New resources, regulatory developments, and community impact are featured in this week’s New York Minute. Explore a new cybersecurity toolkit and small business lending webinar, catch up on the latest CU in New York and InfoSight360 updates, and celebrate credit unions earning workplace recognition and investing in communities across the state.

League System Launches Cybersecurity Awareness Toolkit to Help Credit Unions Protect Members

As digital scams and cyber threats continue to evolve, the League System has launched a new Cybersecurity Awareness Toolkit to help credit unions educate members, support staff, and promote safer online habits.

The complimentary, fully customizable toolkit includes ready-to-use member communications, social media content, branch materials, scam and red-flag reference sheets, and a “Fraud Alert in a Box” with resources credit unions can quickly deploy when new threats emerge. It also features a four-week campaign calendar with content focused on identifying scams, protecting accounts, preventing identity theft, and shopping safely online.

Credit unions can use the resources during Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October or incorporate them into member education and fraud prevention efforts throughout the year.

Two New York Credit Unions Named ‘Best to Work For’ by American Banker

Congratulations to Empower Federal Credit Union and AmeriCU Credit Union on being named among American Banker’s Best Credit Unions to Work For in 2026!

The annual ranking recognizes 70 credit unions across the country based on workplace practices and employee feedback. Among this year’s honorees, 89% of employees reported positive feelings about their work environment, while 91% said they have strong relationships with their supervisors.

The recognition highlights credit unions that are creating positive workplace cultures built around strong leadership, communication, and a shared sense of purpose.

Congratulations to the teams at Empower FCU and AmeriCU Credit Union on earning a place among this year’s honorees!

Inclusiv to Host Business Forward Webinar for New York Credit Unions

New York credit unions looking to grow their small business lending programs can learn more about Inclusiv’s Business Forward initiative during a complimentary webinar on Thursday, September 17, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Business Forward connects small businesses with affordable loans through credit unions, with a focus on increasing access to capital for underserved and growth-ready businesses.

During the webinar, program experts will discuss how credit unions can leverage state and federal investments to expand small business lending and support entrepreneurs in their communities.

New from CU in New York: What Credit Unions Should Know About BOI and the CTA

The latest edition of CU in New York takes a closer look at beneficial ownership information (BOI) and the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), breaking down the latest developments and what they could mean for credit unions.

Jeremy Newman, your Association’s Vice President of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, cuts through the regulatory complexity to help credit unions understand where things stand and what they should have on their radar.

SeaComm FCU Awards Grants to Local Community Organizations Through FHLBNY Program

SeaComm Federal Credit Union is helping put $50,000 in Federal Home Loan Bank of New York grant funding to work across the North Country, supporting eight organizations serving a variety of community needs.

Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 are supporting projects and services related to emergency response, healthcare, veterans, youth development, transportation, and cultural preservation. Recipients include the Louisville Fire Department, St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum, River Hospital, Homeward Bound Adirondacks, Police Activities League of Massena, North Country Veterans Association, Akwesasne Cultural Center, and Volunteer Transportation Center.

The funding will help these organizations continue providing essential services and resources to the communities they serve.

MCU Foundation and Children’s Aid Equip Young New Yorkers with Lifelong Financial Literacy Skills

MCU Foundation and Children’s Aid recently celebrated teenage New Yorkers who completed the Foundations of Financial Wellness Literacy Program, designed to give young people practical money-management skills they can carry into adulthood.

Through weekly workshops administered by financial wellness partner BALANCE, participants explored budgeting, banking, saving, credit, college financing, and long-term financial planning. Many of the teens joined the program through New York City’s Summer Youth Employment Program, giving them an opportunity to build financial knowledge as they began earning and managing their own money.

The program concluded with an August 24 graduation ceremony recognizing participants for completing the workshops and taking an important step toward greater financial independence and confidence.

