www.marktreichel.com

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Overview
In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of risk management for credit unions — what it really means, why it matters at every asset size, and how boards and executives can build a resilient framework that supports safe, sustainable growth. 

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What We Cover

• The Three Pillars of Risk Management
  • Risk Culture — how tone from the top determines effectiveness.
  • Risk Appetite — defining how much risk is acceptable before strategy becomes unsafe.
  • Risk Management System — the controls, processes, and oversight that put culture and appetite into action. 

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• Why Size Matters — and Doesn’t
  • Practical guidance for smaller credit unions: clear limits, strong oversight, and effective supervisory committees.
  • What larger credit unions need: formal risk appetite statements, risk departments, and comprehensive reporting frameworks. 

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• Common Pitfalls
  • The “capital trap”—why even strong net worth can’t compensate for unmanaged concentration risk (e.g., taxi medallion credit unions).
  • Siloed risk decisions.
  • Hoping limit breaches “self-correct.” 

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• Best Practices for a Strong Framework
  • Align appetite with capital and strategy.
  • Use clear metrics to monitor risk.
  • Establish formal limit-breach processes.
  • Encourage staff to raise risk concerns without hesitation.
  • Maintain strong documentation and communication. 

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Key Takeaway
Risk management isn’t about eliminating risk — it’s about managing it in a way that protects members while enabling growth. A clear culture, aligned risk appetite, and well-designed system create the foundation for long-term success. 

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

This week on With Flying Colors, I’m joined by three longtime colleagues from my days at NCUA — John McKechnie, Alonzo Swann, and Geoff Bacino — for a lively roundtable on where the agency stands today, what’s working, and what’s at risk.

Together, we revisit our shared time inside NCUA and discuss how leadership, budgets, and supervision are evolving in 2025 and beyond. From one-member boards and budget cuts to liquidity lifelines and affordable housing, this episode brings together decades of experience and unfiltered perspective.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What it means for NCUA to operate with only one sitting board member
• The implications of budget reductions and staff shortages on examinations
• How Federal Home Loan Banks have become vital liquidity partners for credit unions
• Why onsite contact and examiner familiarity still matter
• The Supreme Court and DOJ developments shaping NCUA’s legal authority
• The value of compromise and balanced governance inside NCUA
• The political landscape heading into the next election cycle — and what it may mean for credit unions

You’ll hear candid insights, historical context, and even a few friendly football rivalries — the kind of inside conversation that only veterans of the agency can have.

🎙️ Guests

• John McKechnie – Former NCUA Director of Public and Congressional Affairs; consultant to the credit union and housing industries
• Alonzo Swann – Former NCUA Regional Director; Credit Union Strategist at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta
• Geoff Bacino – Former NCUA Board Member; former Federal Housing Finance Board Member; association executive and industry advocate

🔗 Connect & Learn More

Visit MarkTreichel.com/podcast
for past episodes, transcripts, and consulting resources.

Follow Mark on LinkedIn for weekly updates: linkedin.com/in/marktreichel

Sponsored by Credit Union Exam Solutions — helping credit unions save time and money when working with NCUA.

This is a special Archive Thursday episode of With Flying Colors. In this conversation with Steve Farrar and Todd Miller, we explore what it really means when a credit union is downgraded to a CAMEL Code 4.

We discuss the implications for NCUA supervision, administrative actions, and how examiners begin building a formal record. You’ll learn about the added burden of frequent exams, the role of letters of understanding and agreements, and how Code 4 status impacts liquidity options, board responsibilities, and long-term viability.

Packed with hard-earned insights from decades inside NCUA, this archive episode helps credit unions understand both the risks and the pathways to recovery when facing a Code 4 downgrade

www.marktreichel.com

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In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel sits down with David Reed of Reed & Jolly to dive deep into the NCUA’s new succession planning rule and what it means for credit unions across the country.

Too often, boards and executives focus on writing a policy—but not on the real-world practice of finding and preparing leaders for the future. David explains why succession planning can’t stop with “golden handcuffs” or executive retention packages and why the real challenge is board and volunteer succession.

