Skip to main content

Proposed Rule on Field of Membership Offers Regulatory Relief, Growth Opportunities

NCUAnewslayoutNCUA Board Proposes Sweeping Field-of-Membership Reform
Millions of Americans who need affordable financial services would be eligible for credit union membership under a proposed field-of-membership modernization rule (Part 701) unanimously approved by the NCUA Board.

“There is nothing more vital to the future of a credit union than the ability to attract new members,” Board Chairman Debbie Matz said. “Our vision is to enable federal credit unions to reach potential members from all walks of life. With this proposed rule, we would expand consumer choice, increase access to affordable financial services and provide regulatory relief to a wide range of federal credit unions. At the same time, we will keep the federal charter competitive with state charters that allow more permissive field-of-membership rules.”
Consistent with the limitations outlined in the Federal Credit Union Act, the proposed rule would amend NCUA’s chartering and field-of-membership rule by:
  • Modernizing the definition of “multiple common bond” to streamline the process for adding new groups to a charter;
  • Enlarging the pool of potential members by expanding the areas that may be served by a community charter;
  • Updating the process of defining an “underserved area;”
  • Revising the “rural district” definition to include populations of up to 1 million people; and
  • Expanding the definition of a “trade, industry or profession” as a single common bond.
Matz said the proposed rule was in large part the result of work by the Field-of-Membership Working Group she appointed in December 2014. NCUA Board Vice Chairman Rick Metsger had previously called on the agency to reform its field-of-membership rules.
“I would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated on calls with the NCUA Working Group,” Matz said. “Over the last 11 months, staff heard from hundreds of stakeholders from every region in the country. As a result, this proposal includes creative ideas, and we look forward to more input during the comment period.”


Pages - Proposed Rule on Field of Membership Offers Regulatory Relief, Growth Opportunities

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Let the Truth be Told - Why a New NCUA Rule Could Jolt Credit Union Innovation

The National Credit Union Administration has finalized a rule to improve board and executive succession planning within the credit union industry. This strategic move aims to curb the trend of mergers driven by technological stagnation and poor succession strategies, ensuring more credit unions maintain their independence and enhance their technological capabilities. By Ken McCarthy, Manager of marketing communications at Tyfone Credit unions are merging out of existence because of an inability to invest in technology, the National Credit Union Administration Board wrote when introducing its now finalized rule on board succession planning. The regulator now requires credit unions to establish succession planning for critical positions in their organizations. But it’s likely to have even wider effects, such as preserving more independent charters and shaking up the perspectives of those on credit union boards. “Voluntary mergers can be used to create economies of scale to offer more or ...

Armand Parvazi MBA CUDE - Last Friday marked his last day with New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union.

It’s been an incredible journey, but it’s bittersweet to announce that Friday marked my last day with New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union. We've accomplished so much together in my six years as Chief Administrative and Development Officer. Some of the highlights: Implemented a data-driven marketing strategy that delivers over 1,800% annual ROI. Developed automated triggers to ensure members receive the right offers at the right time. Grew assets by 61% and increased products per new member from 1.88 to 2.62. Converted online banking to enhance the member experience. Introduced a loan origination system for faster and more efficient loan processing. Transitioned to a mobile-first financial institution to meet members where they are. Pioneered the first Cancer Care loan pause program in the nation (in collaboration with Andy Janning ) Secured nearly $17 million in grants for our impactful work. Expanded our field of membership to 35 parishes and counties and added numerous fi...

Biggest Social Security Changes for 2025

  Chris Gash Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Monthly payments are going up, and drop-in service at SSA offices is largely going away The  cost-of-living adjustment  (COLA) may be the most widely anticipated way Social Security changes from year to year, but it’s far from the only one. Inflation, wage trends and new policies directly affect not just the more than 68 million people receiving Social Security benefits but also the estimated 184 million workers (and future beneficiaries) paying into the system.  Here are seven important ways Social Security will be different in 2025. 1. Cost-of-living adjustment Inflation continued to cool this year , resulting in a  2.5 percent COLA  for 2025 for people receiving Social Security payments, down from  3.2 percent in 2024 . The estimated average retirement benefit will increase by $49 a month, from $1,927 to $1,976, starting in January, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). It’s the lowest COLA i...