Credit Union Exam Solutions Presents With Flying Colors

In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel sits down with Todd Miller to explore what makes credit union policies effective — and what separates the policy frameworks at high-performing credit unions from those that consistently generate examination findings. Todd, who spent over 33 years at NCUA including a decade as Director of Special Actions, draws on his experience examining credit unions across the full performance spectrum. He shares what he consistently saw in top-performing organizations: strong written policies that created transparency at every level, from the boardroom to the branch. The conversation covers why policies matter beyond regulatory compliance, including their role as training tools, culture builders, and accountability mechanisms. Todd outlines the general principles that underpin effective policy management — from top-down implementation and accessibility to the importance of consequences for non-compliance and the disciplined handling of policy exceptions. The heart of the episode is Todd's breakdown of common elements that should appear in every credit union policy, regardless of subject matter: purpose and objectives, accountability structures, risk appetite statements with real limits, systems of trend-based reporting, and scheduled review processes. He explains why policy limits should be unique to each credit union, why guidelines are no substitute for hard limits, and why trend reporting matters more to board members than point-in-time snapshots. Mark and Todd also discuss the connection between policy compliance and organizational culture, including how violations of individual authority limits can erode morale, create bond claim exposure, and — in the most serious cases — lead to insurance fund losses.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Episode SummaryMark Treichel sits down with Jason Stverak, Chief Advocacy Officer at the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC), for a wide-ranging conversation on the policy threats credit unions are currently facing. From the government shutdown's impact on Coast Guard members to the proposed 10% interest rate cap, interchange regulation spreading into the states, and the banking lobby's opposition to credit union bank acquisitions — Stverak covers the full landscape of what's moving in Washington and why credit union leaders need to be paying attention.What We CoverThe partial government shutdown and its direct impact on Coast Guard members working without pay — and how credit unions are stepping in with forbearances and emergency lending.The ICBA's renewed push against credit union bank acquisitions, and why Stverak argues the real driver is dues protection rather than principled policy.The proposed 10% interest rate cap: why credit unions and banks have issued joint opposition, and what a cap at that level means for members with lower credit scores.How interchange regulation is moving from Congress into state legislatures — and why Illinois is just the beginning.DCUC's growth (30% membership increase in the past year), its due structure, and what it means for non-defense credit unions to engage with a defense-focused trade organization.The concept of operating "over the event horizon" — anticipating threats before they become crises.Upcoming DCUC events including Defense Matters at GAC, CU Unplugged in San Francisco, regional sub-council meetings, the annual meeting in Miami, and an overseas meeting in Bangkok.Connect with Jason Stverak and DCUCWebsite: dcuc.orgEmail: jstverak@dcuc.org

When a crisis hits your credit union—whether it’s a cyber breach, ransomware attack, or liquidity event—how you communicate in those first hours and days can define the outcome. In this episode, Mark Treichel sits down with John McKechnie to discuss crisis communication lessons learned from decades in the credit union industry.  John served at CUNA for over 18 years before joining NCUA, where he led the Office of Public and Congressional Affairs under three chairmen during some of the most turbulent years in the agency’s history, including the 2008 financial crisis. Since 2011, he’s been advising credit unions on communications strategy, public affairs, and crisis management.In this episode, Mark and John discuss:•        Why silence during a crisis creates a dangerous vacuum—and how to avoid it•        The principle of being “first with the truth” and why speed matters•        How to identify and prioritize your key stakeholders during an incident•        The value of tabletop exercises and crisis communication plans•        Real examples from the 2008 financial crisis and recent cyber incidents•        Why your members need to hear that their insured funds are safe—early and often•        Setting up a landing page as a single source of truth during a crisis•        The importance of conducting a postmortem after any incident•        How a crisis can actually strengthen the bond between a credit union and its membersWhether your credit union has a crisis communication plan on the shelf or is starting from scratch, this episode offers practical guidance on how to prepare—and how to perform when it matters most.Connect with John McKechnie:Email: john@mckechniellc.comPhone: 202-997-5816

