A new year brings a fresh start, and for credit unions, it’s also a chance to reset priorities, fine-tune processes, and think strategically about what’s ahead. As calendars turn and planning meetings pick back up, there’s one question worth asking early: What’s your compliance resolution for the year ahead?
Maybe it’s building a more proactive audit plan. Maybe it’s getting ahead of IT and information security reviews instead of reacting to them. Or maybe it’s simply finding ways to make compliance feel more manageable, more organized, and less stressful for your team.
Whatever your answer, January is the perfect time to set the tone, and we’re here to help.
If you’re mapping out goals for the year, compliance deserves a seat at the table early. The strongest programs aren’t built in a rush; they’re built with intention, clarity, and the right support.
Here are a few key topics we’re hearing more credit unions talk about as the year begins—along with some compliance “resolutions” you might want to adopt:
1. Making Audit Prep Less Stressful
Your Resolution: Build audit-readiness into your monthly workflow.
More credit unions are ditching the once-a-year panic and instead embracing a steady rhythm of review throughout the year. That might mean carving out time each quarter to review documentation, schedule internal reviews, or meet with external partners, like the Comply-YES! team to review previous findings before exam season begins.
Why it matters: Proactive planning helps avoid surprises and keeps your team focused on what matters most: serving members. And the bonus? Your examiners will notice the difference, too.
2. Getting Ahead on IT and Information Security
Your Resolution: Lock in your tech audits now, not later.
Cybersecurity is a year-round priority, not a box to check when it’s convenient. And with the increasing complexity of technology standards and risk expectations from the NCUA, you need to know where you stand. Whether you’re using the FFIEC, ACET or NIST framework, booking your IT/IS review early sets the tone for a strong year. Comply-YES! makes it easy to get high-quality, low-cost assessments scheduled before your calendar fills up.
Why it matters: Tech risk doesn’t wait for your budget cycle. Laying the groundwork now protects your credit union and supports long-term strategy.
3. Leaning on Trusted Partners
Your Resolution: Delegate strategically to stay focused on your core mission.
You don’t have to go it alone, and you shouldn’t. We’ve seen time and again how credit unions that engage with experienced compliance partners free up internal bandwidth, reduce risk, and actually get more done. Whether it’s through one-time audits or ongoing support, the right partnership can turn compliance from a burden into a true strength.
Why it matters: Burnout is real, and compliance demands are only growing. Surround yourself with experts who’ve got your back, and help your team reduce risk, free up internal resources for faster project completion and optimize operational efficiency.
4. Reassessing Your Compliance Roadmap
Your Resolution: Update your annual compliance plan to reflect today’s risks, not last year’s.
Your risk environment is changing. Whether it’s regulatory shifts, membership growth, or new digital products, your compliance roadmap should reflect the reality of today, not the priorities of last year. Taking the time to reassess your plan now helps you avoid reactive scrambling down the line.
Why it matters: A strong compliance program is a living, breathing strategy, not a static checklist. Start the year with a plan that actually fits where your credit union is now.
Our Resolution: Keep Saying YES
As we enter the next chapter, our resolution at Comply-YES! is simple, and it hasn’t changed since day one.
We’re committed to saying YES:
We know compliance is complex and can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to educate credit unions, give them access to tools and resources, and provide expert recommendations so they can move forward with confidence.
So we’ll ask again: what’s your compliance resolution this year?
When you’re ready, we’re here to help you make it happen!
As we look ahead, we’re also taking a moment to celebrate something close to our hearts: Comply-YES! is officially celebrating five years.
When we started in 2021, Comply-YES! was a small but mighty idea, with two staff members, 18 Allies, and credit unions in just three states who believed there was a better way to approach compliance.
Fast forward to today, and we’re proud of how far this community has grown:
But growth hasn’t just been about numbers. It’s been about relationships, trust, and showing up consistently for credit unions navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment. From audit and review services to training, IT/IS support, and everyday compliance questions, we’ve grown right alongside the credit unions we serve.
From our team to yours, thank you for being part of what we do here every day to serve credit unions across the country. Here’s to the next five years and beyond!
