WASHINGTON — Of the few dozen financial services representatives in the room for their first meeting with the new Treasury secretary, CUNA President and CEO Dan Mica and the heads of the three banking trades made certain to be part of the handful that actually stood up to speak.

Mica and the three bank trade executives expressed unanimity in Bank Secrecy Act compliance complaints. CUNA would be "happy to participate" in regulatory relief discussions, Mica said. The credit union and bank representatives demonstrated nothing but civility, he explained, which was noted by newly installed Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.

He had made news just before the meeting with the financial services executives by discussing income disparity and stating that many had not benefited from the recent economic properity. "It shows a sensitivity and an honesty that is welcome and refreshing and we look forward to working with him," Mica commented.