WASHINGTON—The Defense Credit Union Council on Monday convened its third industry-wide meeting of credit union leaders this year, continuing an effort to align the movement around shared advocacy priorities as it prepares for the 2026 policy cycle.
Nearly 40 credit union leaders, trade-group executives, and system partners participated in the latest call, which DCUC leaders said was designed to move beyond rhetoric about unity and toward sustained coordination on legislative and regulatory strategy.
“This was a very productive meeting,” DCUC President/CEO Tony Hernandez told CUToday.info following the meeting. “Industry leaders from the various national trade associations and leagues had the opportunity to put their concerns and priorities on the table, and we heard from a wide range of voices.”
Hernandez said the discussion reinforced both the urgency of collaboration and the cost of fragmentation, noting disappointment that more industry leaders did not participate.
“When we talk about unity, this was an easy opportunity to show up and engage,” he said. “Leaders are expected to make time to demonstrate unity. That said, the spirit and willingness to work together by those in attendance was very encouraging. When industry leaders unite around a common purpose, good things happen—and that’s what our members expect from their leaders.”
Small Credit Unions, Regulatory Relief Front And Center
Among the voices included in Monday’s meeting was the Endangered Small Credit Union Defense, which Hernandez said was intentionally brought into the conversation to ensure smaller institutions are not overshadowed.
“One thing we heard clearly is that regulatory relief is paramount for small credit unions that are fighting every day just to keep their doors open,” Hernandez said. “Interestingly, taxation was not at the top of their list—but that reflects the reality they’re living every day.”
Hernandez said the broader industry can accommodate many of those concerns if it works collectively, arguing that early, tangible wins will help build momentum across the movement.
“When you start delivering results, people get energized,” he said. “That’s how you build trust and move on to bigger gains.”
Shared Threats—And Going On Offense
Participants also discussed a familiar set of external pressures, including banker attacks over taxation, mergers and acquisitions, and high-profile branding such as stadium naming rights. But Hernandez said the meeting also explored ways for credit unions to shift from defense to offense.
Those ideas included expanding member business lending, pursuing field-of-membership reforms, revisiting the Central Liquidity Facility, and restoring the CDFI Fund.
Complicating those efforts, Hernandez said, are what he described as “muddy” factors ahead: looming midterm elections, a potential government shutdown early next year, uncertainty around the NCUA’s interest-rate cap authority, and unanswered questions about future NCUA board nominations.
“All of that affects how and when we can move forward,” he said. “That’s why these meetings are becoming more important, not less.”
Quarterly Cadence Ahead
Looking forward, Hernandez said DCUC plans to formalize the effort in 2026 by hosting industry-wide meetings on a quarterly basis.
“If we’re serious about unity, this is how we achieve it,” he said. “It’s one hour a quarter. From there, leaders can go back to their organizations, develop action plans, and stay aligned on message and strategy.”
DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak said the meetings are also creating a safe space for organizations to surface disagreements early and coordinate advocacy before proposals reach Capitol Hill.
“One of the most important outcomes is being able to share advocacy priorities and legislation in advance, so concerns can be addressed and we can work together,” Stverak said. “When we’re doing the blocking and tackling on Capitol Hill, it’s critical that we’re rowing in the same direction.”
The trade group said additional meetings are planned early next year as DCUC and the industry begin rolling out 2026 advocacy agendas amid what leaders expect will be an increasingly volatile political and regulatory environment.