Matz urges credit unions to be prepared for battle over broadening authorities

<p>ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NCUA Board Member Deborah Matz told credit unions during the Michigan Credit Union League Government Affairs Conference to prepare themselves for the challenge of modernizing the credit union movement. The tour stop is part of Matz’ efforts to learn more about the credit union movement and how NCUA can help credit unions further serve consumers. “This is an exciting point in time for credit unions,” Matz said, citing the current health of credit unions. However, Matz cautioned, “there are also some storm clouds on the horizon that we all need to be mindful of. There are those who feel that credit unions should remain small as they were traditionally, and others who want the freedom to expand without bounds. There are those who feel credit unions should offer limited services and others who feel that in order to survive in this electronic age, the services offered must be state-of-the-art. There are those who would discourage credit unions from making member business loans and others who feel that these are vital services that members should expect to receive.” Matz added, “Financial modernization will change how NCUA regulates and examines credit unions as well as how you run your credit union and provide member services.”</p>