The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) recently published a letter outlining its 2026 supervisory priorities and other updates to its examination program. While many of the same focus areas in 2025 have carried over into this year, there seems to be an increased emphasis on safety and soundness oversight, along with a newer focus on BSA/AML/CTF compliance.
The NCUA’s 2026 priorities fall into three categories and are meant to provide credit unions with insight into the general focus of NCUA examinations. Each category, with its specific areas of focus, is outlined below:
Balance Sheet Management
Operational Risk Management
Compliance Risk Management
What This Means for Credit Unions
To help credit unions drive alignment with the NCUA’s expectations and position themselves for more efficient examinations, America’s Credit Unions has provided some considerations in their article, “NCUA’s Supervisory Priorities - A Look at What to Expect in 2026.” Although not a comprehensive list, the suggestions in this article help credit unions assess potential requirements and analyze how they may apply to their own operations.
While the landscape continues to evolve, staying engaged with guidance from both the NCUA and industry groups such as America’s Credit Unions will help credit unions navigate these expectations with greater confidence and clarity.