Victories So Far

How is ESCUD already making progress? What victories have we won?

Of course with advocacy it is a *long* game, however - even though we have only been around since July of 2025, we have already had some wins, thanks to some great partners who have listened to our unique needs, and who care about our survival.  See the Linkedin Group for details, otherwise a recap is below.  

Note: Some organizations who *should* be advocating for our small CUs, seem hesitant to spend much political capital on our behalf. If nobody asks, we certainly won't get it.  

Oliver Twist: "Please sir... may I have more?"  

Schoolmaster: "MORE?!"     Yes. We want more, so we will ask.

1. NCUA: In addition to meeting with Chairman Hauptman and being a panel presenter at the NCUA Town Hall Zoom Meeting in August 2025 (sharing how they can help small CUs), we also provided a lengthy list of regulatory relief priorities for them.  Chairman Hauptman later commented on Linked in that it was great that somebody was finally advocating for the smallest CUs (so, some recognition there).  Also, according to NCUA Director Julie Cayse, this letter is circulating among the entire agency, and they are finding it valuable and helpful - allowing them  to see their impact on small CU survival. Not long afterwards, they announced explicitly their policy of not regulating by enforcement, and likely extending exam cycles for well performing small CUs (coincidence, since those were in our letter)?

2. ACU Small CU Discount: We petitioned to America's Credit Unions to increase the "small CU discount" for conference registrations (it only counted up to $50M in assets). Well, they listened and agreed, and now their 50% discount applies to small CUs up to $100M in assets (they even sent refunds to other small CUs who had already paid)! Thank you, ACU!

3. Go West "Growth Accelerator" Program: Although they haven't explicitly admitted it, the Go West Association, stepped up on their small CU offerings AFTER we organized ESCUD and started making noise. Now they offer a better bargain for training, counsels, and other resources for small CUs. Thank you, Go West!  We also asked them for a better conference discount for small CUs, or discounted dues (only for under $25M?), and for greater representation on their board of directors... no progress on those yet, but will keep trying.  Regarding national trade associations (ACU or DCUC), small CUs are proportionally represented on their boards, which is fantastic. 

4. HMDA Exemption Progress: ESCUD explained the burden of HMDA reporting to Greg Mesack of ACU, and he agreed to take up that torch for us, and then in October they followed through - sending a letter to the CFPB on behalf of small CUs, asking for exemption! ACU has some weight, thank you, ACU!

5. Recognition by DCUC & ACU: At a recent CU Collaborate Zoom town hall, ESCUD (me) posed the question about maintaining the tax exemption if small CUs are allowed to go extinct.  DCUC president Tony H. recognized our efforts, and emphasized that small CUs are the "heart and soul" of our movement, and we must be preserved. Both ACU and DCU are listening to ESCUD, and are working to prioritize small CU needs (whether it is proportionate board representation, capped dues, etc.). Thank you ACU and DCUC! See our tab for "League Advice" or read this:   https://www.cutoday.info/THE-tude/Spock-Save-The-Small-Credit-Unions!

6. ACU Moving on Bond Signature Relief: In that original letter to the NCUA I described the burdensome/annoying/pointless new bond signature renewal requirements (needing board signatures, appointees, etc.). I also gave a copy of that letter to ACU a couple months ago.  ACU just told me they sent a letter requesting relief on this, with a nod towards the small credit union burden.   So, ACU advocacy efforts are aligned with ESCUD again, and coming to us for feedback! 

7. Recognition by Washington DFI: Scott Prior has also visited with the Washington DFI, on behalf of ESCUD. They have also expressed willingness to work with us and hear the small CU perspective, directly. We don't have to wait and hope a regional association or league chooses to speak for on our behalf... we can speak for ourselves, on exactly what our needs and perspectives are.