Matz continues self-education tour

<p>WASHINGTON-Not all lobby efforts take place within Congress. In conjunction with the Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island Leagues’ Hike the Hill, the tri-state group also met with NCUA Board Member Deborah Matz Tuesday at Credit Union House. She commented that Credit Union House “speaks well of credit unions and speaks of their strengths.” Matz raised some of her most important issues with the leagues, including the liquidation and merging of small credit unions, alternative capital, and Prompt Corrective Action (PCA). She also invited discussion on the issue of the definition of `local’ in regard to a community chartered credit union. “If NCUA does not permit large community charters, will credit unions convert to state charters in those states with more liberal field of membership rules?” she asked. “If they do, and this trend increases, such conversions are likely to be lightning rods which could result in congressional intervention.” However, Matz admitted, “in fact, I am not sure, really, how big is big.” She also urged the credit union groups to educate lawmakers about the unintended consequences of PCA. Matz noted some credit union officials’ concerns that PCA may force credit unions to turn away potential members in order to get a handle on growth. “Although I don’t see an immediate problem, I do believe that there have been some unintended consequences caused by PCA and this is one of them. PCA was intended to satisfy safety and soundness requirements. I don’t think anyone anticipated that it might result in the need to slow the growth of credit unions,” Matz said. “I hope that credit unions start educating members of Congress about this very important, but very complicated, issue.”</p>