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Credit Union Exam Solutions Presents With Flying Colors
Credit Union Exam Solutions Presents With Flying Colors
Author: Mark Treichel's Credit Union Exam Solutions
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Tips for Credit Unions Success on the NCUA Examination. Brought to you by Mark Treichel's Credit Union Exam Solutions.
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www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/In this special preview episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel tees up an upcoming live, on-stage discussion from the Florida Q’s Cruise with team members Steve Farr and Todd Miller.Just days before the cruise, NCUA released its 2026 Supervisory Priorities Letter, and as always, that letter gives us important clues about what examiners will be focused on in the year ahead — and just as importantly, what’s driving examiner behavior behind the scenes.This episode serves as a primer for the deeper, post-cruise discussion, where we’ll incorporate real-time feedback and questions from credit union leaders attending the cruise.🧭 Big Picture Theme: NCUA in ChaosBefore diving into technical priorities, Mark frames the conversation around what many credit unions are experiencing operationally:Leadership instability and fewer board actionsRetirements, buyouts, and staffing lossesRevolving and often less-experienced examinersExams prioritized over approvals and strategic requestsBottom line:Chaos upstream is driving impact downstream — and that reality shapes how exams feel, how findings are delivered, and how long approvals take.📌 What’s in the 2026 Supervisory Priorities Letter?Mark walks through the major categories NCUA highlighted and why they matter:🟦 Lending / Credit RiskDelinquencies and charge-offs at decade highsFocus on underwriting, concentrations, and workoutsContinued scrutiny of commercial real estate and indirect lending🟦 Liquidity & Interest Rate RiskStress testing assumptions under closer reviewStructural liquidity constraints getting more attentionAlignment between balance sheet strategy and risk appetite🟦 Earnings & Capital AdequacySustainability of earnings under stress scenariosCapital planning tied directly to risk profilesMore forward-looking analysis expected in exams🟦 Payment Systems (Back as a Headline Topic)Real-time payments and complex integrationsVendor risk, data exposure, and cyber vulnerabilitiesGovernance and internal controls over payments ecosystems🟦 Fraud Prevention and DetectionInternal controls and separation of dutiesInsider abuse explicitly called outExam procedures being updated to reflect evolving fraud risks🟦 BSA / AML Compliance Risk ManagementShift away from broad consumer compliance narrativeStronger focus on risk-based AML programsPrograms must be tailored to actual institutional risk🔄 What’s Notably Different from Prior Years?Mark also highlights important shifts compared to earlier supervisory letters:Cybersecurity is no longer a standalone headline — now embedded in Operational Risk and PaymentsConsumer financial protection is not emphasized as a top categoryFraud and payment systems return after being absent for several yearsGovernance expectations are increasingly embedded in every risk areaThese changes align with what many credit unions are already experiencing in exams — more findings tied to process, oversight, and documentation, not just numbers.🎤 What’s Coming After the CruiseDuring the Florida Q’s Cruise, Mark, Steve, and Todd will be discussing:What credit unions are actually seeing in recent examsWhere examiner expectations are rising fastestHow governance findings are being framedWhat boards should be asking management right nowHow to manage regulatory uncertainty proactivelyAfter the cruise, a full follow-up episode will bring those insights back to the broader audience.🎯 Key TakeawayThe risks themselves haven’t changed dramatically — but NCUA’s capacity, processes, and delivery of supervision have.Credit unions that adapt their governance, documentation, and strategic planning to that reality will be better positioned to manage both exam outcomes and approval delays in 2026 and beyond.You can’t fix NCUA’s chaos — but you can manage how it impacts you.