Key Topics Covered

• The January 2026 effective date of the NCUA succession planning rule
• Why smaller credit unions face unique challenges when CEOs retire or leave suddenly
• The risks of relying only on the “hit by a bus” plan for executive succession
• Board succession struggles: aging volunteers, shrinking social networks, and limited recruitment pools
• The role of advisory boards, director emeritus programs, and board expansion in keeping knowledge while bringing in fresh voices
• The importance of diversity of thought—beyond demographics—to strengthen governance
• Practical tips for creating a process to identify, recruit, and onboard new volunteers
• How nominations policies and ongoing outreach can build a pipeline of future board members

David also shares stories from his work with credit unions nationwide, highlighting what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Why Listen?

If you’re a credit union leader, board member, or volunteer, this episode offers realistic, actionable advice on turning succession planning from a compliance checklist into a strategic advantage.

📧 To reach David Reed: david@reedandjolly.com

In this archive episode of With Flying Colors, host Mark Treichel welcomes Vin Vitton, retired NCUA Senior Credit Specialist and longtime commercial banker, for an insightful discussion on credit culture—what it is, why it matters, and how it shapes a credit union’s lending success.

Vin draws on his unique experience working on all three sides of the desk—as a lender, borrower, and regulator—to explain how a strong credit culture begins with board values, flows through management, and guides every credit decision. Together, Mark and Vin unpack key takeaways including:

• The definition and purpose of credit culture within a credit union.
• How board values and management philosophy shape consistent lending practices.
• The importance of reading regulatory preambles to understand NCUA’s intent.
• Why every policy, system, and training program should reinforce a consistent credit approach.
• How examiners and credit unions can align on “the art” of evaluating risk rather than relying on “paint-by-number” regulation.
• The role of appropriate structuring, documentation, and open dialogue with examiners.

Whether you’re a CEO, board member, or senior lender, this episode provides valuable insight into balancing safe and sound lending with member-focused service.

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In this solo episode, Mark Treichel breaks down a hot topic out of Washington: a Senate proposal to raise FDIC deposit insurance coverage from $250,000 to $10 million. Backed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Senator Elizabeth Warren, the idea is gaining traction — but what would it mean for credit unions?

Mark explores:

• Why big banks are fighting the proposal — and why they might have a point
• How a $10 million FDIC cap could drain the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF)
• The political ripple effects for NCUA premiums and restoration plans
• Why credit unions risk losing business accounts if insurance coverage doesn’t keep pace with banks
• Alternatives, like inflation-based adjustments, that could make more sense than a massive jump

In the end, Mark explains why raising the cap might look like protection, but could really be lipstick on a pig for credit unions and their members.

This Archive Thursday episode of With Flying Colors revisits a timely and important topic: corporate governance. Mark is joined by former NCUA colleagues Todd Miller and Steve Farrar  to explore why governance issues are at the heart of many troubled credit unions.

They cover:

• How poor governance can sink an institution — and how strong governance can turn it around.
• The importance of tone at the top, ethics, and board oversight.
• Why diversity of skills, demographics, and perspectives matters for boards.
• The regulatory framework: NCUA’s limited guidance versus FDIC’s more robust tools.
• Resources for directors, including FDIC pocket guides, training, and self-assessments.
• Real-world stories from examinations, conservatorships, and boardrooms.

Whether you’re a director, executive, or examiner, this episode highlights why governance is more than compliance — it’s culture, accountability, and the foundation of credit union safety and soundness.

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

In this episode of With Flying Colors, I sit down with Elizabeth Eurgubian, Partner at Atlas Advocacy and former Director of External Affairs and Communications at the NCUA. Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience spanning the Federal Reserve, CFPB, Sallie Mae, ICBA, CUNA, and her time inside the regulator’s office.

