NAFCU Journal November December 2021

45 THE NAFCU JOURNAL November–December 2021 applications, the Admin Portal, the Data Exchange Application (DEXA) and the Modern Examination & Risk Identifica- tion Tool (MERIT). The Admin Portal The Admin Portal allows a credit union to delegate an administrator responsi- ble for adding and removing users from NCUA applications, resetting passwords and ensuring the credit union’s online accounts are up to date. In the webi- nar, it was explained that this would reduce the wait-time for credit union professionals attempting to gain access to the new online systems because they won’t need to wait for NCUA action every time a credit union needs to add someone. Credit union administrators can control the level of access available to different users. For example, one credit union employee may need access to all of the NCUA applications, while another employee only needs to update loan and share data to DEXA. Additionally, the administrator can remove employee access once they no longer need it, or if they leave the credit union. The Admin Portal connects to the other applications, so the administrator can upload or download information from any of the applications, respond to or for- ward requests from NCUA and complete other tasks on behalf of the credit union. The Data Exchange Application (DEXA) DEXA will be used by credit unions and examiners to upload, download and review loan and share account data. Credit unions will update this data in a manner similar to updating it for pur- poses of completing a call report. NCUA has explained that DEXA’s fea- tures will allow credit union profession- als to import loan and share data files, upload a mapping schema for credit union loan and share type codes, vali- date data prior to submitting files and view the status of submitted files. NCUA has published a FAQ page addressing DEXA use and the switch from AIRES, which clarifies, “member loan and share download requirements remain unchanged at this time. Files that follow the schema in NCUA Letter to Credit Unions 03-CU-05 can be imported into DEXA.” NCUA also clarified that credit unions can identify their own type codes for loans and share accounts; however, they will be required to use the mapping document in DEXA, which will map that credit union’s codes to the standardized codes within DEXA. During the webinar, NCUA explained that DEXA includes a validation process to ensure the data uploaded is complete, and shows a history of uploads so credit union professionals can determine when the data was last updated. The agency has published information about prop- erly uploading data, including a DEXA user guide, a FAQ page on loan and share layout specifications and a quick refer- ence troubleshooting guide. The Modern Examination & Risk Identification Tool (MERIT) MERIT is replacing AIRES as the main examination platform for credit union professionals and examiners. The goal is for MERIT to be a user-friendly, secure method of sharing information and will be a place for credit unions to “transfer files within the context of an examina- tion, provide status updates and request due date changes on examination findings and action items and retrieve completed examination reports.” During the webinar, NCUA explained that examiners will request documents and information from credit unions through “surveys.” The survey tab in MERIT allows NCUA to send a ques- tionnaire or request list and allow credit union users to complete the surveys online or upload documents requested. Credit union users assigned to complete a survey can also add other contributors to aide in completing it. NCUA has explained that communi- cation through MERIT will streamline and clarify the exam process and allow credit unions to stay organized when it comes to completing surveys and reviewing reports. Through MERIT, users can expect to receive a notification when exam reports are ready, and then be able to log in and download it. NCUA explained that, during the exam process, credit unions will be able to delegate who should receive the notifications, and examiners will ensure these preferences are updated in the MERIT system. NCUA has also clarified that use of MERIT may streamline dual exam pro- cesses and be used by state-level exam- iners. The agency noted state examiners are currently being trained to use MERIT in order to work together with NCUA examiners. This may allow for sharing of files and information and reduce the work at the credit union in completing redundant tasks for different examiners. For credit unions that cannot or do not wish to respond to requests through MERIT, there may be flexibility in responding through traditional channels, such as calling or emailing an exam- iner if this is agreed to by the examiner. NCUA explains that examiners will have the ability to update tasks in MERIT to reflect that they have been completed or responded to by credit union staff, even if staff do not respond through the MERIT system. There were plenty of things discussed in the webinar, but the final point made was that credit union professionals can anticipate more time to complete exams in MERIT. Patience and flexibility will be key as examiners and credit union staff learn how to use the new tools. Like with DEXA, the agency has published informa- tion and tools for credit union profession- als looking to start using MERIT. These include a user guide, a MERIT FAQ page and a training video. Loran Jackson is senior regulatory compliance counsel for NAFCU.