179 CUs accepted in NCUA consulting program

Free consulting services will be provided to 179 credit unions in the second half of this year, courtesy of the National Credit Union Administration’s Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives (OSCUI).

During the six-month semester, economic development specialists will offer assistance in budgeting, marketing, policy development, strategic planning, operations and regulatory areas.

“OSCUI’s consulting program is a valuable part of our efforts to help credit unions succeed in a changing economic environment and provide needed services to their members,” NCUA board Chair Debbie Matz said. “Consultants help credit unions think strategically, develop plans and position themselves for future success.”

Credit unions eligible for the NCUA’s consulting program include those with total assets of less than $50 million, have been chartered for less than 10 years, have a low-income designation or are minority depository institutions. Credit unions may nominate themselves or be nominated by an examiner from the NCUA or their state.

The smallest credit union in the current consulting program has assets of $87,000, and several exceed $100 million in assets. Minority depository institutions make up 21% of the credit unions in the current program.

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