We discuss:

• Her unique career path from attorney at the Fed to trade association leadership to NCUA’s front office
• The critical role of the Office of External Affairs and Communications (OAC) in shaping policy and messaging
• Insights into working for Chairman Todd Harper and navigating political appointee roles
• The art of preparing NCUA leadership for congressional testimony (“murder boards”)
• How credit union comment letters really influence regulation
• Why relationships and follow-up are the currency of Washington advocacy
• Her current work with Atlas Advocacy and DCUC

Whether you’re a credit union leader, policy professional, or industry observer, this episode gives you an insider’s perspective on how advocacy and regulation intersect at the highest levels.

This is a special Archive Thursday episode of With Flying Colors. In this conversation with Todd Miller and Steve Farrar, we dive into what happens when a credit union is downgraded to a CAMEL Code 3.

We explore how NCUA approaches Code 3 institutions, what extra exams and follow-ups to expect, the impact of documents of resolution and regional director letters, and why boards and management must act decisively to restore stability.

Packed with decades of insider perspective, this episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand the practical realities of moving from a 1 or 2 to a 3.

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

In this solo episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel breaks down the NCUA’s proposed rule to eliminate reputation risk from its supervisory program — and the political spotlight surrounding it.

Mark explains:

• Why the N C U A is codifying the removal of reputation risk into regulation.
• How codification makes the change harder to reverse in the future.
• The subjectivity of “reputation risk” and why examiners are no longer allowed to use it.
• The proposal’s explicit ban on examiners acting “for political reasons.”
• Connections to President Trump’s Executive Order 14331 and allegations of politically motivated account closures.
• Examples of industries and groups often caught in the crossfire, from firearms to advocacy organizations.
• What this means for state regulators, joint exams, and your next exam.
• Why the NCUA claims there are no new compliance costs.
• The expected benefits for exam consistency, predictability, and objectivity.

Whether you buy into the political narrative or not, this rule is designed to keep examiners out of politically driven decisions.

This week we’re bringing back an archive episode of With Flying Colors that remains just as relevant today as when it was first recorded.

I’m joined by Steve Farrar and Todd Miller, both longtime NCUA veterans and now part of my team at Credit Union Exam Solutions. Together, we break down what it means if NCUA directs your credit union to conduct an organizational review—and why this is one of the most serious signals an examiner can send.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why an organizational review is almost always tied to serious management or governance weaknesses.
• How CAMELS codes connect to “unwilling or unable” management findings.
• The difference between NCUA’s approach and how the FDIC structures its organizational review requirements.
• The role of third-party consultants, approval requirements, and pitfalls boards must avoid.
• Why humility and proactive planning are key if your credit union receives this directive.
• War stories from our years at NCUA—including conservatorship cases and tough appraisal calls—that illustrate the real-world consequences.

If you’ve ever wondered what this type of supervisory action means for a board, a CEO, or an examiner, this conversation will give you candid insight from those who have lived it.

👉 Note: This is an archive episode—we’re resurfacing it because the lessons are timeless and many credit unions will benefit from a refresher.

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

 In this episode of With Flying Colors, host Mark Treichel sits down with Scott Gladden and Kenny Ray Mitchell of Innovations Credit Union to preview the CUES Florida Council Cruise happening January 16–20, 2026. This unique event combines professional development, networking, and a Caribbean getaway—all tailored for credit union leaders, board members, and supervisory committees.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The origins of the CUES Council Cruise and how it became a 20-year tradition of education and collaboration.
• Event details: sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island and Nassau.
• Why the cruise is open to all credit union professionals across the country—not just Florida.
• The speaker lineup, including:
  • John DeLoach, credit union attorney (compliance, BSA, OFAC updates)
  • Trey Rudder, Corporate America (financial training for boards and committees)
  • Mike Mola, Olden Lane (industry consolidation, subordinated debt)
  • Mark Treichel, Steve Farrar, and Todd Miller of CU Exam Solutions (strategies to pass your NCUA exam with flying colors)
• Perks of the cruise: deluxe beverage package, included Wi-Fi, networking receptions each evening, and a relaxed but focused learning environment.
• How the informal conversations—over coffee, dinner, or a glass of wine—often prove just as valuable as the sessions themselves.