www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/The clash between President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has now expanded beyond interest rates — and into a $2.5 billion building renovation at the Fed.Some see waste. Some see politics. Most people just see a number that’s hard to comprehend.In this episode, I take a middle-ground look at what’s really going on:• Why large government construction projects almost always cost more than planned • Why political egos inevitably get involved • And why $2.5 billion still deserves serious public context and scrutinyUsing real-world comparisons — from stacks of dollar bills reaching into space, to thousands of apartments, to centuries of spending at $1,000 an hour — we reset the conversation around scale, transparency, and accountability, without turning it into a partisan fight.Because when budgets get this big, math matters more than megaphones.Key Topics CoveredWhy billion-dollar numbers break our intuitionConstruction overruns: normal, but not meaninglessHow political power struggles complicate budget debatesThe opportunity cost of multi-billion-dollar projectsWhy public institutions owe the public real financial contextWho Should ListenCredit union and bank leadersBoard membersPolicy and compliance professionalsAnyone who wants less political theater and more financial reality
www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/President Trump has called for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10%. It’s a headline-grabbing proposal — but can he actually do it, and what would it really mean for consumers, banks, and credit unions?In this episode, Mark Treichel breaks down:Why presidents can “call for” caps but can’t impose them unilaterallyWhy credit card rates are high in the first placeHow a 10% cap could reduce access to credit, especially for lower-income borrowersWhy rewards programs, grace periods, and credit limits could all be at riskHow credit unions would be affected differently than large banksWhy well-intended caps can push borrowers toward much worse alternatives like payday lendingBottom line: It’s good politics, but it could be very bad policy — with consequences that hit the very people it’s supposed to help.
www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/NCUA exam reports often contain more than meets the eye.Examiner findings, supplementary facts, and documents of resolution may look like routine supervisory language — but each serves a distinct purpose and sends a different signal to credit union boards and management.In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel is joined by former NCUA senior leaders Steve Farr and Todd Miller to break down how exam reports are structured, how issues escalate, and what credit unions should be paying attention to long before enforcement actions appear.Drawing on decades of NCUA experience, the discussion explains how examiners decide where issues belong in the report, why volume matters as much as severity, and how governance and communication failures often sit at the root of repeat findings.This is an evergreen episode for any credit union executive, board member, or compliance professional who wants to better understand what NCUA is really saying — and how to respond effectively.In This Episode, We Discuss:The practical differences between examiner findings, supplementary facts, and documents of resolutionWhy a long list of “minor” findings can be a major warning signHow supplementary facts are used to signal emerging risk and specialist concernsWhat elevates an issue into a document of resolutionThe SMART framework examiners are expected to use — and where it breaks downHow unresolved issues contribute to CAMEL rating pressureWhy corporate governance increasingly appears in exam reportsThe role communication plays in preventing escalationWhat boards should ask before approving a document of resolutionWho Should Listen:Credit union board membersCEOs and executive leadership teamsCompliance, risk, and governance professionalsCredit unions preparing for an upcoming NCUA examInstitutions experiencing repeat findings or growing examiner scrutinyKey Takeaway:NCUA exam reports are not just compliance documents — they are communication tools. Understanding how examiners signal concern helps credit unions prioritize issues, respond proportionately, and avoid unnecessary escalation.About the Host:Mark Treichel is a former senior NCUA executive and the founder of Credit Union Exam Solutions. With more than three decades of regulatory experience, Mark helps credit unions understand NCUA expectations and navigate examinations with confidence.
