An estimated 0.15% share insurance premium for 2009 represents a decrease from the NCUA's earlier 0.30% estimate.

Melinda Love, NCUA's director of the office of examination and insurance, told listeners during the agency's Webcast today that although natural person credit unions are anticipating additional 2009 losses, and the new $250,000 share insurance limit has increased NCUSIF expenses, the industry is experiencing a more than 20% annualized share growth rate due to a consumer "flight to quality."

"So, that original 0.30% premium assessed back in January, we now believe that will be reduced to 0.15%," Love said, though she added the number could go higher or lower before the final recommendation to the NCUA Board is made in September.

Love also said the NCUA is mindful of other losses facing credit unions this year, including whole loan write offs and corporate PIC and MCS impairments.

"We don't want to charge a high premium at the worst possible time," she said.