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Episode Title: My Takeaways from Monday at GAC: Structure, Supervision, and StablecoinsIn this episode, I share my takeaways from Monday at GAC in Washington, D.C.This was my first GAC in 2000 as Deputy Executive Director at NCUA. I’ve attended more than 20 since. It was good to be back in D.C., reconnect with colleagues, clients, and former NCUA staff — and to see how the tone of the conference felt this year.Three sessions stood out:1️⃣ Scott Simpson – Stewardship & AdvocacyScott Simpson’s first GAC as head of America’s Credit Unions set a different tone.He emphasized:Credit unions as a social movementThe importance of advocacyThe reality that tax status and field of membership are not automaticUnity between large and small institutionsIn a chaotic political and regulatory environment, the reminder that credit unions exist because Congress allows them to exist matters.2️⃣ Brené Brown – Strengthening the FoundationBrené Brown’s keynote focused on “strong ground.”Her theme: leaders often compensate around weaknesses instead of strengthening the foundation.Key ideas:Vulnerability = uncertainty, risk, and exposureNo risk, no courageArmor (resistance, avoidance, overconfidence) blocks real leadershipIn times of uncertainty, strengthen the coreIn an environment shaped by technology shifts, mergers, geopolitical tension, and regulatory changes, that message resonated.3️⃣ Chairman Hauptman – Supervision & StablecoinsChairman Hauptman’s fireside chat focused on rethinking supervision and discussing stablecoins.SupervisionWith NCUA staffing down significantly (I reference roughly 27%), he raised the question:Is the juice worth the squeeze?Topics discussed:Consistency and transparency in examsFewer document requestsRethinking supervisory touchpointsReorganization within NCUAExtending exam cycles for well-run institutionsI also discuss how regulatory inconsistency — when priorities swing dramatically — can create real operational risk for credit unions.Sometimes NCUA can be a credit union’s biggest risk — not due to bad intent, but because uncertainty affects strategic decisions.ConsolidationConsolidation is happening. That’s math.But it’s not inevitable individually.Every mature industry consolidates over time. The key is leadership, strategy, and execution.StablecoinsChairman Hauptman framed stablecoins as infrastructure and global dollar dominance.The key question I raise (credit to Kiah Haslett’s framing):What problem does stablecoin actually solve that existing rails don’t?We already have:FedwireACHRTPFedNowIs the value international? Domestic? Structural? Or hype?Time will tell.Final ThoughtAcross all three speakers, one theme connected the day:Are we strengthening the foundation — or compensating around it?It was a fun and informative day at GAC, and I’ll continue sharing observations as the week unfolds.If you were there and saw something differently, let me know.

Mark Treichel sits down with Steve Farrar and Todd Miller to break down Letters of Understanding and Agreement—NCUA's formal enforcement tool that requires board-level commitment. With over 100 combined years of NCUA experience, including Steve's authorship of NCUA's enforcement manual, this episode delivers insider perspective on what LUAs mean for credit unions, how boards should approach them, and critical mistakes to avoid.Key Topics CoveredWhat triggers an LUA: Understanding when NCUA escalates from informal actions to formal enforcement, and why most credit unions receiving LUAs are classified as troubled.Published vs. unpublished: The distinction that creates reputation risk, how industry publications find published LUAs, and which state regulators require publication.Board accountability: Why voting no or abstaining doesn't protect individual directors, and what fiduciary responsibility means when your credit union signs an LUA.Negotiation before signing: How to approach discussions with your examiner or problem case officer, ensuring timeframes are realistic and commitments are achievable.Root causes vs. comprehensive lists: Why LUAs should focus on fundamental problems, and what to do when you're facing a lengthy document with dozens of items.Satisfying an LUA: The two-part test NCUA applies—completing actions AND achieving intended results—and why there's no built-in expiration date.Notable Quotes"The LUAs only addressed mainly what we would refer to as the root causes of the problem." — Steve Farrar"The language in published LUAs is very draconian and very one-sided. It's intended to be serious." — Todd Miller"If you abstain or vote no, and the board agrees to sign, you're still subject to that agreement. It was a board decision." — Mark TreichelAbout the GuestsSteve Farrar spent 30+ years at NCUA, including 15 years as a problem case officer and 15 years in the central office where he authored NCUA's enforcement manual and worked on corporate resolution and risk-based capital regulations.Todd Miller served nearly 35 years at NCUA as an examiner, problem case officer, regional capital market specialist, and Director of Special Actions supervising problem case officers and capital market specialists.ResourcesCredit Union Exam Solutions: marktreichel.comRelated Episode: Documents of Resolution and Examiner Findings