Why Attend?
If you’re looking to combine professional development with a January getaway, the CUES Council Cruise is an affordable, high-impact option. You’ll return with new insights, stronger connections, and renewed energy to lead your credit union.

Event Info
📅 Dates: January 16–20, 2026 (Friday–Tuesday)
🚢 Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas
📍 Ports: Fort Lauderdale → Grand Bahama Island → Nassau
🎓 Audience: Credit union executives, board members, and supervisory committees
📞 For questions and booking: Contact Kenny Ray Mitchell at (850) 832-3872

In this special archive replay of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel is joined by his colleagues Steve Farrar and Todd Miller — both former senior leaders at NCUA — to discuss why regulators sometimes ask to meet directly with a credit union’s board of directors without management present.

They break down the nuances, including:

• When it’s routine vs. when it’s unusual.
• Why NCUA may ask to meet with a board chair separately.
• Situations where examiners want to hear directly from board members.
• The role of supervisory committees and board governance accountability.
• How boards should prepare — including when to ask for an agenda, whether to bring counsel, and why you should avoid making commitments in the room.

This candid discussion highlights the importance of communication, trust, and preparedness when navigating examiner requests.

Key Takeaways

• A request to meet with a board chair is often routine and about building trust.
• A request to meet with the full board without staff is rare — usually a signal of deeper concerns.
• Boards should listen carefully, avoid agreeing to actions on the spot, and consider legal counsel if appropriate.
• Examiners are trained in conflict resolution — open, respectful dialogue goes a long way.
• Recording or documenting meetings can protect both parties and ensure clarity.

Resources

• Learn more about how Credit Union Exam Solutions supports boards and executives: marktreichel.com

• Subscribe to With Flying Colors on your favorite podcast app for more insights on navigating NCUA exams.

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

Episode Overview:
In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark unpacks NCUA’s proposed 2026–2027 budget — a spending plan that reduces staff by 23%, cuts contractors by a third, and reshapes how credit unions will be supervised.

What you’ll learn:

• Why NCUA’s staff will shrink to 967 employees — the lowest in over 20 years
• Which offices are hit hardest by the cuts
• How the hiring freeze and buyouts are creating exam disruption and turnover
• Why credit unions may see fewer exams, but bumpier interactions
• The role of technology investments and the $10 million “transformation fund”
• Why the industry is cheering now — and why the pendulum will eventually swing back

Takeaway:
The 2026 budget gives credit unions breathing room in the short term. But it also introduces risks, creates examiner churn, and sets the stage for future losses that could reverse course.

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

Episode Summary
In this episode of With Flying Colors, I sit down with Mark Ritter, CEO of Member Business Financial Services (MBFS) and host of Credit Union Conversations. Mark brings decades of experience in credit union business lending, having built MBFS from a three-person startup into a nationwide CUSO serving over 60 employees and credit unions across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

We dive into:

• The evolution of member business lending—from the early “Lewis and Clark” days to today’s robust systems and strategies.
• The current lending environment: strong demand, liquidity challenges, and why stable employment remains the backbone of a healthy business lending program.
• The opportunities ahead, including refinancing booms as interest rates decline and five-year resets approach in 2026–27.
• The Federal Credit Union Act’s unintended consequences and how the 12.25% cap on MBLs reshaped the industry.
• Shifting NCUA exam culture—from transactional reviews to portfolio management—and what credit unions must do to stay ahead.
• Why relationships and annual portfolio reviews matter more than ever in building safe, sound, and mission-driven lending programs.

Mark also shares his perspective on where credit unions should focus their energy: serving small businesses, veterans, and underserved communities, while avoiding mission drift into mega real estate deals that don’t align with cooperative values.

Whether you’re a CEO, examiner, or just curious about the future of credit union business lending, this episode delivers insight, history, and strategy from one of the industry’s most trusted voices.

Resources & Links

• Learn more about MBFS: mbfs.org

• Listen to Mark Ritter’s podcast Credit Union Conversations on all major platforms.
• Connect with Mark Ritter on LinkedIn.

