Senate Banking Chairman Requests Audits of Community Bank and Credit Union Exam Processes

FDIC Examination Federal Reserve NCUA

On February 10, Senator Tim Johnson, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, sent a letter to the inspectors general of the Department of Treasury, the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration seeking audits of each agency's exam process for community banks and credit unions. The letter cites community bank and credit union complaints of unclear standards and inconsistent application of policies and procedures. Sen. Johnson asked that the audit review (i) the overall exam process, (ii) examination timelines, and (iii) the ability of an institution to question or appeal exam results. The House Financial Services Committee has been considering legislation, H.R. 3461, that would mandate changes to the examination process. To date, no corresponding bill has been introduced in the Senate.