NCUA Proposes Cuts to Outdated Credit Union Audit Requirements
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) wants to make audits easier and less annoying for credit unions by cutting out old, extra rules that don’t add value. This means credit unions get more freedom to operate while still keeping audits trustworthy. If you’re involved with a credit union, get ready to share your thoughts by February 9, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
You can see full audit reports
If you are a member of a federally insured credit union, you can ask to see the full supervisory committee or financial statement audit report and the supervisory committee must provide you access to the full audit report when you request it. The supervisory committee must also give the board the report and provide a summary to members at the next annual meeting.
Member accounts must be verified biennially
The supervisory committee must verify members' passbooks and accounts at least once every two years. The proposed amendment clarifies that those member accounts must be verified against the credit union's records (removing the specific phrase "of the treasurer").
NCUA can force full audits for bad recordkeeping
The NCUA Board may compel a federal credit union to obtain a financial statement audit performed in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) by an independent, state-licensed person for any fiscal year in which the credit union has experienced serious and persistent recordkeeping deficiencies. This authority is stated in revised Sec. 715.12(b).
Asset thresholds for audit and accounting rules
The document reiterates statutory thresholds: federally insured credit unions with assets of $10 million or more are required to use accounting principles consistent with GAAP for reports to the NCUA, and credit unions with assets of $500 million or more are required to obtain an annual independent financial statement audit performed in accordance with GAAS.
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