:🔥 The removal of Todd Harper and Tanya Otsuka: What happened, what’s legal, and what’s next🛡️ What the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) visit to NCUA signals🧨 Are we headed for a consolidation of financial regulators?🏛️ The forgotten Supreme Court case that may decide the future of independent agencies📉 Why up to 20% of NCUA staff may exit — and what that means for credit union supervision🧠 Institutional memory, directed reassignments, and the “brain drain” risk💡 Predictions on new board nominations, and what credit unions should watch for nextWhether you’re a credit union executive, examiner, or policy junkie, this is your front-row seat to the unfolding transformation at 1775 Duke Street.