The essentiality of growth and diversification continues to drive credit unions at the federal and state levels to examining whether they are maximizing their field of membership opportunities. 

 

The rules have changed at the federal and state levels.  In particular, the recent updates to the NCUA field of membership rules that were upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2020 are now being implemented.  Many states under their parity laws are following suit with some going even further in creating FOM options.  The new rules have great options to consider for community chartered, as well as multiple common bond SEG-based, credit unions.  But the specifications of what qualifies and what does not for expanding a credit union’s field of membership is a specialty that requires expertise of what the regulators expect when a FOM expansion application comes before them.

 

Dollar Associates has been involved with over 500 credit unions, federal and state, since its inception in 2004 as they have expanded their fields of membership with community charters, underserved areas, SEG expansions, associational SEGs and Trade, Industry of Profession (TIP) charters.  No one knows the lay of the land on FOM better.  We recognize that every credit union’s options and strategic growth needs are different.  It is our commitment to strategically work with your credit union to examine in-depth the art of the possible, assess the options and determine the best course of action for growing your membership through a FOM expansion.  Then, we can work with you day by day and step by step to help you see that strategic need met and goal achieved.