NAFCU works directly with our credit union members to bring important issues to lawmakers and regulators alike. As we work toward meaningful legislative and regulatory changes in 2023, our commitment to stand up for our members is stronger than ever.
We’ll continue to tell your stories and take the right positions on issues—even when others back down. That's the NAFCU difference. We’ll stop at nothing to ensure a legislative and regulatory environment that promotes viability and growth for credit unions.
Here are some of the things we’re working tirelessly on in 2023. Download a summary of NAFCU’s 2023 Advocacy Priorities.
Growth
Advocating for a legislative and regulatory environment that allows credit unions to grow so you can serve more Main Street Americans and the small businesses they rely on.
Working for you to:
- Preserve the credit union tax exemption and expand investment options
- Reform field of membership and housing finance policies so you can better serve your communities
- Modernize outdated Federal Credit Union Act provisions that currently stunt credit union growth
- Streamline the CDFI application process and support a CDFI Fund that works for you
- Combat proposals for direct government lending, postal banking, and statutory authority for NCUA to assess a Share Insurance Fund premium
Technology & Innovation
Supporting innovation and strong technology partnerships that allow credit unions to compete on a level playing field.
Working for you to:
- Update the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) to recognize the evolving payments landscape and support real-time/faster payments and the FedNow program
- Oppose legislative efforts to limit interchange income for credit unions and provide the NCUA with third-party vendor examination authority
- Support credit unions’ ability to provide services for digital assets and utilize blockchain technology
- Push for reasonable regulatory oversight of AI and machine learning technologies
Regulatory Relief
Reducing regulatory burden through relevant, targeted rulemaking and clear rules of the road.
Working for you to:
- Maintain a strong, three-board member NCUA as the primary regulator for credit unions
- Support CFPB structural reform, funding clarity, and expanded use of exemption authority while curtailing UDAAP authority
- Oppose frivolous litigation and any efforts to place new restrictions on lending and credit reporting that can threaten the ability to meet the needs of members
- Encourage continued examination modernization and consistency
Fair Market
Combatting big bank attacks and ensuring regulators hold all depository institutions and lenders accountable, including emerging fintechs.
Working for you to:
- Fight for increased supervision of fintechs and other non-depository financial institutions
- Hold third-party application providers accountable for fraud
- Push for changes to the EFTA to evenly distribute error resolution responsibilities
- Support expanded loan maturities and increased flexibility for member business lending
- Oppose expanded Community Reinvestment Act coverage and efforts to restrict credit union and bank mergers
Data Protection
Fighting for a uniform national standard for data privacy and security that recognizes existing regulatory requirements for credit unions.
Working for you to:
- Ensure that a federal data privacy standard aligns with NAFCU principles and credit union needs
- Increase cybersecurity coordination among regulators and agencies
- Oppose overreach in data collection requirements while holding retailers accountable for breaches