WASHINGTON — When it comes to participation in regulatory enforcement fairness hearings, NCUA earned several high grades from the Small Business Administration.

That's according to the agency's just-released 2007 national ombudsman report to Congress, which is based on testimony gathered at regulatory fairness hearings and concerns and complaints filed with the SBA's ombudsman about federal compliance and regulatory activity.

According to the report, NCUA earned an A for its non-retaliation policy. The regulator also received an A in compliance assistance and a C for “informs about [the] Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.” Of the latter grade, the report noted that since NCUA is a federal financial institution regulator, its ombudsman functions fall under the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act. To receive an A, an agency must reference SBA's national ombudsman on both its Web site and at the time a citation or notice of regulatory violation occurs. NCUA's overall score was a B.

“Strengthened SBREFA rules have not applied to any NCUA regulations so far, but the agency is already working to assist small entities,” the report read. In fiscal year 2007, NCUA issued 15 “letters to credit unions” aimed at helping small unions comply with new or “complex” regulations, SBA said.