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Texas regulator urges credit unions to meet member needs
On April 1, the Texas Credit Union Department issued an informational memorandum encouraging state-chartered credit unions to consider taking steps to assist members adversely impacted by Covid-19. Among other considerations, the department urged credit unions to waive fees, increase cash withdrawal limits, waive early withdrawal penalties on time deposits, and allow borrowers to defer or skip some payments, among other things.
NCUA issues off-site exam and supervision letter
In March, the NCUA issued a release expanding its March 16 off-site policy by extending off-site examinations through May 1. In the release, the NCUA outlined its top three priorities during the Covid-19 pandemic, which include: (i) “credit unions experiencing significant financial or operational problems”; (ii) outreach by examiners to all credit unions regarding “the institution’s operational and financial status” during the pandemic; and (iii) the continuation of off-site examinations. The NCUA added that “[i]f credit unions are occupied with addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their operations, employees, and members, they should not be required to address an offsite examination request unless it is a serious or time-sensitive matter.”
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services defines certain operations as essential
On March 30, Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox issued a bulletin clarifying that certain financial services are considered essential businesses and operations. The following financial businesses are deemed essential: (i) banks, credit unions, and consumer finance providers, such as mortgage companies, consumer installment lenders, payday lenders, etc.; (ii) bond issuers; and (iii) title companies, inspectors, appraisers, surveyors, registers of deeds, and notaries. The bulletin clarified the scope of an executive order signed by Governor Whitmer on March 23, which in part, called for residents to stay in their homes and limited in-person exceptions to essential activities (previously discussed here).
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issues guidance to credit unions
On March 30, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Department) issued a notice to credit unions providing that credit unions may submit a request to postpone the credit union’s 2020 annual meeting to the Department’s Credit Union Section. In addition, the guidance requires credit unions to submit a waiver request to hold annual membership meetings in a month other than January, February, and March.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issues questions and answers to credit unions regarding Covid-19
On March 30, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Department) issued questions and answers to credit unions related to Covid-19 safety concerns. The guidance provides responses to questions regarding, among other things, receiving extensions for annual meetings, holding annual meetings by teleconference or other communications equipment, whether prior approval from the Department is required to close branches or lobbies, and whether the Department needs to approve any concessions, such as payroll interruption loans, extension, or deferments.
Illinois Department of Financial Regulation issues guidance to Illinois banks and credit unions
On March 30, the Illinois Department of Financial Regulation, Division of Banking and Division of Financial Institutions, issued guidance to Illinois banks and credit unions regarding support for consumers and businesses impacted by Covid-19. Illinois banks and credit unions are encouraged to use their capital and liquidity buffers as they respond to financial challenges resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, such as to lend and undertake other supportive actions in a safe and sound manner. Illinois banks and credit unions also are encouraged to: (i) provide affected borrowers with payment accommodations to work through short-term setbacks; (ii) respond to borrowers from industry sectors particularly vulnerable to the volatility of the current economic environment; and (iii) work with small businesses, hourly workers, and independent contractors that have less financial flexibility to weather the economic decline.
The guidance further encourages Illinois banks and credit unions to assist affected borrowers by, among other things, waiving certain fees (e.g., ATM fees, overdraft fees, late fees), increasing ATM daily cash withdrawal limits, increasing credit card limits for creditworthy borrowers, and providing new loans on favorable terms. Prudent efforts to help consumers and businesses will not be subject to examiner criticism.
New Jersey regulator announces residential mortgage relief initiative
On March 28, the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance announced that it is working with more than 40 banks, credit unions and servicers to provide relief to New Jersey homeowners. Under the new initiative, residents of New Jersey impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic may be eligible for a 90-day forbearance from mortgage payments and relief from fees and charges upon contacting their financial institutions. Cooperating institutions have also agreed not to start any foreclosure sales or evictions for 60 days.
Minnesota Department of Commerce designates banks and credit unions as critical sectors
On March 26, the Minnesota Department of Commerce clarified that banks, credit unions, and other financial services entities within the state are designated as critical sectors and will remain open during the Covid-19 crisis. Kelly’s remarks followed an executive order from Governor Tim Walz, which officially labeled financial services entities as critical sectors.
Idaho issues stay at home order
On March 25, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare issued an Order to Self-Isolate for all individuals living in Idaho except for those providing or receiving certain services or activities or engaged in essential businesses. Banks, credit unions, and financial institutions, including processing and maintaining systems for processing financial transactions and services are deemed essential business. Idaho also has published a List of Essential Services.
Kentucky governor orders closing of all non-life-sustaining businesses
On March 25, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued an executive order mandating that only “life-sustaining businesses” may remain open and encouraged citizens to remain “healthy at home.” The list of life-sustaining businesses includes banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, payday lenders, check cashers, money transmitters, and securities institutions.