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel breaks down the latest NCUA Board Meeting held on September 25, 2025. With only one agenda item—the NCUA Insurance Fund briefing—the discussion still revealed several key insights that credit union leaders need to know. From CAMELS code shifts to the impact of 27% of NCUA staff taking buyouts, Mark unpacks how these developments could shape examinations, budgets, and credit union operations in the months ahead.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

• Insurance Fund Health:
  • Slight improvement in CAMELS 4s and 5s.
  • Growth in CAMELS 3s as troubled credit unions move up a notch.
  • What this “treading water” means for the system.
• NCUA Staffing & Buyouts:
  • 27% of staff accepted buyouts and will not be replaced under the hiring freeze.
  • Why this creates short-term relief for credit unions—but possible long-term risks.
  • How staffing shortages may lead to fewer exams, faster upgrades, and less aggressive downgrades.
• Board Governance & Authority:
  • Chairman Kyle Hauptman’s nod to 2005, when a single board member issued a final rule.
  • Could today’s board act unilaterally on budgets and regulations?
• Budget Implications:
  • Early hints that credit union exam costs may drop in 2026.
  • How senior-level buyouts produce immediate salary savings.
  • The potential for reorganizations and cutbacks in areas like fair lending exams.
• Shifts in Examination Policy:
  • Risk ratings have been removed from exam reports.
  • Why this change matters for CEOs and exam management.

📌 Why It Matters

For credit unions, these updates signal both opportunity and uncertainty. On the one hand, fewer examiners and less scrutiny may provide breathing room. On the other hand, reduced oversight could carry hidden risks for the NCUSIF and credit union stability.

Mark shares his take on what credit unions should be watching—and how to prepare as NCUA adapts to a smaller workforce and shifting governance environment.

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel sits down with Jason Stverak, Chief Advocacy Officer of the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC), to discuss the pressing issues shaping the credit union movement.

Key topics covered:

• 🇺🇸 Veteran Business Lending Cap: Why credit unions should be free to fully support veterans and their families.
• 🏛️ Advocacy Strategy: DCUC’s “Green Beret” approach to being nimble, prepared, and effective on Capitol Hill.
• 💸 Credit Union Tax Status: Lessons from past fights and why vigilance is still essential.
• 🏦 Bank Purchases: Why DCUC is defending credit unions’ ability to buy banks — and why that benefits communities.
• 🔮 Looking Ahead: Budget cycles, NCUA staffing, and regulatory challenges that could reshape the industry.
• 🤝 DCUC Membership: Why every credit union — not just defense-focused ones — can join and benefit.

Jason shares how DCUC keeps credit unions ready for the next challenge, and why advocacy is less about size and more about strategy.

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

Credit Unions vs. Banks: What Q2 Data Reveals

In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel is joined by Steve Farrar, Todd Miller, and Dennis Bauer to break down the latest Q2 reports from NCUA and FDIC. Together, they unpack what the numbers really mean for credit unions, banks, and the communities they serve.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• 📊 How credit union deposit and loan growth stacks up against banks in Q2.
• 💸 Why net interest margins and operating expenses tell two very different stories.
• 🏦 Where credit unions are taking market share — and where risks are rising.
• ⚖️ The growing gap in capital strength between credit unions and community banks.
• 🔮 Key headwinds to watch for the rest of 2025, from liquidity pressures to rising delinquencies.

Whether you’re a credit union leader, regulator, or industry observer, this episode delivers insights on who’s winning the quarter — and what challenges lie ahead.

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

NCUA's Commercial Loan Rule requires a rating system.  I discuss what it requires with Vin Vieten, author of the rule.

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Former NCUA Executive Director Mark Treichel talks with Ray Ragan, CIO of Securityplus Federal Credit Union, about taking AI beyond fraud detection and call center scripts. Ray shares how credit unions can use the NIST AI Risk Management Framework to build board-approved policies, leverage AI for strategic planning, and embrace Agentic AI to stay competitive. You’ll hear why human accountability matters, how to break down organizational silos, and why waiting for AI guidance could leave your credit union behind.