As 2025 winds down, credit unions across the country are shifting gears, wrapping up annual reports, planning strategic goals and budgets, and yes…preparing for audit season. Amid the year-end hustle, it’s easy to forget one powerful truth: the actions you take now will shape how successful and streamlined your compliance experience will be in 2026.
At Comply-YES!, we work with credit unions every day to get ahead of regulatory changes, reduce audit stress, and simplify complex compliance processes. And we’re here to remind you: setting up your credit union for success isn’t about scrambling at the last minute. It’s about planting seeds now that you’ll be glad you did come spring.
Here’s how to do just that.
You know the drill: the more technology changes, the more risk you can incur.
Before you head into 2026, review your IT compliance. Are your vendor management systems aligned with regulatory expectations? Have you performed a recent information security review? What about your protocols for handling member data? Do you have business continuity and incident response plans in place?
We provide in-depth tech compliance subscriptions that go beyond cybersecurity buzzwords. Let’s dig into your systems together and make sure they’re working for your credit union, not against it – setting you up for success.
Yes, we said it. The best way to reduce audit stress is to start before the new year begins.
Run through your internal compliance audit checklist early. Think about what your examiner will be looking for, from documentation to policy updates, and begin gathering your materials now. At Comply-YES!, we specialize in audit and review services that go beyond checkboxes. We help you catch potential issues before your examiners do. If you haven’t already scheduled a mock audit or audit prep review, now’s a great time.
Your risk assessment is a living document, and it shouldn’t gather dust. Heading into 2026, your credit union should review risk exposure across areas like cybersecurity, member data, lending practices, and third-party relationships. Regulatory bodies expect credit unions to evaluate their risk posture regularly and adjust controls accordingly.
Need help with this step? We offer stand-alone risk assessments that give you a clear picture of your vulnerabilities and actionable next steps to address them.
Still catching up on the latest from the NCUA, CFPB, or FinCEN? You’re not alone.
In 2025, we saw a wave of regulatory changes, from guidance on overdraft fees to updates in consumer protection. Take time to review what’s changed, and more importantly, how those changes apply to your specific operations.
Our educational webinars and industry reports break down the latest rules, proposals, and priorities, so your team isn’t left guessing.
Compliance training is more than just a requirement: it’s your frontline defense.
As you wrap up the year, evaluate whether your staff and board trainings are up to date. Do your frontline staff understand red flags for financial exploitation? Are your board members trained on BSA requirements? If there are gaps, now’s the time to schedule sessions for early 2026.
Comply-YES! offers customized training tailored to your team’s needs, from BSA to FCRA to risk-based thinking. We make the complex understandable…dare we say, even enjoyable?
If an NCUA or state exam is coming up in 2026, you don’t want to be caught off guard.
Start preparing now by revisiting your last exam’s findings, reviewing internal controls, and identifying any lingering gaps. Our team can help you build a smart, tailored roadmap for exam readiness that leaves no stone unturned.
Compliance isn’t just internal, it’s public, too.
Now is a great time to assess the clarity, accuracy, and transparency of your communications with members. From disclosures to privacy notices to website messaging—make sure your outward-facing materials reflect your credit union’s commitment to trust and compliance.
We get it: compliance can feel like a full-time job. That’s why we’ve built our team at Comply-YES! to feel like an extension of yours. Whether you need targeted consulting, audit support, or ongoing guidance, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve, and ready for whatever 2026 brings.
So don’t wait until Q1 to start thinking about your compliance strategy. Reach out to us now, and we’ll help you wrap up the year strong, and set the stage for a smooth and successful year ahead.
Talk to our team today to set up:
