Credit unions

With the new Congress sworn in, trade associations are already pushing their legislative wish lists, including more regulatory oversight of fintechs and protecting the industry's tax exemption.

The National Credit Union Administration may get a new leader, several institutions could seek to expand their fields of membership, and a pot banking fight may reemerge.

In December, the National Credit Union Administration barred the individuals from working in the financial services sector for taking money from their institutions for personal use.

The charity was hit hard by the pandemic and the death of its CEO early in the year, but the nonprofit hopes to bounce back in 2021, thanks in part to a long history of working closely with credit unions.

The National Credit Union Administration juggled several challenges this year beyond the pandemic recession, including an inspector general's report about alleged misconduct by two former employees and criticism that board members had lost their old spirit of comity.

Jay Neathery has taken over for Chris McCreary, who stepped down as president of the institution but is staying on as executive vice president.

The Allen, Texas-based institution is crediting a robust on-site medical program with helping keep staff and members safe.

Provisions implemented under the CARES Act that made it easier for institutions to utilize NCUA's Central Liquidity Facility have been extended for a year with the signing of Consolidated Appropriations Act.

Members of $6.3 million-asset FIAFE Federal Credit Union will vote early next year on whether to merge into $43 million-asset Central Credit Union of Maryland.

Amy Nigrelli, who recently joined Nusenda Credit Union after nearly a decade at CUNA, offers insights on how the pandemic has changed marketing for the industry and what institutions can learn from the trade group.

Neil Gordon, a former executive at nearby Millbury Federal Credit Union, will take the helm next month.

Riverside Health System Employees Credit Union has announced plans to merge into the Yorktown-based credit union, which is roughly 100 times its size.

In 25 years at the helm, Brian Hall helped the Southern California credit union grow from $48 million of assets to nearly $600 million.

Sarah Canepa Bang will serve as a senior advisor to the agency's vice chairman. Separately, a 27-year veteran of the regulator announced plans to retire.

The pandemic and social unrest made 2020 one of the most challenging years in recent memory, but there is much the industry can learn from the past 12 months.

A long-awaited COVID-relief package in Congress is expected to extend liquidity measures for the industry and provide assistance to consumers that could help lenders avoid rising delinquencies.

A new report from the National Credit Union Administration showed institutions in many states are struggling with a deluge of deposits while their lending opportunities are drying up.

This is the first time the agency has had a vice chairman since 2014.

The spending plan passed in a party-line vote, but board member Todd Harper's objections indicate he could push for closer oversight if President-elect Joe Biden elevates him to the chairmanship.

The rule change will allow credit unions to raise more capital to help their members, not line the pockets of investors, as bank lobbyists claim.