Episode Title: It's Never as Bad as You Think: Suicide, Fraud, and the Stories I've Never ToldContent Warning: This episode discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).Episode Description: The death of 25-year-old Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore this weekend brought back memories Mark has never shared publicly. In 33 years at NCUA — including 8 years as Executive Director — Mark encountered two individuals who took their own lives after embezzling from their credit unions. In this solo episode with no intro music, Mark tells those stories for the first time and delivers three messages to anyone in the credit union industry who may be carrying a secret they think will destroy their life.In This Episode:How the Rondale Moore story and Hollywood Brown's tweet triggered this episodeMark's first encounter with suicide at age 19A Midwest credit union CEO whose "hunting accident" wasn't accidentalThe connection between Dead Poets Society and an examination Mark will never forgetAn East Coast treasurer who jumped from a high-rise rather than face conservatorshipThree core messages: it's never as bad as you think, there's always a way back, and you will get caughtWhat credit union leaders can do to pay attention to the people, not just the numbersResources:988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988American Foundation for Suicide Prevention — afsp.orgHat tip: Matthew Coller and The Purple Insider podcast for the Rondale Moore episode that pushed Mark to finally record this.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Episode Description: When your credit union receives an examination result you believe is wrong, what are your options? In this episode, Mark Treichel walks through NCUA's formal appeal process from start to finish — the timeline, the levels of review, what you can actually appeal, and how to think about whether it makes sense for your institution. Drawing on his experience as a former NCUA regional director and his work advising credit unions through the process, Mark breaks down the practical realities most credit union leaders don't fully understand until they're in the middle of it.Key Topics Covered:Why resolving issues at the examiner level is always the best first step — and why it doesn't always workThe fear of retaliation and when it's worth pushing back anywayWhat qualifies as a "material supervisory determination" under Part 746The critical phrase most credit unions overlook: "includes, but is not limited to"Why you can't formally appeal CAMEL components — but effectively can anywayDocument resolutions are negotiable: pushing back on language, dates, and requirementsThe full appeal timeline: regional director, Supervisory Review Committee, and NCUA BoardWhen oral hearings are available and when they're guaranteedWhy "tie goes to the runner" at every level — and what that means for your burden of proofDefining victory: full reversals, partial wins, and the value of being heardBuilding your administrative record for the long termKey Takeaways:You have 30 days from the final exam to appeal to the regional director — and some argue the clock starts when you see the draft.A full appeal through the NCUA Board can take eight months to a year.The Supervisory Review Committee must grant an oral hearing if you request one — the only level where that's guaranteed.Your odds of success generally improve as you move higher in the process.Even if you don't win the appeal, you're building an administrative record NCUA must consider in any future enforcement actions.Resources:NCUA Part 746, Subpart A (Appeals Regulation)Preamble to the final rule on appeals processCredit Union Exam Solutions: marktreichel.com Opus 4.5ExtendedClaude is AI and can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.ShareArtifactsDownload allNcua 

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/The NCUA has issued a proposed rule implementing the GENIUS Act, establishing a federal licensing framework for payment stablecoin issuers.For the first time, credit union subsidiaries could apply to become Permitted Payment Stablecoin Issuers (PPSIs) — but only under strict supervisory standards.In this episode, Mark breaks down:Why credit unions cannot issue stablecoins directlyHow the subsidiary licensing model worksThe 10% “Parent Company” threshold and joint application structureThe 1% CUSO investment cap and its impact on participationThe 120-day statutory decision clockHow this compares to FDIC, OCC, and Federal Reserve proposalsWhy “rewards vs. interest” could become the next regulatory battlegroundHow the proposed CLARITY Act fits into the broader digital asset frameworkThis proposal represents one of the most significant expansions of NCUA supervisory authority in decades. While stablecoin issuance is optional, the regulatory guardrails are now taking shape.Comments on the proposed rule are due 60 days after Federal Register publication.If your credit union is considering digital asset innovation, payment modernization, or cooperative technology ventures, this episode outlines the strategic considerations.Key TopicsGENIUS Act stablecoin frameworkSubsidiary-only issuance requirementPPSI licensing processCapital and liquidity expectationsCUSO structure implicationsJoint ownership modelsRegulatory cost recovery debateCLARITY Act market structure considerationsWhy This MattersStablecoins are not insured shares. They are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. They cannot blur the line between payments and deposits.Understanding these distinctions will be critical as the industry evaluates next steps.If you found this episode helpful, share it with a colleague and subscribe to With Flying Colors for ongoing insights into NCUA policy, supervision trends, and regulatory strategy.

