On January 14, 2026, the NCUA announced its 2026 Supervisory Priorities, which it said would continue the agency’s policy of “No Regulation by Enforcement,” while prioritizing safety and soundness. According to the Agency, it will continue to focus on risk-based supervision, tailoring the examination scope to the credit union’s unique risk profile.
The NCUA’s letter outlinesthe Agency’s priorities for 2026 and provides information to help credit unions prepare for examinations. Key highlights include:
Risk-Focused Examinations. Examiners will concentrate on areas posing the greatest risk to credit union members, the credit union system, and the Share Insurance Fund.
Balance Sheet Management and Lending. With loan performance at its weakest point in over a decade, examiners will review credit risk management practices, underwriting standards, and liquidity planning.
Operational and Compliance Risk. Examiners will conduct their reviews with a continued emphasis on fraud prevention, payment systems security, and compliance with consumer financial protection laws.
Efficiency and Innovation. The agency will implement streamlined examination processes and align with recent legislative and executive directives, including the GENIUS Act.
Read the NCUA’s press release here.