www.marktreichel.com

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Overview
In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of risk management for credit unions — what it really means, why it matters at every asset size, and how boards and executives can build a resilient framework that supports safe, sustainable growth. 

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What We Cover

• The Three Pillars of Risk Management
  • Risk Culture — how tone from the top determines effectiveness.
  • Risk Appetite — defining how much risk is acceptable before strategy becomes unsafe.
  • Risk Management System — the controls, processes, and oversight that put culture and appetite into action. 

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• Why Size Matters — and Doesn’t
  • Practical guidance for smaller credit unions: clear limits, strong oversight, and effective supervisory committees.
  • What larger credit unions need: formal risk appetite statements, risk departments, and comprehensive reporting frameworks. 

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• Common Pitfalls
  • The “capital trap”—why even strong net worth can’t compensate for unmanaged concentration risk (e.g., taxi medallion credit unions).
  • Siloed risk decisions.
  • Hoping limit breaches “self-correct.” 

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• Best Practices for a Strong Framework
  • Align appetite with capital and strategy.
  • Use clear metrics to monitor risk.
  • Establish formal limit-breach processes.
  • Encourage staff to raise risk concerns without hesitation.
  • Maintain strong documentation and communication. 

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Key Takeaway
Risk management isn’t about eliminating risk — it’s about managing it in a way that protects members while enabling growth. A clear culture, aligned risk appetite, and well-designed system create the foundation for long-term success. 

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

This week on With Flying Colors, I’m joined by three longtime colleagues from my days at NCUA — John McKechnie, Alonzo Swann, and Geoff Bacino — for a lively roundtable on where the agency stands today, what’s working, and what’s at risk.

Together, we revisit our shared time inside NCUA and discuss how leadership, budgets, and supervision are evolving in 2025 and beyond. From one-member boards and budget cuts to liquidity lifelines and affordable housing, this episode brings together decades of experience and unfiltered perspective.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What it means for NCUA to operate with only one sitting board member
• The implications of budget reductions and staff shortages on examinations
• How Federal Home Loan Banks have become vital liquidity partners for credit unions
• Why onsite contact and examiner familiarity still matter
• The Supreme Court and DOJ developments shaping NCUA’s legal authority
• The value of compromise and balanced governance inside NCUA
• The political landscape heading into the next election cycle — and what it may mean for credit unions

You’ll hear candid insights, historical context, and even a few friendly football rivalries — the kind of inside conversation that only veterans of the agency can have.

🎙️ Guests

• John McKechnie – Former NCUA Director of Public and Congressional Affairs; consultant to the credit union and housing industries
• Alonzo Swann – Former NCUA Regional Director; Credit Union Strategist at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta
• Geoff Bacino – Former NCUA Board Member; former Federal Housing Finance Board Member; association executive and industry advocate

🔗 Connect & Learn More

Visit MarkTreichel.com/podcast
for past episodes, transcripts, and consulting resources.

Follow Mark on LinkedIn for weekly updates: linkedin.com/in/marktreichel

Sponsored by Credit Union Exam Solutions — helping credit unions save time and money when working with NCUA.

This is a special Archive Thursday episode of With Flying Colors. In this conversation with Steve Farrar and Todd Miller, we explore what it really means when a credit union is downgraded to a CAMEL Code 4.

We discuss the implications for NCUA supervision, administrative actions, and how examiners begin building a formal record. You’ll learn about the added burden of frequent exams, the role of letters of understanding and agreements, and how Code 4 status impacts liquidity options, board responsibilities, and long-term viability.

Packed with hard-earned insights from decades inside NCUA, this archive episode helps credit unions understand both the risks and the pathways to recovery when facing a Code 4 downgrade

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

In this episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel sits down with David Reed of Reed & Jolly to dive deep into the NCUA’s new succession planning rule and what it means for credit unions across the country.

Too often, boards and executives focus on writing a policy—but not on the real-world practice of finding and preparing leaders for the future. David explains why succession planning can’t stop with “golden handcuffs” or executive retention packages and why the real challenge is board and volunteer succession.

Key Topics Covered

• The January 2026 effective date of the NCUA succession planning rule
• Why smaller credit unions face unique challenges when CEOs retire or leave suddenly
• The risks of relying only on the “hit by a bus” plan for executive succession
• Board succession struggles: aging volunteers, shrinking social networks, and limited recruitment pools
• The role of advisory boards, director emeritus programs, and board expansion in keeping knowledge while bringing in fresh voices
• The importance of diversity of thought—beyond demographics—to strengthen governance
• Practical tips for creating a process to identify, recruit, and onboard new volunteers
• How nominations policies and ongoing outreach can build a pipeline of future board members

David also shares stories from his work with credit unions nationwide, highlighting what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Why Listen?

If you’re a credit union leader, board member, or volunteer, this episode offers realistic, actionable advice on turning succession planning from a compliance checklist into a strategic advantage.

