When the White House drops not one but two executive orders about financial technology and system integrity, you know something’s brewing.
And the Defense Credit Union Council isn’t about to sit this one out.
President Trump recently signed a pair of executive orders aimed at dragging financial regulation into the 21st century—”Integrating Financial Technology Innovation into Regulatory Frameworks” and “Restoring Integrity to America’s Financial System.” Big titles, bigger implications.
The DCUC, which represents credit unions serving military members and their families, came out swinging with a measured but clear message: We’re here for this conversation, and we’ve got some thoughts.
“The Defense Credit Union Council appreciates President Trump’s focus on modernizing financial regulatory frameworks to better reflect today’s digital economy and evolving consumer expectations,” said Anthony Hernandez, the organization’s President and CEO and a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel. “Credit unions have long embraced responsible innovation to expand access, strengthen financial readiness, and better support communities across the Nation, including our men and women in uniform, young families, veterans, and underserved populations.”
Translation? Credit unions have been playing the innovation game for a while now, and they’re ready to help shape whatever comes next—as long as regulators keep things practical.
Here’s where things get interesting. While the DCUC is giving a thumbs-up to modernization efforts, they’re also raising a yellow flag about regulatory burden. Jason Stverak, the organization’s Chief Advocacy Officer, put it plainly: smaller and mid-sized credit unions are already drowning in compliance requirements that often make zero sense for their size and structure.
“As these efforts move forward, DCUC strongly urges regulators to adopt appropriately tailored requirements that recognize the unique structure and mission of credit unions, especially smaller and mid-sized institutions that often face disproportionate compliance burdens,” Stverak explained. “A balanced and right-sized regulatory framework will help ensure credit unions remain competitive, continue investing in technology, and expand access to affordable financial services to communities nationwide.”
The bottom line? The DCUC is saying yes to innovation and yes to smarter regulation—but they want to make sure credit unions aren’t getting squeezed by one-size-fits-all rules designed for mega-banks. It’s about finding that sweet spot where technology moves forward, consumers benefit, and institutions serving military families and underserved communities don’t get buried under paperwork.
Now the real work begins: turning executive orders into actual policy that works for everyone at the table.
Related:
DCUC: When Service Members Can’t Pay Their Bills, National Security Suffers and Much More
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