This is a classic episode of With Flying Colors—and a rare one that steps slightly outside the credit union lane for a reason.As teamwork becomes an increasingly critical theme heading into 2026, this conversation felt worth revisiting.In this episode, Mark sits down with Joe Jacoby, an Olympic gold medalist and performance coach, to explore what high-performing teams really look like when conditions are uncertain and pressure is high.While the setting is the Olympic Games, the lessons translate directly to leadership teams, boards, and organizations navigating complexity, change, and accountability.This conversation isn’t about motivation—it’s about execution:How trust is built before it’s neededWhy great teams communicate without noiseHow different strengths actually work together under stressAnd why teamwork isn’t soft—it’s strategicIf you lead, serve on a board, or work as part of a management team, the insights here are as relevant today as when this episode first aired.In this episode, we discuss:What Olympic-level teamwork looks like in real timeWhy preparation matters more than celebrationHow unspoken communication develops inside high-trust teamsThe role of diversity of thought in performanceLessons leaders can apply long after the competition ends
www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/In this quarterly roundtable episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel is joined by former NCUA executives Dennis Bauer, Steve Farrar, and Todd Miller to break down the NCUA Q3 2025 Quarterly Credit Union Data Summary.The discussion highlights a key theme: the credit union system is gradually returning to a more normal operating environment after years of rate shocks, pandemic liquidity, and balance-sheet distortion.Key topics include improving net interest margins, rising non-interest expenses, and why ROA gains lag margin recovery. The panel examines growing pressure in auto and credit card portfolios, increased repossessions, and what delinquency trends suggest heading into 2026. They also explore liquidity stabilization, shifts in share mix, and renewed investment risk-taking as some credit unions bet on future rate cuts.Additional insights include CAMEL rating trends, HELOC utilization growth, differences between credit union and community bank performance, and what examiner behavior may look like amid NCUA staffing constraints.This episode is designed for credit union executives, board members, and risk leaders looking for plain-English interpretation of regulatory data—without spin or hype.
www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/NCUA has launched a new Deregulation and Simplification Project, signaling a shift toward clearer, more flexible rules—without weakening safety and soundness.In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel breaks down the four proposed regulatory changes released by NCUA and explains what they mean in practice for credit unions, boards, and exam preparation.Rather than a wholesale rewrite, this package focuses on clarity, structure, and regulatory housekeeping—especially around audits, corporate credit union governance, and cybersecurity guidance.Key topics covered:Updates to Supervisory Committee audit rules (Part 715)Technical and governance clarifications for corporate credit unionsWhy cybersecurity guidance is moving out of regulation and into Letters to Credit UnionsWhat’s not changing—despite the headlinesHow this project fits into broader NCUA budget and structural discussionsMark also shares perspective on why moving guidance out of the CFR matters—and what credit unions should (and shouldn’t) do next.More regulatory developments are coming fast, including NCUA’s upcoming board meeting and budget discussions. Stay tuned.
www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel speaks with Dan Prezioso, Partner at Olden Lane, about the demographic shift reshaping credit unions and why deposit competition is entering a new era.Dan shares data and insights from multiple national surveys, macro trends, and firsthand M&A activity, including:Why strategic mergers are already breaking NCUA approval records in 2025The shrinking role of baby boomers as depositors, borrowers, and primary financial institution usersWhy Gen Z and millennials are saving more — but choosing Robinhood, Coinbase, and SoFi over traditional credit unionsThe alarming statistic that 37% of Gen Z credit union members are likely to switch institutions in the next 12 months“Real” deposit growth vs. nominal growth, and why rising OPEX may force additional consolidationThe engagement deficit: younger members don’t think of credit unions as their everyday financial partnerWhat credit unions can do right now to stay relevant in the next decadeDan also highlights examples of institutions that are getting it right — from fractional real estate investing to budgeting tools and crypto-enabled debit cards — and explains what boards should be asking their CEOs in 2026 strategic planning.📩 Connect with Dan: dprezioso@oldenlane.com 🔗 Olden Lane: info@oldenlane.com🎧 Listen now and subscribe for future episodes of With Flying Colors.
