Leadership and collaboration take center stage in this week’s New York Minute. Credit union leaders from across the state gather for the Association’s annual Leadership Forum, while advocates head to Washington for Congressional Caucus. Educational opportunities take shape with two employee benefits discussions and an upcoming lunch-and-learn. Plus, a New York credit union leader celebrates a professional achievement.

New York Credit Union Leaders Gather for Annual Leadership Forum

Credit union leaders from across New York gathered Sept. 15–17 for the Association’s annual Leadership Forum at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY.

This year’s gathering brings together members of the Association’s Board of Directors, New York Credit Union Foundation Trustees, Universal Sharing Network, Inc. (UsNet) Board of Directors, Association Chapter Presidents and the Association’s senior leadership team for three days of connection, conversation and collaboration.

Over the course of the Forum, attendees are taking part in strategic discussions, peer networking, and programming designed to strengthen leadership across the state’s credit union community.

The forum featured a keynote from James Beck titled Unlock the Power of Kindness, Gratitude, and Paying-It-Forward, which explored the impact these principles can have on leadership, relationships and the communities we serve. Beck’s presentation offered leaders practical takeaways for bringing these values into their own organizations, reinforcing the human-centered approach that has long distinguished the credit union difference.

The forum reflects the Association’s ongoing investment in developing strong, values-driven leadership across New York’s credit union community, ensuring the movement continues to grow from a foundation of connection and shared purpose.

New York Credit Union Advocates Attend Congressional Caucus

New York credit union advocates were in Washington, D.C., this week for America’s Credit Unions’ 2026 Congressional Caucus, engaging lawmakers on priorities most important to credit unions and the members and communities they serve.

During the Caucus, New York advocates also met with newly appointed NCUA Board Chairman John Crews, sharing perspectives on the regulatory priorities most pressing for credit unions and building on the Association’s ongoing relationship with the agency’s leadership.

Association Chief Advocacy Officer Amy Kramer also joined the panel “From Capitol Hill to the Statehouse: Tracing Policy Throughlines,” exploring how federal and state policy developments intersect on issues including data privacy, interchange limitations and bank-credit union mergers. The discussion underscored the growing need for advocates to track policy movement across both levels of government, as decisions made in Washington increasingly shape the landscape credit unions navigate at the state level.

The annual Caucus gives advocates a chance to bring credit union priorities directly to policymakers and highlight their impact on members and communities. For New York’s delegation, the event also reinforces the value of a unified advocacy voice, ensuring the state’s credit unions are well represented as Congress considers policies that affect their ability to serve their members.

The Association will continue to monitor these key topics as they develop, keeping members informed of opportunities to engage with policymakers on the priorities that matter most to New York’s credit union community.

Join Marshall & Sterling for Upcoming Employee Benefits Discussions

Association strategic business partner Marshall & Sterling is hosting two upcoming webinars designed to help credit unions navigate the changing employee benefits and health insurance landscape.

On Sept. 29, credit unions with 100 or more employees are invited to Health Insurance Headwinds: How to Insulate Your Organization from the Storm. This session breaks down why the traditional renewal cycle works against well-managed groups, how pharmacy spend is reshaping the cost curve, and which cost containment strategies, from group health captives to specialty drug savings programs, are giving self-funded employers a way to take back control.

On Sept. 30, credit unions with fewer than 100 employees can attend Employee Benefits: The State of the Union. This session breaks down why rates keep rising, what new payroll and compliance liabilities compound the pressure, and how a PEO partnership can open access to a more sustainable, Fortune 500 style benefits package without the administrative burden.

Credit unions with fewer than 100 employees should only attend the Sept. 30 session, as the Sept. 29 discussion will focus on topics specifically relevant to larger employers. Credit unions with more than 100 employees are welcome to join both sessions. These sessions have been specifically designed for CEOs, CFOs, and HR professionals. Please share this with the relevant members of your team.

Cooperative Business Services to Host Commercial Lending Lunch and Learn in Albany

The Association’s newest strategic business partner, Cooperative Business Services (CBS), is coming to Albany for a free Lunch & Learn focused on helping credit unions build and strengthen their commercial lending programs.

