NCUA Advances Deregulation Efforts with Tenth Round Proposal

Posted by Erin Hall on April 21, 2026

The NCUA’s ongoing Deregulation Project continues to advance, with the agency announcing its tenth round of proposed regulatory changes. This round represents another step in NCUA’s broader effort to modernize regulations and reduce unnecessary burden on credit unions.

Consistent with prior proposals, this round reflects a clear theme: eliminating outdated or overly prescriptive requirements while preserving core safety and soundness expectations. Notably, the proposal includes removal of the newspaper publication requirement, a change GoWest has previously advocated for as declining newspaper distribution and readership makes digital posting a more effective and practical way to communicate with members:

Bank Conversions and Mergers – Merger of Insured Credit Unions into Banks – 12 CFR 12 CFR 708 A Subpart C

Change 1: Eliminate the definition of “clear and conspicuous” in 12 CFR 708a.301.
Impact on credit unions: Removing this definition would give credit unions the flexibility to design disclosures that are clear and effective for their members.

Change 2: Revise the newspaper publication requirement in 12 CFR 708a.303(b)(1).
Impact on credit unions: This proposal would eliminate an outdated and potentially costly requirement, making pre‑board‑vote notices more accessible by allowing members to find the information directly on the credit union’s website homepage.

Change 3: Revise due diligence reporting requirements in 12 CFR 708a.304(d).
Impact on credit unions: The change would streamline reporting by focusing on the substance and outcome of the board’s decision‑making process.

Change 4: Remove highly prescriptive formatting requirements in 12 CFR 708a.305(e)(2).
Impact on credit unions: Eliminating these formatting mandates would reduce administrative burden.

Change 5: Remove plain‑language determining factors in 12 CFR 708a.305(f).
Impact on credit unions: This proposal simplifies compliance and provides greater flexibility in member communications related to mergers.

Change 6: Remove “voting guidelines” from 12 CFR 708a.312.
Impact on credit unions: Removing this guidance from regulation would reduce confusion about what is required versus what is advisory.

Background: NCUA Deregulation Project

In 2025, the National Credit Union Administration launched the Deregulation Project, a comprehensive initiative to review and revise existing regulations. The effort focuses on rules that are outdated, duplicative of statute, intended as guidance rather than enforceable requirements, or unnecessarily burdensome.

Overall, the Deregulation Project signals a shift toward less prescriptive and more flexible rulemaking. If finalized, these changes would provide meaningful regulatory relief by eliminating examination expectations that do not meaningfully contribute to safety and soundness.

How We Are Engaging

GoWest is prioritizing advocacy efforts that promote a regulatory framework that is transparent, predictable, and aligned with statute. These early deregulatory actions reflect meaningful progress, and we will continue building on this momentum in 2026.

Find more information and details on the proposed deregulations here.

Posted in Advocacy on the Move, Regulatory Advocacy.