www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Episode SummaryIn this archive episode of With Flying Colors, Mark sits down with Todd Miller — longtime NCUA expert, former Director of Special Actions, and member of the CU Exam Solutions team — to break down one of the most misunderstood and under-optimized tools in credit union governance: the board package.Boards get in trouble not because they don’t care, Todd explains, but because they are often misinformed, overwhelmed, or kept in the dark. A well-designed board package solves that — if it’s built with the right mix of clarity, consistency, and candor.Todd explains:What high-performing board packages includeWhy “size and complexity” shape reporting expectationsThe danger of data dumps, inconsistent formatting, and detail overloadHow to pair dashboards with strong qualitative narrativesThe one question every executive should answer in their reportsWhy peer comparisons matterHow risk appetite, strategic plans, and deviation explanations must tie togetherReal-world stories from troubled and well-run credit unionsHow to avoid examiner criticism by aligning reporting with actual riskThis episode is full of practical actions your board and leadership team can apply immediately.Key Themes & Takeaways1. Great Board Packages Balance Qualitative + Quantitative ReportingTodd outlines a simple principle: Board reports should demonstrate management’s compliance with the business plan, board policies, and the credit union’s risk appetite. transcript Board Packages Todd …Boards need both data and narrative to understand where the credit union is, how it got there, and where it’s going.2. Consistency Builds Board TrustFrom formatting to color-coding to dashboards, consistency helps directors quickly understand risk without getting bogged down.Inconsistent layouts or disorganized reporting create confusion and can lead to micromanagement or oversight failures.3. Avoid the “Data Dump” TrapTodd highlights that many troubled credit unions had mountains of data… but no clarity. Board packets that keep expanding over time—without periodic pruning—bury critical insights.Annual reviews of what stays, what goes, and how information is summarized are essential.4. Dashboards Are Critical — But Must Be Thoughtfully BuiltDashboards should show:Where the CU has beenWhere it is nowWhere it’s trending nextThey must also be paired with narrative analysis to flag:VariancesDeviations from strategic/annual plansNew risksNew opportunities5. The Biggest Blind Spot: Credit Risk ReportingCredit risk is the No. 1 cause of failures. Todd explains how to reduce hundreds of pages into 2–3 meaningful pages with:Risk migration visualsLTV + credit score overlaysPortfolio trendsBusiness loan concentration & large-borrower exposure6. Committees Create Risk — and Reporting ObligationsALCO, lending, IT, risk committees… Boards need visibility but not minutiae.Todd walks through how well-run credit unions:Summarize committee outputElevate red flagsKeep the board focused on strategy, not operations7. Real-World Stories—The Good, The Bad, The UglyTodd shares examples of:39 unprofitable branches hidden in an overly detailed packetBoards blindsided by marijuana banking risk and resulting finesA $4 million depositor walking out because the board lacked contextThese stories underscore the need for transparency, context, and prioritization.Why This MattersA strong board package:Improves governanceEnhances regulator confidencePrevents surprisesSupports faster, cleaner examsKeeps boards strategicHelps management demonstrate competence and controlThis episode is a must-listen for CEOs, CFOs, lending executives, and directors looking to elevate their governance culture.
www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Overview In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of risk management for credit unions — what it really means, why it matters at every asset size, and how boards and executives can build a resilient framework that supports safe, sustainable growth. blog risk appetiteWhat We CoverThe Three Pillars of Risk ManagementRisk Culture — how tone from the top determines effectiveness.Risk Appetite — defining how much risk is acceptable before strategy becomes unsafe.Risk Management System — the controls, processes, and oversight that put culture and appetite into action. blog risk appetiteWhy Size Matters — and Doesn’tPractical guidance for smaller credit unions: clear limits, strong oversight, and effective supervisory committees.What larger credit unions need: formal risk appetite statements, risk departments, and comprehensive reporting frameworks. blog risk appetiteCommon PitfallsThe “capital trap”—why even strong net worth can’t compensate for unmanaged concentration risk (e.g., taxi medallion credit unions).Siloed risk decisions.Hoping limit breaches “self-correct.” blog risk appetiteBest Practices for a Strong FrameworkAlign appetite with capital and strategy.Use clear metrics to monitor risk.Establish formal limit-breach processes.Encourage staff to raise risk concerns without hesitation.Maintain strong documentation and communication. blog risk appetiteKey Takeaway Risk management isn’t about eliminating risk — it’s about managing it in a way that protects members while enabling growth. A clear culture, aligned risk appetite, and well-designed system create the foundation for long-term success.
