NCUA Issues 2026 Supervisory Priorities Letter to Credit Unions

Alexandria, VA (January 14, 2026) ― The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) today announced its 2026 Supervisory Priorities, which continue the agency's policy of "No Regulation by Enforcement," while prioritizing safety and soundness.

This policy underscores NCUA's commitment to providing clarity and transparency in its oversight.

The letter outlines NCUA's priorities for the year and provides information to help credit unions prepare for examinations. This year, the agency will continue to focus on risk-based supervision, tailoring the examination scope to the credit union's unique risk profile.

Key Highlights of the 2026 Supervisory Priorities:

• 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.

NCUA Chairman Hauptman reiterates that these priorities reflect the agency's goal of supporting a safe, sound, and resilient credit union system without imposing unnecessary regulatory burden.

For more details, credit unions can access the full letter and related resources on the agency's website.