NAFCU Journal November December 2021

44 THE NAFCU JOURNAL November–December 2021 L ast week, NCUA hosted a webinar on the ongoing efforts to mod- ernize examination procedures and introduce new online tools or applications. The agency has been discussing its efforts to provide cen- tralized access to credit union data and information and to streamline processes for both examiners and credit union professionals. In fact, the agency issued a letter to credit unions in August 2021 explaining that training would soon be offered in order to prepare examiners and credit union staff for the transition to these systems. Each of the following tools are accessible through NCUA Connect, the agency’s log-in page and central access point for all of its online applications. NCUA Connect is currently the access point for MERIT, DEXA, CAPRIS and the Admin Portal, but the agency anticipates adding more online applications for which NCUA Connect will also be the access point. During the webinar, NCUA explained that, beside streamlining processes, these new applications would increase the agency’s capacity for offsite work. This is especially true now that the industry is more open to the idea of offsite examina- tions, as evidenced by the adjustments made during the pandemic. The webinar focused on the use and features of three COMPLIANCE CENTRAL NCUA’S EXAM MODERNIZATION EFFORTS By Loran Jackson