From InfoSight360: NCUA Finalizes 11 Deregulation Proposals – Part 2

InfoSight360’s Michael Christians continues his breakdown of the NCUA’s 11 final rules stemming from its Deregulation Project, all of which take effect September 8, 2026.

Part 2 examines the remaining six changes, including updates to community and federal corporate credit union chartering policies, excess share insurance notifications, federal credit union operations, credit union service contracts, and third-party servicing of indirect vehicle loans.

Among the changes, the NCUA is eliminating several duplicative requirements and removing existing limits on certain vehicle loans serviced by third parties.

Read the full article for a closer look at each of the six final rules and what credit unions should know ahead of the September 8 effective date.

Children’s Miracle Network and Black Dragon Capital Partner to Expand Digital Giving Opportunities for Credit Union Members

Children’s Miracle Network is partnering with PayOnward and Digital Joy, two Black Dragon Capital portfolio companies, to make it easier for credit union members to support their local children’s hospitals.

Through the partnership, participating credit unions will be able to integrate charitable giving directly into their digital banking platforms. Members will have several ways to donate, including during online or mobile banking sessions, through QR codes in branches and at community events, and through interactive digital experiences.

The new technology builds on credit unions’ longstanding support of Children’s Miracle Network while giving them another way to engage members and generate critical funding for pediatric care, research, medical equipment, and family support services.

Credit unions interested in learning more about bringing these digital giving solutions to their members can contact Nick Coleman at Children’s Miracle Network: ncoleman@cmn.org

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Last week, we introduced five of the eleven final rules released by the National Credit Union Administration on August 5, 2026, as part of its ongoing deregulation project. Part One discussed suretyship and guaranty requirements, limits on loans to other credit unions, service to underserved areas, disclosure of share insurance for non-member shares, and eligible obligations.

This week, we’ll cover the six remaining final rules, all effective on September 8, 2026.

Community Chartering Policies
The NCUA issued Interpretive Rule and Policy Statement (IRPS) 10-1 in 2010 to provide guidance on the agency’s community chartering policies. Because this information is also located in the NCUA’s Chartering and Field of Membership Manual (Appendix B to Part 701), IRPS 10-1 is duplicative and no longer required. As a result, it is rescinded.

Federal Corporate Credit Union Chartering
In addition, the NCUA issued IRPS 11-02 in 2011 to address the requirements and process for chartering corporate federal credit unions. Because this information is also located in the NCUA’s Federal Corporate Credit Union Chartering Manual, IRPS 11-02 is redundant and unnecessary. As a result, it is rescinded.

Notice of Termination of Excess Share Insurance Coverage
Currently, 12 CFR 741.5 requires a credit union that is terminating excess share insurance coverage to provide written notice to all members at least thirty (30) days prior to the termination date. The final rule eliminates this 30-day advance delivery requirement and simply requires written notification to occur prior to the termination date.

Organization and Operation of Federal Credit Unions
The NCUA issued IRPS 06-1 in 2006 to address the requirements for adding underserved areas to a federal credit union’s (FCU’s) field of membership. Because this information is also located in the NCUA’s Chartering and Field of Membership Manual, IRPS 06-1 is duplicative and no longer required. As a result, it is rescinded.

Credit Union Service Contracts
12 CFR 701.26 requires an FCU to enter into a written agreement that advises all parties that the goods and services provided under the contract are subject to examination by the NCUA. This covers agreements related to fixed assets as well as agreements covering activities and/or services related to the daily operation of the credit union. Because entering into a written contract is a standard business practice, the NCUA feels this regulatory language is unnecessary. The final rule removes it from Part 701.26.

12 CFR 721.3 identifies the categories of activities that are pre-approved as incidental powers necessary or requisite to carry on a credit union’s business. The final rule adds the following activity to this list – Entering into a contractual agreement related to fixed assets and/or activities and services related to the daily operation of the credit union.

