DCUC Shares Early Look At Crews’ Priorities For NCUA
By CU Today Staff —
WASHINGTON--NCUA Chairman John Crews told defense credit unions the agency intends to modernize regulation while giving credit unions room to pursue emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital assets, stablecoins and modern payment systems, as long as institutions continue to operate safely and soundly.
Speaking during the Defense Credit Union Council’s Military Advocacy Committee meeting Sept. 10, Crews outlined priorities that include strengthening risk-based supervision, supporting de novo chartering, expanding access to credit unions and preparing both the NCUA and the industry for technological change.
“Thank you for this invite and the opportunity to share more about the next chapter of NCUA and its work,” said Crews during the meeting. “I’m excited about the future of credit unions and the innovative approaches they are taking to meet the needs of member-owners. I look forward to hearing more from the Defense Credit Union Council as we both work to ensure credit unions remain the trusted institutions Americans depend on for generations to come.”
During the meeting, Crews shared some of his priorities previously noted during his Senate confirmation hearing, which include expanding access through safe, sound, and resilient credit unions; strengthening risk-based supervision; preparing the agency and credit unions for technological innovation; supporting de novo chartering; and continuing regulatory modernization and industry engagement. The Chairman emphasized the importance of maintaining safety and soundness while ensuring the regulatory framework evolves alongside the financial services landscape.
Crews also discussed the agency’s ongoing multi-year deregulation effort, which is intended to review and modernize the regulatory framework while better aligning supervision with the risks and needs of individual institutions. He identified certainty, durability, and engagement as important principles for the agency, and noted the value of clear expectations, durable reforms, and continued dialogue with credit unions about what is working and where changes may be needed.
Innovation was another central topic of the discussion. DCUC voiced the importance of clear, timely, and practical pathways for credit unions to responsibly adopt emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital assets, stablecoins, modern payment systems, and cybersecurity tools. Crews agreed that credit unions should be able to pursue innovation based on members’ needs while maintaining safety and soundness and acknowledged that regulatory clarity can help institutions navigate emerging areas of financial services.
The discussions further explored the role of cooperative resources in supporting responsible innovation, noting that CUSOs, shared technology platforms, common resources, and other collaborative structures can help credit unions access expertise and technology while maintaining a member-focused approach.
Crews shared more about the NCUA’s coordination with other financial regulators, including on stablecoins and implementation of the GENIUS Act, and the importance of working across agencies to provide greater clarity and maintain appropriate regulatory parity for credit unions.
“We greatly appreciate Chairman Crews’ willingness to meet directly with DCUC’s Military Advocacy Committee and America’s defense credit unions about the issues most important to their members,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president/CEO, ret. U.S. Air Force colonel. “This conversation underscored the importance of constructive regulatory engagement, especially as credit unions navigate innovation, competitiveness and the financial readiness needs of our nation’s military and veteran communities.”
“This month’s MAC meeting with the chairman brought forward thoughtful questions about the future of the NCUA, responsible innovation and the importance of recognizing the mission of defense credit unions,” added Jason Stverak, DCUC chief advocacy officer. “Chairman Crews’ participation gave our members a meaningful opportunity to hear directly from the agency and reinforce how responsible regulation can protect members while supporting credit unions’ ability to serve.”
Originally reported by CU Today.