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NCUA issues additional guidance on working with borrowers impacted by Covid-19
On April 30, the National Credit Union Administration issued guidance describing strategies for working with negatively impacted borrowers while taking measures to limit the negative financial impact of those strategies on the credit union and its ability to serve all members. The guidance describes strategies for providing new funds to borrowers, temporary loan modifications, and permanent loan modifications. It also states that credit unions should maintain policies to manage the risks of workout strategies, including clearly defined eligibility criteria, aggregate program limits, and controls to ensure workout actions are structured appropriately.
Maryland regulator: Banks and credit unions should lift automated holds imposed on CARES Act recovery rebates
On April 30, the Maryland commissioner of financial regulation issued guidance to banks and credit unions in light of the April 29 executive order prohibiting garnishment or setoff of CARES Act recovery rebates. The guidance “strongly” urges Maryland-chartered depository institutions to “immediately” review their automated systems to ensure that they do not intercept, hold, or set-off against CARES Act recovery rebate payments made through direct deposit. The guidance also urges depository institutions to cash CARES Act recovery rebates issued as checks for customers and non-customers alike, and to do so without charging any fees to consumers. Any entity that seeks to engage in collection efforts against CARES Act rebate payments would be in violation of the Maryland Debt Collection Practices Act.
NCUA to seek information about emerging credit risks
On April 29, the National Credit Union Administration announced that it expanded its Covid-19 outreach to federally-insured credit unions to identify emerging credit risks. The NCUA notified regulated entities that examiners will contact them between May 4 and May 18 to discuss a list of questions concerning operating status, status of cash reserves and withdrawals, liquidity status, loans in forbearance, and balance of loans with outstanding balances.
Maryland governor prohibits garnishment of CARES Act recovery rebates
On April 29, the governor of Maryland issued an executive order prohibiting any garnishment or setoff of CARES Act recovery rebates. The order also provides that Maryland-incorporated banks and credit unions have no right of setoff or lien upon funds in a customer or member’s account that are traceable to a CARES Act recovery rebate.
NCUA announces grants for minority depository institutions
On April 27, the National Credit Union Administration announced that it is making a total of $125,000 in mentoring grants available to small, low-income credit unions designated as minority depository institutions. Grants will be available in amounts of up to $25,000 and are intended to help recipients establish mentoring programs with larger, low-income designated credit unions that can provide guidance on how to assist low-income and underserved populations.
Montana issues a temporary emergency rule to waive June assessments or fees for banks and credit unions
On April 24, the Montana Department of Administration issued a temporary emergency rule waiving the first semiannual assessments for state-chartered banks and supervisory fees for credit unions. The rule will expire on August 22, 2020.
Minnesota Commerce Department issues guidance to state banks and state credit unions regarding fraud with paper stimulus checks
On April 22, the Minnesota Commerce Department issued letters to officers of state banks and state credit unions alerting them of potential fraud that may arise in connection with the receipt of paper stimulus checks ordered under the CARES Act. The letters link to the Treasury and Secret Service guidance that highlights Treasury check security features and includes a link to a check verification application.
Texas regulator relaxes certain appraisal requirements for credit unions
On April 22, the Texas Credit Union Department announced the temporary waiver of certain appraisal requirements. The waivers allow credit unions to defer certain appraisals and evaluations for up to 120 days after closing and raise the threshold level when an appraisal is not required for residential real-estate transactions from $250,000 to $400,000.
Texas agencies issue emergency guidance for home equity lenders
On April 22, the Texas Department of Banking, Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, Office of Consumer Credit and Credit Union Department issued revised home equity lending guidance related to making new loans or adjusting existing loans to facilitate recovery efforts. The agencies encouraged lenders to work with borrowers to assist recovery while providing guidance on how lenders can ensure they maintain a valid home equity lien.
Georgia Department of Banking and Finance issues bulletin regarding lending, liquidity, business continuity, and regulatory reporting
The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance has issued its monthly bulletin for financial institutions in which it provides guidance on lending, liquidity, business continuity planning, and regulatory reporting. Among other things, the department reiterates the importance of liquidity risk management during Covid-19 and urges financial institutions to consider the impact of certain scenarios on their liquidity. The department also provides questions that financial institutions should consider as part of their pandemic planning. The bulletin also notes that, for banks and credit unions, the department is implementing electronic document and payment submission for correspondence, applications, and requests, including any applicable fees.