Third-Party Servicing of Indirect Vehicle Loans
Currently, 12 CFR 701.21 places the following restrictions on a federally insured credit union’s acquisition of any vehicle loan serviced by a third-party:

• No acquisition may exceed 50% of the credit union’s net worth during the initial 30 months of the third-party’s servicing relationship
• No acquisition may exceed 100% of the credit union’s net worth after the initial 30 months of the third-party’s servicing relationship

The final rule removes these restrictions.

There’s a lot happening across the credit union landscape, and staying informed is key. This week’s New York Minute looks at emerging fraud threats, regulatory and lending developments, and upcoming education, all while celebrating credit unions making an impact in their workplaces and communities.

Register Now for Fraud In Focus!

Registration is now open for Fraud In Focus, taking place November 3 at the Saratoga Casino Hotel.

As financial fraud continues to evolve, this conference gives credit union professionals an opportunity to learn about emerging threats, strengthen their fraud prevention strategies, and connect with peers facing many of the same challenges.

Register by September 4 to take advantage of early-bird pricing. The hotel reservation deadline is October 3, and general registration closes October 23.

New York Credit Unions Recognized as America’s Greatest Midsize Workplaces

Four New York credit unions have earned national recognition on Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Midsize Workplaces 2026 list.

Congratulations to FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, Hudson Valley Credit Union, Empower Federal Credit Union, and ESL Federal Credit Union on being included among this year’s honorees.

The ranking recognizes midsize organizations across the country for creating strong employee experiences and workplace cultures. Congratulations to all four credit unions and the teams behind this achievement!

Great Meadow FCU Awards Grants to Local Community Organizations Through FHLBNY Program

Through its partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Great Meadow Federal Credit Union is helping direct $50,000 in Small Business Recovery Grant funding to organizations serving communities throughout its region.

Recipients include WAIT House, Warren-Washington C.A.R.E. Center, Battenkill Community Services, Comfort Food Community, Glens Falls Senior Center, Hudson River Music Hall Productions, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, Queensbury Senior Center, The Open Door Mission, Lucky Puppy Rescue, and Haynes House of Hope.

These organizations address a wide range of community needs, including housing and food assistance services for seniors, youth, families, and animals.

Mid-Hudson Valley FCU Supports Families at Ronald McDonald House Westchester

Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union recently helped bring a little extra comfort to families staying at Ronald McDonald House Westchester with a donation of teddy bears and other needed supplies.

The Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for families with children receiving medical care, allowing them to remain close to their child during treatment. MHV’s contribution helps provide everyday comforts and resources for families navigating an especially challenging time.

Thank you to the MHV team for supporting children and families when they need it most.

Reliant Credit Union Supports Summer Learning Through EnCompass Donation

A $2,000 donation from Reliant Credit Union helped Rochester-based EnCompass provide local students with additional learning opportunities this summer.

Reliant’s contribution supported EnCompass’ four-week summer learning program for students in grades K–6, which is designed to help prevent summer achievement gaps. Reliant team members joined students at Nazareth University for the program’s Showcase of Learning, where participants shared what they had accomplished throughout the summer.

Beyond its summer programming, EnCompass works with students and families to close learning gaps, navigate life challenges, and remove barriers that can stand in the way of long-term success.

From InfoSight360: NCUA Finalizes 11 Deregulation Proposals – Part 1

The NCUA has finalized 11 proposals stemming from its Deregulation Project, with the changes set to take effect September 8, 2026. The project is focused on eliminating outdated, duplicative, or unnecessarily burdensome requirements while maintaining protections for credit union members and the financial system.

In the first of a two-part series, InfoSight360’s Michael Christians breaks down five of the final rules, including changes affecting suretyship and guaranty requirements, loans to other credit unions, service to underserved areas, disclosures for non-member shares, and eligible obligations. Among the changes are the elimination of certain collateral requirements, board approvals, disclosures, and prescriptive policy requirements for federal credit unions.

Read the full article for a closer look at what’s changing, and watch for Part 2 next week covering the remaining six final rules.

