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NCUA Board Chairman Rick Metsger told credit union attendees at NAFCU's Congressional Caucus Tuesday that he hopes to have the agency's field of membership proposal finalized by the end of this fall and examination changes in place in time for the 2017 cycle.

As a regulator, Metsger said, he asks how the agency can be more efficient and effective in meeting its requirements. "It's about making sure the American consumer has the option of a not-for-profit cooperative," he said.

When discussing his priorities, he said it comes down to making sure credit unions have the freedom to serve their members. He wants to look at the different associations credit unions can bring into their field of memberships and how NCUA can help the industry serve the small businesses in their communities. "While nothing has happened on Capitol Hill for years," Metsger said, regarding credit unions' member business lending, "we are able to help you in your community."

Metsger also discussed the agency's efforts to be more transparent and noted next month's budget briefing. When discussing the credit union examination process, he said he expects to see recommendations from his Exam Flexibility Initiative next week. He hopes to have changes in place that recognize the health of the industry ready to go for the 2017 exam cycle.

NAFCU has long urged NCUA to return healthy credit unions to a longer exam cycle as it will save NCUA resources and relieve credit unions of the burden of more frequent exams. The association continues to work with and supports both Metsger and Board Member J. Mark McWatters on NCUA's Exam Flexibility Initiative.

Metsger also noted upcoming changes he hopes to make regarding field of membership issues and the payday alternative loan program for credit unions.

For more updates, follow #NAFCUCaucus on Twitter.