In this special archive episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel is joined by Steve Farr and Todd Miller — both former NCUA leaders — to revisit a foundational topic that continues to shape credit union supervision today: risk appetite, risk culture, and concentration risk.While regulators often emphasize capital levels, history shows that capital alone cannot offset poor risk governance. This conversation explores why concentration risk continues to challenge institutions — even those that appear well capitalized.Drawing on decades of regulatory experience, the team walks through the core components of a modern risk management framework and discusses how boards should think about oversight in today’s environment.What We Cover🔹 Risk Culture Starts at the TopWhy tone from the board and CEO matters more than policiesHow troubled institutions often trace back to cultural breakdownsThe board’s role in defining acceptable risk🔹 Risk Appetite: Limit or Goal?What a risk appetite statement actually meansWhy limits must be measurable and monitoredThe difference between qualitative intent and quantitative control🔹 Concentration Risk in the Real WorldThe taxi medallion example and what it taught the industryWhy 15%+ capital ratios were not enoughHow concentration risk interacts with capital and stress scenarios🔹 The Three Lines of DefenseFrontline business unitsRisk management oversight (including the Chief Risk Officer role)Internal audit and supervisory committee functions🔹 Examiner Expectations TodayStress testing and concentration limitsSupporting board-approved limits with dataWhat happens when limits are breachedWhy documentation and reporting matterKey TakeawaysCapital can absorb losses — but it cannot fix poor diversification.Risk appetite should reflect capital strength, strategic goals, and institutional complexity.Concentration limits are not aspirational targets — they are guardrails.Effective risk management requires culture, measurement, and accountability.Why This Still MattersRegulatory guidance continues to evolve, but the core principles of risk governance remain unchanged. Whether you lead a $300 million credit union or a multi-billion-dollar institution, understanding how risk culture, appetite, and oversight interact is essential.This archive episode remains highly relevant as examiners increasingly scrutinize concentration risk and enterprise risk management practices.

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel is joined by former NCUA leaders Geoff Bacino, Alonzo Swann, and John McKechnie for a timely and candid discussion about Chairman Kyle Hauptman’s appointment to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) — and what it signals for the future of the NCUA.While the announcement appears straightforward, the panel explains why it creates a ripple effect across the agency, including questions about leadership continuity, pending lawsuits, board vacancies, staff reductions, and the broader stability of the regulator at a critical time for credit unions.This conversation goes beyond speculation and into how the agency actually functions when leadership is in flux — from delegation of authority to examiner operations to internal morale.You’ll hear insider perspective on:Why Hauptman’s “intent to remain” language mattersHow the Slaughter/Harper lawsuits could determine the shape of the future boardWhat a one-member board means in practiceWhy notation votes and lack of public discussion are becoming a concernThe real impact of a 27% staff reduction at NCUAHow agency expertise gaps are affecting morale and operationsThe upcoming interest rate ceiling decision and why it may be politically sensitiveWhy the agency may be “running itself” more than people realizeWhat happens if the Supreme Court changes how independent boards operatePredictions on who may replace Hauptman and what that means for credit unionsThe panel also discusses how political dynamics, Senate control, and White House strategy could shape the next NCUA board in ways credit unions haven’t seen before.Despite the uncertainty, one theme is clear: the blocking and tackling of supervision continues, but major structural decisions are happening quietly beneath the surface.This episode is essential listening for anyone trying to understand where NCUA is headed in 2026.👥 GuestsGeoff Bacino – Former NCUA Board MemberAlonzo Swann – Former NCUA Regional DirectorJohn McKechnie – Washington, DC credit union advocate and consultant

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/Chairman Hauptman’s Statement on Appointment to PCAOBALEXANDRIA, VA (January 30, 2026) – National Credit Union Administration Chairman Kyle S. Hauptman issued the following statement after being named as a member of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB).“I am grateful to President Donald J. Trump and Chairman Paul S. Atkins for their faith in me and for the appointment to the PCAOB,” said Chairman Hauptman. “I intend to remain in my role as NCUA Chairman until my successor is appointed by President Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.”