www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/This week on With Flying Colors, I’m joined by three longtime colleagues from my days at NCUA — John McKechnie, Alonzo Swann, and Geoff Bacino — for a lively roundtable on where the agency stands today, what’s working, and what’s at risk.Together, we revisit our shared time inside NCUA and discuss how leadership, budgets, and supervision are evolving in 2025 and beyond. From one-member boards and budget cuts to liquidity lifelines and affordable housing, this episode brings together decades of experience and unfiltered perspective.In this episode, we discuss:What it means for NCUA to operate with only one sitting board memberThe implications of budget reductions and staff shortages on examinationsHow Federal Home Loan Banks have become vital liquidity partners for credit unionsWhy onsite contact and examiner familiarity still matterThe Supreme Court and DOJ developments shaping NCUA’s legal authorityThe value of compromise and balanced governance inside NCUAThe political landscape heading into the next election cycle — and what it may mean for credit unionsYou’ll hear candid insights, historical context, and even a few friendly football rivalries — the kind of inside conversation that only veterans of the agency can have.🎙️ GuestsJohn McKechnie – Former NCUA Director of Public and Congressional Affairs; consultant to the credit union and housing industriesAlonzo Swann – Former NCUA Regional Director; Credit Union Strategist at the Federal Home Loan Bank of AtlantaGeoff Bacino – Former NCUA Board Member; former Federal Housing Finance Board Member; association executive and industry advocate🔗 Connect & Learn MoreVisit MarkTreichel.com/podcast for past episodes, transcripts, and consulting resources.Follow Mark on LinkedIn for weekly updates: linkedin.com/in/marktreichelSponsored by Credit Union Exam Solutions — helping credit unions save time and money when working with NCUA.
This is a special Archive Thursday episode of With Flying Colors. In this conversation with Steve Farrar and Todd Miller, we explore what it really means when a credit union is downgraded to a CAMEL Code 4.We discuss the implications for NCUA supervision, administrative actions, and how examiners begin building a formal record. You’ll learn about the added burden of frequent exams, the role of letters of understanding and agreements, and how Code 4 status impacts liquidity options, board responsibilities, and long-term viability.Packed with hard-earned insights from decades inside NCUA, this archive episode helps credit unions understand both the risks and the pathways to recovery when facing a Code 4 downgrade
www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel sits down with David Reed of Reed & Jolly to dive deep into the NCUA’s new succession planning rule and what it means for credit unions across the country.Too often, boards and executives focus on writing a policy—but not on the real-world practice of finding and preparing leaders for the future. David explains why succession planning can’t stop with “golden handcuffs” or executive retention packages and why the real challenge is board and volunteer succession.Key Topics CoveredThe January 2026 effective date of the NCUA succession planning ruleWhy smaller credit unions face unique challenges when CEOs retire or leave suddenlyThe risks of relying only on the “hit by a bus” plan for executive successionBoard succession struggles: aging volunteers, shrinking social networks, and limited recruitment poolsThe role of advisory boards, director emeritus programs, and board expansion in keeping knowledge while bringing in fresh voicesThe importance of diversity of thought—beyond demographics—to strengthen governancePractical tips for creating a process to identify, recruit, and onboard new volunteersHow nominations policies and ongoing outreach can build a pipeline of future board membersDavid also shares stories from his work with credit unions nationwide, highlighting what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid common pitfalls.Why Listen?If you’re a credit union leader, board member, or volunteer, this episode offers realistic, actionable advice on turning succession planning from a compliance checklist into a strategic advantage.📧 To reach David Reed: david@reedandjolly.com
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.
www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/In this solo episode, Mark Treichel breaks down a hot topic out of Washington: a Senate proposal to raise FDIC deposit insurance coverage from $250,000 to $10 million. Backed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Senator Elizabeth Warren, the idea is gaining traction — but what would it mean for credit unions?Mark explores:Why big banks are fighting the proposal — and why they might have a pointHow a $10 million FDIC cap could drain the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF)The political ripple effects for NCUA premiums and restoration plansWhy credit unions risk losing business accounts if insurance coverage doesn’t keep pace with banksAlternatives, like inflation-based adjustments, that could make more sense than a massive jumpIn the end, Mark explains why raising the cap might look like protection, but could really be lipstick on a pig for credit unions and their members.
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.




