Based on feedback from credit unions, the NCUA has beefed upresources for credit unions to appeal exams and communicate withexamination staff, the regulator said this week.

Letter 13-CU-01 shared the NCUA's 2013 supervisory focus, whichincludes improved consistency, better risk management, and moreclarity and guidance to examiners and credit unions.

According to the letter issued Thursday, CU Online and thepre-examination planning letter will now provide information on howto contact a credit union's assigned examiner and supervisoryexaminer, and will provide an electronic notice if the informationchanges.

Additionally, formal and informal appeal options available tocredit unions have been added to the exam report cover letter.

The change follows an exam appeal by the $32 million CommodorePerry FCU that was elevated to the Supervisory Review Committee.Commodore Perry officials have been critical of the appeals process.

NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz granted the Oak Harbor, Ohio, creditunion a 60-day appeal extension in January; the new deadline is March18.

The NCUA also said it will publish enhanced guidance for memberbusiness lending, credit ratings and troubled debt restructurings.Credit unions can expect a supervisory letter regarding MBL waiverrequests, specifically focusing on waivers for personalguarantees and blanket waivers versus individual loanwaivers.

The NCUA Board in May revised troubled debt restructuring rules, requiring MBLs toinclude a personal guarantee. The guidance will also focus onappropriate underwriting and credit monitoring systems forMBLs.

Finally, examiners will evaluate a credit union's capacity tomanage operational risk and the balance sheet. Operational riskfocus will include technology like remote deposit capture, mobilebanking and social media, and internal controls.

Balance sheet examination will focus on a credit union's abilityto generate adequate earnings without adversely increasing interestrate risk, liquidity risk and concentration risk.

Examiners will also review a credit union's expertise andrisk-mitigation controls when offering less established productslike private student loans or investments associated with creditunion-funded employee benefit programs that would otherwise beimpermissible.

The letter from Matz was sent to CEOs and directors and isavailable on the NCUA's website.