www.marktreichel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel is joined by former NCUA senior leaders Todd Miller and Steve Farrar for a deep dive into NCUA’s 2026 Supervisory Priorities Letter — and what it means in the real world for credit unions heading into the next exam cycle. Deep Dive on NCUA Priority Lett…With significant staffing reductions at the agency and a shift toward more “risk-based” supervision, the group discusses whether exam programs will truly become more tailored — or whether credit unions should expect more conservative ratings, more findings, and less dialogue.The conversation also explores what’s emphasized, what’s missing, and how operational realities inside NCUA may shape supervision more than policy statements.Key Topics Discussed🏛️ NCUA Operations and StaffingHow a 27% reduction in staff could affect exam consistency and depthWhy less-experienced exam teams may lead to more conservative CAMEL ratingsConcerns about “CYA supervision” and addressing symptoms rather than root causes📊 Balance Sheet Management and Credit RiskWhy industry data does not support claims of worsening asset qualityContinued focus on credit concentrations and underwriting practicesWhat outsourcing of lending and collections may trigger in exams💧 Liquidity and Interest Rate RiskWhy interest rate risk is often overstated as a failure driverOngoing scrutiny of liquidity forecasting modelsGrowing competition for deposits from fintechs and non-banks💵 Earnings, Capital, and Rising ExpensesWhy operating expenses are growing faster at credit unions than banksTechnology investments, staffing costs, and post-COVID catch-up spendingCapital planning expectations despite fewer references in the priority letter⚙️ Operational Risk, Payments, and TechnologyIncreasing complexity of payment platforms and third-party integrationsWhy internal audit functions matter more than everRisks created by rapid fintech adoption🕵️ Fraud Prevention and Member ProtectionAI-driven fraud and voice spoofing risksWhy protecting members is now as critical as protecting institutionsReputation risk from scams and social media amplification📋 Compliance and What’s MissingNotable reduction in consumer compliance emphasisBSA remains a regulatory constantWhat the absence of certain topics may signal about regulatory priorities🎙️ Practical Exam StrategyWhy recording exit conferences can protect credit unionsHow appeals and documentation can matter more in constrained environmentsWhy This Episode MattersNCUA’s priority letters set expectations — but exam outcomes are often shaped by staffing, experience, and regional risk perceptions. As the agency continues to restructure, understanding how policy meets practice has never been more important.This episode offers insider perspective on:How exam approaches may shift in 2026Where credit unions should expect closer scrutinyWhy communication and documentation will matter more than ever

In this emergency update of With Flying Colors, Mark breaks down a newly proposed NCUA rule that could meaningfully reduce barriers to serving on a federal credit union board.The proposal would allow federal credit unions to reimburse or directly pay reasonable dependent care costs for volunteer officials when those costs are incurred while attending board meetings or performing official duties — including, potentially, training and conferences.This is a narrow but important change that reflects rising childcare and eldercare costs, declining volunteerism, and the increasing demands placed on credit union boards.Mark also shares brief updates on the Central Liquidity Facility (CLF), NCUA’s regulatory simplification efforts, and what’s coming next on the podcast following recent discussions at a credit union conference cruise.🔍 What the Proposed Rule Would DoApplies to federal credit unions only (state charters follow state law)Allows reimbursement or direct payment of:ChildcareAdult dependent care (elder care, disabled dependents)Covers costs incurred while:Attending board meetingsPerforming official duties (which may include training and conferences)Applies only to volunteer officials, not paid executives🚫 What the Rule Does Not DoDoes not allow reimbursement for:Lost wagesPaid leaveIndirect costs of volunteeringDoes not change compensation rules under the Federal Credit Union ActDoes not require credit unions to reimburse these costs — policies remain optional and discretionaryDoes not change IRS tax treatment — consult tax professionals for reporting requirements💡 Why This MattersChildcare costs have increased more than 200% since 1990Volunteer participation has declined significantly since pre-pandemic levelsFederal credit union boards:Must meet at least 12 times per yearCannot generally be compensatedThis proposal may help:Attract younger and working-age professionalsSupport caregivers and single parentsImprove diversity of experience and perspective on boards🧭 What NCUA Is Asking for Public Comment OnNCUA is inviting industry feedback on:Whether reimbursement should be limited to temporary or incremental costsWhether training and conference travel should clearly qualify as official dutiesDocumentation and internal control standardsBest practices from state-chartered credit unionsCredit unions and board members are encouraged to submit comments during the open comment period.🔜 What’s Coming Next on the PodcastA follow-up episode with Mark’s team discussing:NCUA’s 2025 Supervisory Priorities LetterWhat it really means for exams and operationsCoverage of NCUA’s upcoming webinar on supervisory priorities (February 19)Continued “emergency update” episodes when time-sensitive issues break

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.