A regulator who shows up and listens is worth more to credit unions than one who simply issues rules, and NCUA Chairman John Crews appears to understand that.
Troy Stang, President and CEO of GoWest Credit Union Association, attended Crews’ official swearing-in ceremony to congratulate him in person. The visit also signaled that GoWest intends to keep working with federal leaders on the issues that will shape the credit union system.
The ceremony came shortly after Crews appeared at the GoWest MAXX Experience. There he spoke directly with credit union leaders and laid out his priorities:
- Regulatory relief
- Risk-based supervision
- Innovation
- A strong credit union system
GoWest is already talking with the Chairman and his team about these topics. It brings in firsthand input from credit unions across its six-state region, with the aim of producing solutions that are practical and built to last. Crews’ willingness to hear from leaders on the ground reflects the varied needs of credit unions. It also supports the case for preserving a strong dual-charter system, which lets credit unions serve their communities well.
“Congratulations to Chairman Crews! We applaud his early focus on meaningful, durable solutions, and a stronger, more resilient credit union system,” said Stang. “His participation at MAXX and willingness to hear directly from credit union leaders and advocates demonstrated the value of showing up and listening to the people closest to the issues. From Idaho to Arizona and Oregon to Wyoming, GoWest’s strength is our hyper-local expertise, our state-led and credit union-informed approach, and our ability to translate what’s happening on the ground into meaningful results at the national level. Congratulations, and we look forward to continuing the dialogue.”
The NCUA is the federal regulator for federally insured credit unions, so its decisions weigh heavily on the safety, soundness, and ongoing strength of the whole system. GoWest says it will keep working with federal leaders and industry partners on a regulatory environment that supports responsible growth, sound institutions, and real service to members.
America’s Credit Unions also weighed in. “Congratulations to Chairman John Crews on his official swearing-in as chairman of the NCUA. Chairman Crews has already demonstrated an authentic willingness to engage with credit unions as well as an interest in investing in innovation and efficiencies within the agency. America’s Credit Unions looks forward to working with the Chairman and his staff as they work to achieve meaningful regulatory modernization,” said Scott Simpson, the organization’s President/CEO.
Next up, watch for how Crews’ stated priorities turn into concrete proposals. Regulatory relief and risk-based supervision are the areas most likely to show early movement, and credit unions across GoWest’s region will be watching to see whether the listening continues once the rulemaking starts.