NCUA's examiner training in Orlando last month and listening sessions that continue this summer are a step in the right direction, trade organizations say, and senior NCUA officials have been open to discuss exam issues and ways to improve the process. However, despite the progress, trades are not backing off in supporting H.R. 3461, the Financial Institutions Examination Fairness and Reform Act, which would require examiners to cite authority for exam exceptions.

CUNA shared with Credit Union Times an April 17 letter that President/CEO Bill Cheney received from NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz on the issue. In that letter, Matz outlined the steps the agency has taken to improve the exam process and cited current policies and guidance that credit unions may not be aware.

For example, Matz quoted the NCUA's Examiner's Guide that says, "When identifying a finding, the examiner should cite the specific section of the FCU Act, FCU bylaws, NCUA rules and regulations, or other authority."