Advocacy
Welcome to our page for
Credit Union Advocacy!
Stay informed with the latest in regulations, legislation, and public relations (PR) opportunities impacting credit unions. Our goal is to ensure you’re up to date and empowered to make your credit union’s voice heard, whether on Capitol Hill or in mainstream media or various niche outlets. We offer valuable resources and opportunities for credit union PR, helping you effectively communicate and promote your credit union’s and all credit unions’ interests. And don’t forget to check out the charities and causes we’re supporting, including Look Before You Lock. Post signs and wear stickers that remind your members to LOOK for children or pets before they’re locked up in their hot car. Whether you’re looking to provide input on new regulatory changes or seeking ways to enhance brand awareness or a new cause to support, our Advocacy Section is here to help!
Status: Comment period closes on May 26, 2026
Summary
The NCUA Board (Board) is seeking comment on a proposed rule that would remove the NCUA’s unnecessarily prescriptive regulation regarding third-party servicing of indirect vehicle loans. This action would reduce regulatory burden and provide credit unions with greater operational flexibility, consistent with a principles-based supervisory approach. The intent is to reduce administrative costs and compliance complexity, enabling credit unions to serve their members more efficiently.
Link to full proposal: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2026-05797/third-party-servicing-of-indirect-vehicle-loans
Simplified Summary
Currently,12 CFR § 701.21(h), Third-party servicing of indirect vehicle loans, limits a federally insured credit union’s ability to purchase indirect auto loans serviced by a third party. Today, a credit union can only invest up to 50 percent of its net worth in indirect auto loans serviced by a third party. After 30 months of experience with a particular servicer, a credit union can invest up to 100 percent of its net worth in indirect auto loans serviced by that third party. The proposed rule would remove these overly prescriptive limitations.
The requirements of 12 CFR § 701.21(h) are applied to state chartered credit unions in This is an external link to a website belonging to another federal agency, private organization, or commercial entity. 12 CFR § 741.203(c)(Opens new window) . NCUA regulation § 701.21(h), Third-party servicing of indirect vehicle loans, is also referenced in NCUA’s appeals rules in § 746.201(c), Scope. The proposed rule would also remove paragraph (c) from § 741.203 and the reference to § 701.21(h) found in § 746.201(c).
Proposed Changes
- The Board proposes to remove limits on federally insured credit unions’ ability to purchase or participate in indirect auto loans serviced by a third party by removing sections § 701.21(h) and § 741.203(c).
- Impact on credit unions: Removing these limits would reduce regulatory burden and allow credit unions and their boards greater flexibility to decide what amount of purchased indirect vehicle loans serviced by third parties is appropriate for the credit union’s size, the complexity of the transactions, and the board’s risk tolerance.
Third-party servicing of indirect vehicle loans (12 CFR Regulation 701.21(h))
Status: Comment period closes on May 26, 2026
Summary
The NCUA Board (Board) is seeking comment on a proposed rule that would remove the NCUA’s unnecessarily prescriptive regulation regarding third-party servicing of indirect vehicle loans. This action would reduce regulatory burden and provide credit unions with greater operational flexibility, consistent with a principles-based supervisory approach. The intent is to reduce administrative costs and compliance complexity, enabling credit unions to serve their members more efficiently.
Link to full proposal: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2026-05797/third-party-servicing-of-indirect-vehicle-loans
Simplified Summary
Currently, 12 CFR § 701.21(h), Third-party servicing of indirect vehicle loans, limits a federally insured credit union’s ability to purchase indirect auto loans serviced by a third party. Today, a credit union can only invest up to 50 percent of its net worth in indirect auto loans serviced by a third party. After 30 months of experience with a particular servicer, a credit union can invest up to 100 percent of its net worth in indirect auto loans serviced by that third party. The proposed rule would remove these overly prescriptive limitations.
The requirements of 12 CFR § 701.21(h) are applied to state chartered credit unions in This is an external link to a website belonging to another federal agency, private organization, or commercial entity. 12 CFR § 741.203(c)(Opens new window) . NCUA regulation § 701.21(h), Third-party servicing of indirect vehicle loans, is also referenced in NCUA’s appeals rules in § 746.201(c), Scope. The proposed rule would also remove paragraph (c) from § 741.203 and the reference to § 701.21(h) found in § 746.201(c).
Proposed Changes
- The Board proposes to remove limits on federally insured credit unions’ ability to purchase or participate in indirect auto loans serviced by a third party by removing sections § 701.21(h) and § 741.203(c).
- Impact on credit unions: Removing these limits would reduce regulatory burden and allow credit unions and their boards greater flexibility to decide what amount of purchased indirect vehicle loans serviced by third parties is appropriate for the credit union’s size, the complexity of the transactions, and the board’s risk tolerance.
NCUA Supervisory Priorities for 2026 under Chairman Kyle Hauptman include:
- Balance Sheet Management. Regarding lending, sensitivity to market risk and liquidity, earnings and capital adequacy.
- Operational Risk Management. Including payment systems and fraud prevention and detection.
- Compliance Risk Management. BSA compliance and AML/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) programs.