From Origence: Auto Lending – What Credit Union Lenders Need to Know Now

The auto lending market is shifting, creating both new challenges and opportunities for credit unions looking to grow their portfolios and reach more borrowers.

In its latest industry insights article, Origence explores the current auto lending environment and what credit union lenders should be watching as they evaluate their strategies. The piece is part of Origence’s ongoing coverage of lending trends and strategies for credit unions.

Read the full article from Origence to explore what today’s auto lending landscape could mean for your credit union.

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In 2025, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) launched its Deregulation Project in response to Executive Order #14192 – Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation. The project prioritizes removing outdated, duplicative, or unnecessarily burdensome rules while maintaining regulatory protections for members and the financial system.

To date, the agency has issued a total of 20 proposals as part of the project. On August 5, 2026, the NCUA announced that it had finalized 11 of those proposals. Each of these final rules is effective on September 8, 2026. Over the course of the next two weeks, we’ll share what these changes mean for your credit union.

Suretyship and Guaranty Requirements
Currently, Part 701.20 requires a federal credit union (FCU) to obtain a segregated deposit from the member, in connection with a suretyship or guaranty agreement, that is sufficient in amount to cover the FCU’s total potential liability. This segregated deposit may consist of collateral in which the FCU has a perfected security interest, subject to the following restrictions:

• 100% of the FCU’s total potential liability for collateral consisting of cash, US treasuries/securities, obligations fully guaranteed by the United States, or Federal Reserve Bank notes/drafts/bills, or
• 110% of the FCU’s total potential liability for collateral consisting of real estate or other marketable securities.

The final rule removes this segregated deposit/collateral requirement.

Limits on Loans to Other Credit Unions
Under Part 701.25, an FCU’s board of directors must currently approve all loans made to other credit unions. In addition, the FCU must develop and maintain very prescriptive policies and procedures for making these types of loans.

Effective September 8th, the board approval and policy/procedure requirement are removed. However, loans to other credit unions continue to be subject to the single borrower and aggregate limits listed in Part 701.25(a).

Service to Underserved Areas
The NCUA issued Interpretive Rule and Policy Statement (IRPS) 08-2 in December 2008 providing guidance on the process of approving the addition of underserved areas to an FCU’s field of membership.

The final rule withdraws IRPS 08-02 as this same information is located in the agency’s Chartering and Field of Membership Manual which can be found in Appendix B to Part 701.

Disclosure of Share Insurance for Non-Member Shares
Currently, Part 741.10 requires any credit union that accepts non-member shares or deposits to:

• Identify those non-member shares or deposits on any report required by the NCUA for insurance purposes, and
• Notify non-member share and/or deposit account holders that their shares are not insured.

Effective September 8th, each of these requirements is eliminated.

Eligible Obligations
FCU’s must have written policies for the purchase, sale, or pledge of eligible obligations. These policies must meet specific prescriptive requirements as outlined in Part 701.23. Furthermore, an FCU official, employee, or immediate family member is prohibited from receiving compensation in connection with the credit union’s purchase, sale, or pledge of an eligible obligation.

The final rule eliminates the prescriptive requirements and simply requires an FCU to have a written policy concerning the purchase, sale, or pledge of eligible obligations. The compensation restriction is also removed effective September 8th.

We’ll cover the 6 other final rules in next week’s article.

Prepare your credit union for what’s next with resources in this week’s New York Minute. From sharpening your marketing strategy at CU Trends to getting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, we’re sharing resources and updates to keep your team informed, along with the latest community impact and member recognition from across the state.

Update: NYC Debt Collection Rules

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) has released new FAQs providing additional guidance on the city’s updated debt collection rules.

The rules, now scheduled to take effect January 1, 2027, will apply to original creditors, including credit unions, once debt collection activities begin. Importantly, the requirements are based on where the member lives, not where the credit union is located. That means credit unions across New York and beyond are subject to the rules when collecting from members with a New York City address. DCWP confirms the January 1 effective date on its current rules page.

