The Payments Review compliance feature occasionally highlights regulatory topics important to credit unions.

Federal regulators are reaching out and helping credit unions and community banks with a series of changes.

On October 3, 2018, Federal regulators ruled that credit unions and community banks can pool resources for anti-money laundering. The Wall Street Journal, citing a statement from the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the Treasury Department, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the National Credit Union Administration, reported that the decision was borne out of a working group that the agencies created to improve anti-money laundering processes. The decision is a more significant attempt to help strengthen money laundering defense in the US. However, the sharing of resources does not alleviate the responsibilities of the individual institution. It should also be noted that this does not change the existing legal and regulatory requirements. Additionally, if an institution decides to share resources, it should be done in the same manner as any other business relationship.

ThePaymentsReview compliance feature occasionally highlights regulatory topics important to credit unions

On October 17, 2018, Acting Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (BCFP) (previously the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - CFPB), Mick Mulvaney, announced at the Mortgage Bankers Association, that the Bureau has set out on an agenda to better define the term “Abusive” in the Unfair, Deceptive, and Abusive Acts or Practices (UDAAP).

Planning for a breach is a business requirement whether you have been breached or not.

“… credit unions are no longer flying under the radar – credit unions are targets of cybercriminal activity.” – Larry Fazio, Deputy Executive Director, NCUA

The increased use of mobile platform access, for both credit union staff and members, and the migration to cloud-based services is a trend for which there is no going back. The scalability, accessibility, as well as the ability to quickly and easily deploy new services have become business necessities to remain competitive and to continue to serve the needs of members. This also means some loss of control over security and compliance. Understanding and managing the risks associated with the changing world of data security, and being prepared for breaches and how to respond, have also become business necessities. This three-part series, based in part on a presentation given by Michele L. Cohen, a principal with the law firm Miles & Stockbridge P.C., at Trellance’s immersion 2018 conference, outlines the balancing act between convenience and data, and provides a framework for preparing for breaches and what actions to take in response.

3 Things Boards Can Do To Protect Their CU's Reputation

[Editor's Note: This article was previously published on CUES' CCUBE, and has been modified.]

Credit unions have become more aware of the importance of having a strong online presence and many are equipping themselves with the information and talent needed to be successful. In fact, if you are succeeding in today’s business environment, chances are you have an online presence—and having a strong online presence dictates that you become an active participant in the world of social media.

ThePaymentsReview continues a new feature that highlights regulatory topics important to credit unions.

When one thinks of ADA accessibility, sidewalk ramps, disabled parking spaces, and wheel chair access immediately comes to mind. What about websites?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets standards for accessibility for people with disabilities to all commercial and public entities that have “places of public accommodation”. In 2010, the Department of Justice proposed that the definition of places of public accommodation could include the internet, and hence, websites of commercial and public entities.