📧 To reach David Reed: [email protected]

In this archive episode of With Flying Colors, host Mark Treichel welcomes Vin Vitton, retired NCUA Senior Credit Specialist and longtime commercial banker, for an insightful discussion on credit culture—what it is, why it matters, and how it shapes a credit union’s lending success.

Vin draws on his unique experience working on all three sides of the desk—as a lender, borrower, and regulator—to explain how a strong credit culture begins with board values, flows through management, and guides every credit decision. Together, Mark and Vin unpack key takeaways including:

• The definition and purpose of credit culture within a credit union.
• How board values and management philosophy shape consistent lending practices.
• The importance of reading regulatory preambles to understand NCUA’s intent.
• Why every policy, system, and training program should reinforce a consistent credit approach.
• How examiners and credit unions can align on “the art” of evaluating risk rather than relying on “paint-by-number” regulation.
• The role of appropriate structuring, documentation, and open dialogue with examiners.

Whether you’re a CEO, board member, or senior lender, this episode provides valuable insight into balancing safe and sound lending with member-focused service.

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

In this solo episode, Mark Treichel breaks down a hot topic out of Washington: a Senate proposal to raise FDIC deposit insurance coverage from $250,000 to $10 million. Backed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Senator Elizabeth Warren, the idea is gaining traction — but what would it mean for credit unions?

Mark explores:

• Why big banks are fighting the proposal — and why they might have a point
• How a $10 million FDIC cap could drain the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF)
• The political ripple effects for NCUA premiums and restoration plans
• Why credit unions risk losing business accounts if insurance coverage doesn’t keep pace with banks
• Alternatives, like inflation-based adjustments, that could make more sense than a massive jump

In the end, Mark explains why raising the cap might look like protection, but could really be lipstick on a pig for credit unions and their members.

This Archive Thursday episode of With Flying Colors revisits a timely and important topic: corporate governance. Mark is joined by former NCUA colleagues Todd Miller and Steve Farrar  to explore why governance issues are at the heart of many troubled credit unions.

They cover:

• How poor governance can sink an institution — and how strong governance can turn it around.
• The importance of tone at the top, ethics, and board oversight.
• Why diversity of skills, demographics, and perspectives matters for boards.
• The regulatory framework: NCUA’s limited guidance versus FDIC’s more robust tools.
• Resources for directors, including FDIC pocket guides, training, and self-assessments.
• Real-world stories from examinations, conservatorships, and boardrooms.

Whether you’re a director, executive, or examiner, this episode highlights why governance is more than compliance — it’s culture, accountability, and the foundation of credit union safety and soundness.

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

In this episode of With Flying Colors, I sit down with Elizabeth Eurgubian, Partner at Atlas Advocacy and former Director of External Affairs and Communications at the NCUA. Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience spanning the Federal Reserve, CFPB, Sallie Mae, ICBA, CUNA, and her time inside the regulator’s office.

We discuss:

• Her unique career path from attorney at the Fed to trade association leadership to NCUA’s front office
• The critical role of the Office of External Affairs and Communications (OAC) in shaping policy and messaging
• Insights into working for Chairman Todd Harper and navigating political appointee roles
• The art of preparing NCUA leadership for congressional testimony (“murder boards”)
• How credit union comment letters really influence regulation
• Why relationships and follow-up are the currency of Washington advocacy
• Her current work with Atlas Advocacy and DCUC

Whether you’re a credit union leader, policy professional, or industry observer, this episode gives you an insider’s perspective on how advocacy and regulation intersect at the highest levels.

This is a special Archive Thursday episode of With Flying Colors. In this conversation with Todd Miller and Steve Farrar, we dive into what happens when a credit union is downgraded to a CAMEL Code 3.

We explore how NCUA approaches Code 3 institutions, what extra exams and follow-ups to expect, the impact of documents of resolution and regional director letters, and why boards and management must act decisively to restore stability.

Packed with decades of insider perspective, this episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand the practical realities of moving from a 1 or 2 to a 3.

www.marktreichel.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-treichel/

In this solo episode of With Flying Colors, Mark Treichel breaks down the NCUA’s proposed rule to eliminate reputation risk from its supervisory program — and the political spotlight surrounding it.

Mark explains:

• Why the N C U A is codifying the removal of reputation risk into regulation.
• How codification makes the change harder to reverse in the future.
• The subjectivity of “reputation risk” and why examiners are no longer allowed to use it.
• The proposal’s explicit ban on examiners acting “for political reasons.”
• Connections to President Trump’s Executive Order 14331 and allegations of politically motivated account closures.
• Examples of industries and groups often caught in the crossfire, from firearms to advocacy organizations.
• What this means for state regulators, joint exams, and your next exam.
• Why the NCUA claims there are no new compliance costs.
• The expected benefits for exam consistency, predictability, and objectivity.

Whether you buy into the political narrative or not, this rule is designed to keep examiners out of politically driven decisions.