Credit unions are encouraged to review the newly released FAQs as they continue preparing for implementation. Members can also revisit the Association’s recorded webinar, NYC Final Debt Collection Rules, for an overview of the requirements and considerations for credit unions.

Review the FAQs and watch the webinar recording to prepare for the January 1 effective date.

Meet the Speakers for this Year’s CU Trends: The New York Marketing & Sales Conference

There’s still time to join fellow credit union marketing and sales professionals from across the state at CU Trends: The New York Marketing & Sales Conference! The event, taking place September 10 at Empower FCU Headquarters, features three industry experts ready to share practical strategies credit union marketers can put to work.

Amanda Thomas, Founder & President of TwoScore, will kick off the day with A Brand Worth Belonging To: How to Stand Out in a Crowded Banking Market, helping attendees identify what truly differentiates their credit union and create a brand experience that resonates with both members and employees.

Ashley Kjenaas, Client Marketing Manager at TwoScore, will then explore The Community Advantage, with actionable ideas for using social media, events, partnerships, community involvement, and other affordable channels to compete locally—regardless of the size of your marketing team or budget.

Rounding out the day, Michael Christians, Director of Regulatory Compliance Counsel at InfoSight360, will lead Marketing and Advertising Essentials, covering requirements and risks related to Regulation Z, NCUA Part 707, fair lending, UDAAP, email marketing, and social media advertising.

Attendees will leave with ideas they can put to work immediately, from strengthening their brand and community presence to developing marketing strategies that remain compliant.

Registration closes September 1. Reserve your spot today!

Teachers FCU Makes Contribution to Cohen Children’s Medical Center

Teachers Federal Credit Union is continuing its support of Cohen Children’s Medical Center with a $500,000 contribution to help advance the hospital’s work caring for children and families across New York.

Made possible through the generosity of Teachers FCU members, business partners, and teammates, the donation builds on the credit union’s ongoing commitment to Cohen Children’s and its mission of providing specialized pediatric care to young patients and their families.

The significant contribution is another example of how the credit union community comes together to support organizations providing critical services to New Yorkers.

SeaComm FCU Supports Expansion of Massena Hospital Outpatient Lab

Patients at Massena Hospital will soon have a more comfortable space for outpatient laboratory services thanks in part to a $60,000 donation from SeaComm Federal Credit Union.

The donation supported the Massena Hospital Foundation’s Code Help Campaign, which funded an expansion and renovation of the hospital’s growing Outpatient Lab. Improvements include an additional room for blood draws, larger existing spaces, and a refreshed waiting area with new furniture.

In recognition of SeaComm’s support, the renovated space will be known as the SeaComm Outpatient Lab.

Municipal Credit Union Named One of the Best Places to Work for Women

Municipal Credit Union has been named by Best Companies Group as one of its Best Places to Work for Women, earning a spot in the Large Employer category.

The recognition celebrates workplaces committed to creating environments where women have opportunities to grow, lead, and thrive. For MCU, the honor reflects its focus on fostering a culture where employees feel a sense of belonging and have opportunities to advance throughout their careers.

Congratulations to MCU and its entire team for the exciting accolade!

America’s Credit Unions to Preview 2026 Midterm Election Stakes and Strategies

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, America’s Credit Unions will host a members-only webinar on September 3 at 2:00 p.m. ET examining the election landscape and what it could mean for credit unions and their members.

Scott F. Simpson, President & CEO of America’s Credit Unions, and Trey Hawkins, Head of Political Affairs, will discuss key dynamics shaping the election cycle, the organization’s advocacy and political engagement efforts, and ways grassroots credit union advocates can stay engaged.

The webinar is open exclusively to America’s Credit Unions members, credit unions, and leagues and will be recorded for registered participants.

Register now to learn more about the issues shaping the 2026 election cycle and opportunities for credit union advocacy.

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