During Your Turnkey Solution to Commercial Lending, attendees will learn how CBS can support credit unions looking to launch a commercial lending program, expand an established program or outsource the heavy lifting without adding staff or overhead. CBS is a Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) that has closed more than $4.5 billion in loans and partnered with more than 150 credit unions.

CBS not only manages your program from start to finish, they also source loan opportunities for you, allowing you to remain focused on what matters most — your members.

The event will take place Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 10 am-12pm at NYCUA headquarters, 4 Tower Place, 5th Floor, Albany.

John Skeldon, Chief Sales Officer at CBS, and TJ Simyak, Regional President – East at CBS, will lead the discussion.

Visions FCU’s Charles McKinney, Jr. Earns CUDE Designation

Congratulations to Charles McKinney, Jr. of Visions Federal Credit Union on earning the Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) designation!

McKinney was among 54 credit union leaders who earned the designation as part of the September 2026 Development Education class. The program brings credit union professionals together to deepen their understanding of the credit union movement and explore how its cooperative principles can be used to address financial and community challenges.

Congratulations, Charles, on this achievement!

NYS DFS Issues New Cybersecurity Guidance on Risk Assessments

The New York State Department of Financial Services has issued new cybersecurity guidance focused on risk assessments for regulated financial services entities.

The guidance is designed to help covered entities understand and implement risk assessment requirements under New York’s cybersecurity regulation. Risk assessments help organizations identify cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities and ensure their cybersecurity programs, policies and controls appropriately address their individual risk profiles.

Credit unions and other regulated financial institutions are encouraged to review the guidance and evaluate how it may apply to their cybersecurity programs and risk assessment processes.

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Albany, New York — The Board of Directors of the New York Credit Union Association (NYCUA) today announced that President & CEO William J. Mellin will leave the organization at the end of 2026, concluding a distinguished 32-year career with NYCUA, including 26 years as its leader.

Mellin will remain in his role as president and CEO through December 31, 2026, during which he will focus on succession planning and a smooth handoff of responsibilities, ensuring that institutional knowledge, key relationships, and ongoing initiatives carry forward without interruption. NYCUA Chief Operating Officer Chris Pajak will assume responsibility for day-to-day operations of the organization and its affiliated entities throughout the remainder of 2026 and until the formal appointment of the organization’s next president and CEO. The Board expressed strong confidence in Pajak’s ability to lead NYCUA’s operations during this period, pointing to the extensive experience and institutional knowledge Pajak brings after many years on NYCUA’s senior leadership team.

Since being named president and CEO in 2000, Mellin has guided NYCUA and its affiliated entities, including OwnersChoice Funding, UsNet Shared Branching, and the New York Credit Union Foundation, helping credit unions statewide grow, innovate, and deepen their impact on the members and communities they serve.

Under his leadership, total credit union assets in New York have grown from $36 billion to over $133 billion, and total credit union membership has grown from 4 million to almost 7.5 million. The Association’s 2025 membership survey also reported a 97% overall member satisfaction score, with the share of New York credit unions that are NYCUA members growing from about 70% early in Mellin’s tenure to 86% today.

Mellin has also been deeply committed to fostering a positive, supportive workplace culture at the Association, reflected in a recent employee survey in which 100% of Association and affiliate staff agreed the organization “is a great place to work.”

His collaborative approach and strong relationships with fellow league leaders across the country earned him recognition earlier this year with the 2026 Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award, presented by the American Association of Credit Union Leagues.

“On behalf of the entire Board, and the broader credit union community, I want to thank Bill for more than three decades of dedicated service to New York’s credit unions,” said Ryan Roberts, NYCUA Board Chair and President & CEO of Great Meadow Federal Credit Union. “Since 2000, Bill has led NYCUA with vision, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the power of the ‘people helping people’ philosophy. His impact reaches far beyond our organization, and the credit union movement across New York, as well as the nation, is stronger because of his leadership. As we begin this transition, the Board is committed to honoring what Bill built by carrying the organization forward with the same care he brought to it every day.”

Throughout his tenure, Mellin has been defined by the care he brought to every challenge, decision, and relationship, always ensuring NYCUA and the members it serves were set up to succeed. The Board is approaching this transition thoughtfully and deliberately to ensure the knowledge, relationships, and standards Mellin built over three decades carry forward and continue to position NYCUA as a strong leader and voice for the credit union movement.

