Lizeth GeorgeA jam-packed, standing room only crowd welcomed National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Board Chairman, Todd Harper, in Washington D.C. for a “fireside chat” with League of Southeastern Credit Union (LSCU) President, Samantha Beeler. Credit unions from across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia spent nearly an hour with Chairman Harper discussing the NCUA’s supervisory priorities, potential avenues for partnership, and protecting access to vital financial services.
“We welcomed Chairman Harper and discuss a multitude of pressing issues facing credit unions,” said Beeler. “We appreciate his time, candor, and willingness to engage with a roomful of passionate advocates from every corner of our footprint. Our members recognize the importance of partnering with our regulators at the NCUA to protect the safety and soundness of the credit union system.”
In addition to highlighting ways to work together, credit unions were united in expressing concern about misinformation being spread about “junk fees” and the false narrative surrounding overdraft services. Closer scrutiny of overdraft services in exams should take into account the changes to programs already being made by credit unions. Chairman Harper also reiterated the need for the NCUA to obtain third party vendor authority amid growing cybersecurity threats and concerns.
“Our members aren’t afraid to have tough and frank conversations with regulators,” said Beeler. “We pride ourselves on being able to disagree without being disagreeable while also finding ways to offer solutions or compromises where we can. We sincerely thank Chairman Harper for his straight-forward approach, and we look forward to continuing working with the agency on the future operating environment for credit unions.”
LSCU was proud to be the only association to garner a one-on-one league-wide meeting with all three Board members of the NCUA during America’s Credit Unions Government Affairs Conference earlier this month.
