Capital Briefs: NCUA Chief Defends Charter-Shift Stance

National Credit Union Administration Chairman Norman E. D'Amours this week defended federal rules governing institutions that want to switch charters.

American Bankers Association lead lobbyist Edward L. Yingling complained last month that NCUA rules are "prejudiced" because federal credit unions must win approval from a majority of eligible members to convert to mutual thrifts or banks. Converting to a state credit union requires only a majority of voting members under NCUA rules.

In an Aug. 5 letter, Mr. D'Amours justified the different standard.

"Membership control is not the same in a thrift as in a credit union," he wrote. "A credit union that converts to a mutual thrift loses its unique character as a democratically controlled cooperative."

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