p199hifuc91gbil461bgmrq7kmi6.jpg

Here's what your colleagues had to say on some of the hottest topics this week.

Image: iStock

p199hifud21fkp1fgf1a9j1fdircv7.jpg

NCUA Examiner Causes Data Breach At Small CU

A small credit union in Palm Springs, Calif., is claiming it was the victim of a data breach after an NCUA examiner lost a flash drive filled with member information. Click through the slides to see what readers had to say about it. Read the full story here.

Image: Fotolia

p199hifud51lp2luj1veoob1ne18.jpg

NCUA Examiner Causes Data Breach At Small CU

If the credit union lost data on a thumb drive, what would NCUA's reaction be? Would they say, "well, it didn't contain passwords, so no big deal"? I would suggest that they would first question why the use of thumbdrives was necessary, they are generally considered best avoided for security purposes. Then they would ask if there were a procedure for the use of thumb drives and a risk assessment on the use of thumb drives and portable storage devices. They would insist upon a complete review and a response as to what procedures would be changed to prevent reoccurrence. If NCUA wants to start regaining some of the credibility it lost after the corporate failures, it needs to hold itself to the same standards it holds credit unions.

Posted by bu2008 | Tuesday, December 16 2014 at 10:51AM ET

Image: Fotolia

p199hifud61s0u1kki1kd51d4s1rcf9.jpg

Questions Abound Following Data Breach Caused By NCUA Examiner's Error

Credit union experts and the NCUA itself discuss how the loss of a CU's member data, caused by an agency examiner, happened, how it could have been prevented and steps to take to keep it from happening again. Click through the slides to see what readers had to say about it. Read the full story here.

Image: Fotolia

p199hifud89fb1ja71imp12um13l5a.jpg

Questions Abound Following Data Breach Caused By NCUA Examiner's Error

Wow Mr. Bacino. Mistakes happen eh? Easy to dismiss with a flip comment when the rebuilding of the reputation falls upon that credit union and its staff. I would think as a regulator telling who is continuously telling credit unions how to run their shops that NCUA would be better prepared to handle a situation like this. Was a risk assessment done?

Posted by rsmith@cuinsight.com | Thursday, December 18 2014 at 2:34PM ET

Image: Fotolia

p199hifud91tk117871db14va191tb.jpg

Questions Abound Following Data Breach Caused By NCUA Examiner's Error

I know for a fact that a policy statement isn't enough to pass NCUA muster, or common sense. Their policy should state that encryption is REQUIRED, not recommended. The Target breach is an "isolated incident" also.

Posted by John M | Thursday, December 18 2014 at 3:02PM ET

Image: iStock

p199hifudaata1npkki1rus1h5bc.jpg

Questions Abound Following Data Breach Caused By NCUA Examiner's Error

Having worked in this industry for 20 years and having worked with many examiners, I don't recall ever being asked to provide PTT to an examiner. And as other have stated, all information provided to the examiners is ENCRYPTED.

Posted by ELIZABETH D | Thursday, December 18 2014 at 3:16PM ET

Image: iStock

p199hifudcm2sddi1jokm7d19kad.jpg

CEFCU To Distribute $40 Million Extraordinary Dividend

It's that most wonderful time of the year when many credit unions traditionally issue special bonus dividends and rebates to members. Citizens Equity First CU's $40 million dividend caused some readers to debate the wisdom of special bonuses versus offering better everyday value.

Image: Fotolia

p199hifuddu8l1oj419d5385100ke.jpg

CEFCU To Distribute $40 Million Extraordinary Dividend

Congratulations to CEFCU.

I have never been a proponent of dividend bonuses. They raise the question why not lower everyday prices so that the member gets an immediate benefit. Bonuses are by their very nature excess profits. I am always amazed by how much credit is given for taking member's money and giving it back to them.

Posted by henryw | Monday, December 15 2014 at 11:21AM ET

Image: iStock

p199hifudenkl154bdrb1lflmt9f.jpg

CEFCU To Distribute $40 Million Extraordinary Dividend

I agree with you henryw. CU's members would be much better served lowering everyday rates and/or fees.

Posted by jwhite | Tuesday, December 16 2014 at 9:40AM ET

Image: iStock

p199hifudf1ldga4v1e6j1nt6gmfg.jpg

CEFCU To Distribute $40 Million Extraordinary Dividend

The value of bonus dividends vs. simply raising deposit rates all year is multi-faceted. A bonus dividend is a one-time shot in the arm that doesn't trigger demand. If you simply raise deposit rates, you can create excess demand for deposits, dilute net worth, etc.

Also, human nature being what it is, members "feel" a bonus dividend and can attribute it to the value of their membership. Simply offering better rates all year can get lost in terms of perception.

Finally, the bonus dividend afford operational flexibility since it can be withheld (until it's paid, obviously) if a crisis develops or some other unexpected capital need emerges.

My CU doesn't pay them (yet), but I certainly see the value in this method of returning member profits. I think you can have excellent perennial pricing and still adopt an annual bonus for members.

Posted by tony_h | Wednesday, December 17 2014 at 12:40PM ET

Image: iStock

p199hifudh1tuagsbqe11sqmsjih.jpg

Have something to say? Comment on any story at www.cujournal.com! Just scroll down to the end of the story and look for the blue comments box.

Image: Fotolia


MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER
Load More