Twenty-six credit unions were subjected to fair lending compliance examinations in 2013, according to the NCUA's 2013 Annual Report, released May 12. In total, the NCUA's Division of Consumer Compliance Policy and Outreach spent 5,334 hours examining the credit unions, at an average of 205 hours per credit union.

Additionally, the NCUA said it initiated 41 off-site fair lending contacts for a total of 902 hours

“During these contacts, NCUA staff reviewed credit unions' fair lending policies and provided recommendations to bring them into compliance,” the report said.

NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz has said credit unions selected for fair lending exams and offsite supervisory contacts would demonstrate the potential for higher fair lending risk. Credit unions were selected for exams due to qualities that included lending practices that fall outside normal terms for pricing, denial, withdrawal or lending terms according to the credit union's required Home Mortgage Disclosure Act report.

The agency said it will also look for fair lending violations and other general compliance risks.