Details are available at NCUA.gov. Feedback or questions concerning the 2026 supervisory priorities should be directed to your NCUA examiner, regional office or AskNCUA.
The Promoting New and Diverse Depository Institutions Act
The Promoting New and Diverse Depository Institutions Act aims to expand access to banking and credit union services—especially in underserved communities. The bill would establish an interagency office to support the formation of new depository institutions, provide technical assistance, and study barriers to entry. It’s designed to help increase the number and diversity of federally insured credit unions and banks.
Read more in The Credit Union Connection here.
And if you’d like to read the complete text of the bill, it can be found here.
H.R.975 – Credit Union Board Modernization Act
Senate Bill S.522 – A bill to amend the Federal Credit Union Act to modify the frequency of board of directors meetings, and for other purposes
A bill introduced by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) aims to alter the frequency of board of directors meetings required by the Federal Credit Union Act. To share your credit union’s stance on this bill, contact your senators and representatives.
S.381 – A bill to amend the Truth in Lending Act to cap credit card interest rates at 10%
S.J.Res.18 – A joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions”
A resolution introduced by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) disapproving the rule submitted by the Bureau of financial protection relating to “Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions”. To share your credit union’s stance on this bill, contact your senators and representatives.
The Credit Union Connection team has decades of experience in content and marketing strategy, content marketing, marketing and PR. If you would like assistance in these areas, either on retainer or on a project basis, please contact Sarah at sarah@cookeconsultingsolutions.com.
Mortgage lenders: Competing for business in a slow maket
Mortgage lending in high/low cost markets
Jumbo Mortgages
Are you tracking AI search traffic?
Name: Georgia O’Brien-Perry
Email: reply+df0f20a4-392f-4210-a016-46f1cf82207b@helpareporter.com
Media Outlet: Bulldog Digital Media (https://bulldogdigitalmedia.co.uk)
Deadline: 12:00 PM ET – 5 June
No AI Pitches Considered
Query:
I’m writing an article for Bulldog Digital Media on AI search traffic and how tricky it can be to find AI search data. I’m looking for contributions from business owners, marketers, or SEO professionals who can speak about the challenges of measuring AI-driven traffic. Ideal responses will address two or more of the following questions: – Are you tracking traffic coming from AI? – If so, what percentage of your traffic comes from AI? What’s the most important metric for measuring AI’s impact on your website? Please include your name, job title, and company name with your response so you can be credited in the article.
Looking for identity theft and digital privacy experts
Name: Isabel Roy
Email: reply+dd069b31-58df-4460-ae9a-fe9ca7969506@helpareporter.com
HARO Journalist Profile URL: https://www.helpareporter.com/journalist/isabel-roy
Media Outlet: U.S. News & World Report (https://www.usnews.com)
Deadline: 2:00 AM ET – 12 June
No AI Pitches Considered
Query:
I write about identity theft protection services and digital privacy for U.S. News and World Report. I am looking for technology and digital privacy experts to weigh in on a variety of elements regarding staying safe online and the products available to help customers keep track of and protect against identity theft.
Look Before You Lock
Look Before You Lock is a campaign designed to remind people to double-check their car for any children or pets before locking their cars and heading into work or the store. Children and pets locked in cars can easily succumb to heat, potentially causing serious injury or death. This campaign is designed to give people that reminder that could save a life.
Each image is FREE for you to download.
Be sure to add your credit union’s logo!
Melanoma Research Alliance
A Message from The Credit Union Connection Founder/CEO Sarah Snell Cooke
I have a redhead’s complexion, and I used to get sunburnt ALL THE TIME. Didn’t matter that I would spray on SPF 30 in between outdoor sporting matches/games/heats – volleyball, softball, soccer, swimming – you name it.
In July of 2023, I was diagnosed with stage 3A melanoma. Fortunately, I was living in Maryland at that time and found incredible doctors at Johns Hopkins to cut ‘Bob’ out of my arm and lymph nodes, and then zap him with immunotherapy juice.
In December 2024 I had my last treatment, and now Bob is NED – as in No Evidence of Disease. I hope you’ll support this worthy cause with me, either by spreading the word or by donating today.
Credit Union for Kids
Credit Unions for Kids is a charitable foundation that supports the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. These hospitals provide care for patients, advance treatment and research for illnesses, and much more. The Credit Union Connection fully supports this organization because credit unions are about more than just money.
For every dollar donated to a Children's Miracle Network Hospital...
25%
Goes to advancement services to support innovative programs and services.
17%
Helps to provide charitable care to patients.
12%
Supports research & treatments for how we care for children.
25%
Provides patient services to ensure children are physically, mentally, & emotionally healthy.
6%
Provides education services for patients, families, & the community.
15%
Goes to improve life-saving equipment.
Source: Based on estimates provided in response to the 2020 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Impact Society
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 49,000 lives in the year 2023 in addition to an estimated 1.5 million attempts.
The Credit Union Connection supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention as they help raise awareness and provide resources to those struggling with suicide and suicidal thoughts, plus their loved ones. The AFSP hosts several walks for suicide prevention awareness across the country. Sign up for yours today!
Purple Bridges