The Board anticipates launching a board-led search committee in Q4 2026 to identify NYCUA’s next president & CEO, with additional details expected in Q1 2027. The process will be thorough and intentional, reflecting the values Mellin instilled over his tenure, and will ensure NYCUA enters its next chapter with the same strength, stability, and sense of purpose that have defined the organization for decades.

Credit unions across New York can continue to expect strong and consistent service through this transition, into 2027 and beyond. NYCUA remains fully committed to its advocacy efforts on behalf of members, its education and professional development programs, its support for credit unions navigating an increasingly complex financial services environment, and the continued work of its affiliate organizations.

About the New York Credit Union Association

The New York Credit Union Association is the state trade association representing 270 credit unions across New York, serving more than 7.4 million members and representing more than $133 billion in assets. NYCUA advocates for its member credit unions at the state and federal level, provides education and professional development for credit union staff and volunteers, and supports the cooperative, “people helping people” philosophy that defines the credit union movement. Its affiliated entities, OwnersChoice Funding, UsNet Shared Branching, and the New York Credit Union Foundation, extend that mission through shared services and community investment. To learn more, visit nycua.org

Community support takes center stage in this week’s New York Minute. See how credit unions are helping children and families, supporting students and educators, and investing in health and wellness, while also celebrating a New York credit union leader earning regional recognition.

Broadview FCU Partners with Sleep in Heavenly Peace for 8th Annual Bed Build

For the eighth year, Broadview Federal Credit Union joined Sleep in Heavenly Peace to help ensure local children have a comfortable place to sleep.

Broadview volunteers rolled up their sleeves to build 27 beds for 27 children, continuing a partnership centered on addressing childhood bedlessness and supporting families in the communities the credit union serves.

From building and assembling the beds to helping prepare them for local families, the annual event is a hands-on example of Broadview employees putting “people helping people” into action.

ESL FCU Commits $2 Million to Wayne County Health and Wellness Campus

ESL Federal Credit Union is investing $2 million in a planned health and wellness campus in Wayne County, supporting an effort to expand access to health, recreation, and community resources in the region.

The ESL Health and Wellness Campus is planned as a regional destination designed to bring a variety of services and opportunities together in one location.

The significant investment adds ESL’s support to a project aimed at improving quality of life and creating a lasting resource for residents throughout Wayne County.

Cornerstone Community FCU’s Mary Scheib Named to Power 200 Women List

Congratulations to Mary Scheib, President and Chief Experience Officer of Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union, on being named to Buffalo Business First’s 2026 Power 200 Women list!

The annual list recognizes influential women helping shape businesses and communities throughout Western New York. Mary’s inclusion recognizes her leadership at Cornerstone and her contributions to the region’s financial services community. Congratulations, Mary, on joining this year’s group of honorees!

MCU Foundation Partners with Forestdale to Support Students Heading Back to School

The MCU Foundation is continuing its support of New York City students as they head into a new school year through its partnership with Forestdale.

Building on previous back-to-school efforts with the organization, the Foundation provided a $55,000 grant, which will be used for essential school supplies to help students start the year prepared to learn.

Forestdale works with children and families across New York City, providing services designed to strengthen families and help young people thrive. The latest effort adds to the MCU Foundation’s ongoing work with the organization to help remove some of the everyday barriers facing local students and families.

Sunmark Credit Union Treats Local Educators to Annual Teacher Supply Surprise

Thirteen local teachers started the school year with a shopping spree thanks to Sunmark Credit Union’s annual Teacher Supply Surprise.

The educators headed to Walmart to stock up on classroom essentials, giving them an opportunity to choose the supplies that will be most useful to their students throughout the year.

The annual initiative recognizes the personal time and resources educators invest in their classrooms while helping offset some of the out-of-pocket costs that often come with preparing for a new school year.

The Summit FCU Delivers Supplies to Local Organizations

The Summit Federal Credit Union is helping students across its communities head back to school with the supplies they need for a strong start.

Through its annual school supply drive, The Summit collected hundreds of donated items for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier; PEACE, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Syracuse; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester; The Chapel NY’s 11th Annual “Back 2 School” Community Event in Cortland; and Seneca Falls Central School District.

The donated items will support children and families across several communities as they begin the 2026–2027 school year.

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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.