NASCUS Comments on NCUA's 2006 Proposed Budget

ARLINGTON, Va. – NASCUS filed additional written comments with NCUA on Nov. 4 on the agency’s proposed 2006 budget. In its additional comments, NASCUS encourages NCUA to work with state regulatory agencies to collect and maintain data regarding the total direct cost of all on-site or off-site insurance related activities for federally insured, state-chartered credit unions. Doing so, says NASCUS, “would enable state regulators and NCUA to identify where costs savings could be achieved while maintaining the proper regulatory oversight of FISCUs.” NASCUS also discusses the benefits of a consistent examination platform for both federally and privately insured CUs. It also asked NCUA if it is permissible for state examiners to use NCUA-provided software to examine state-chartered, privately insured CUs. By using the NCUA computers, says NASCUS, state agencies can quickly share pertinent and timely information with the NCUA to enhance supervision and diminish potential risks to the NCUSIF. According to NASCUS, the majority of state credit union regulatory agencies lease computers from the NCUA and use the AIRES platform in examination procedures. “The amount spent offsets a significantly greater expense that the NCUA would incur if state agencies chose not to use the AIRES platform,” NASCUS states. “It is not costly to equip state examiners with personal computers or software when mutually agreed upon by state regulators and the NCUA. Tangible benefits to the NCUSIF are derived from cooperation in the examination program” NASCUS adds.