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Iowa Division of Credit Unions publishes comprehensive resource for Covid-19 updates
The Iowa Division of Credit Unions published a comprehensive resource containing information on Covid-19 regulatory updates. The document covers a range of regulatory changes applicable to credit unions, including: (i) the SBA-Paycheck Protection Program; (ii) Annual Meeting requirements; (iii) foreclosure moratoriums; (iv) remote notarizations; (v) member assistance; (vi) fraud awareness; (vii) moneys and credits tax filing deadline extensions (viii) loan deferments; and (ix) limitations of services/branch closures.
NCUA issues summary of CARES Act provisions impacting credit unions
In April, the NCUA issued guidance to federally insured credit unions providing a summary of provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that impact credit unions. Such provisions touch upon the Central Liquidity Facility, insured deposits thresholds, temporary relief from troubled debt restructurings, the Paycheck Protection Program, optional temporary relief from current expected credit losses, credit protection during Covid-19, and foreclosures of certain mortgages.
NCUA provides guidance regarding Small Business Administration loan programs
In April, the NCUA issued guidance to federally insured credit unions regarding the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) loan programs to help small businesses. The guidance provides an overview of the Paycheck Protection Program, including eligibility criteria for both lenders and borrowers, loan terms, loan forgiveness, and lender compensation. The guidance provides that the NCUA will not criticize credit unions’ good faith efforts to prudently use the SBA programs with members affected by Covid-19.
Ohio regulator provides guidance for credit unions
On April 8, the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Financial Institutions issued updated guidance for credit union operations during Covid-19. Among other things, the guidance addresses accommodations for annual and board meetings, branch closures, filing deadlines for call reports, liquidity challenges, and conducting supervisory examinations.
Washington regulator urges credit unions to work with troubled borrowers
On April 6, the Washington Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Credit Unions issued guidance urging credit unions to assist borrowers with reduced ability to repay their debt obligations, including waiving fees, increasing credit card limits for creditworthy borrowers, restructuring commercial loans, offering payment and loan modifications, ensuring continuation of mortgage servicing, and refraining from reporting late payments to credit reporting agencies. The Division emphasized that it would not criticize credit union’s efforts to accommodate members in a safe and sound manner, even if this reduces capital and earnings.
Massachusetts regulator suspends lending limits for PPP loans
On April 6, the Massachusetts Division of Banks issued guidance to state-chartered banks and credit unions indicating that it will not make adverse regulatory findings or take enforcement action if a loan made under the Small Business Administration’s Payment Protection Program (PPP) causes the institution to violate legal limits on loans to one borrower or the institution’s internal policy. The division also encouraged institutions to work collaboratively to meet demand for PPP loans, such as instituting referral systems.
Iowa Division of Credit Unions issues regulatory bulletin on the Paycheck Protection Program
On April 3, the Iowa Division of Credit Unions issued a regulatory advisory bulletin pertaining to small business lending during the Covid-19 crisis. The bulletin provides details on the new Paycheck Protection Program offered through the Small Business Administration as part of the broader CARES Act. The guidelines provide application details for credit unions seeking to participate in the PPP, and specify that SBA-approved 7(a) lenders already qualify to issue PPP loans. The regulatory changes apply only PPP loans, and do not impact or otherwise change traditional 7(a) loans.
Maryland issues executive order suspending repossessions, foreclosures, and evictions, and providing relief to commercial banks and credit unions
On April 3, the Maryland governor issued an executive order prohibiting repossessions of an automobile, truck, or chattel home by a creditor, suspending the initiation of residential foreclosures, and prohibiting residential and commercial evictions. The order also allows the Commissioner of Financial Regulation to, upon the request of a state-chartered or credit union, suspend provisions of the Maryland Code to allow such institutions to exceed statutory lending limits if the commissioner determines that doing so would not reasonably be expected to impair the safety or soundness of the institution.
Texas Joint Financial Regulators issue HELOC guidance
The State of Texas Joint Financial Regulatory Agencies issued guidance pertaining to HELOCs as part of the state’s broader Covid-19 emergency measures pursuant to the governor’s declaration of a state of disaster for Texas on March 13. The agencies’ statement anticipates that lenders may adjust or extend terms on HELOCs and offer new loans during the crisis period, but also clarified that all such modifications and newly-issued loans must comply with Article XVI, Section 50 of the Texas Constitution. The guidance confirmed that modifications that lower the interest rate or amount of installment payments, but that do not satisfy or replace the original note, advance new funds, or increase obligations created by the original note, would not be a new extension of credit under Section 50(a)(6) of the constitution. The State of Texas Joint Financial Regulatory Agencies is comprised of the Texas Department of Banking, Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner, and Texas Credit Union Department.
Montana Department of Administration provides relief to banks and credit unions regarding annual meetings
On April 2, the Montana Department of Administration adopted a temporary emergency rule regarding annual meetings held by banks and credit unions during the Covid-19 pandemic. The rule permits a bank or credit union to hold its annual meeting in the form of a virtual meeting during the Covid-19 pandemic. Such virtual meeting must be live, allow electronic or telephonic participation in the meeting in real-time, and provide simultaneous audio transmission of the meeting.