NCUA proposes 20.6% decrease in 2026 budget

The NCUA posted a proposed 2026-2027 budget on its website for review and comment. The proposed combined 2026 budget, drafted by staff, is $313.8 million. That’s a 20.6% decrease from the 2025 budget. According to the NCUA, it will issue a notice about a public hearing on the budget on a future date.

Three main drivers contribute to the reduction in proposed 2026 budget levels:

• 23% percent reduction to NCUA staffing levels;
• 34.1% reduction to contracted services budgets, and
• 13.4% reduction in budgets for employee travel.

“Credit unions have long been concerned about year-after-year budget increases at the NCUA, without any clear justification. A 20% reduction in the proposed 2026 budget is significant, and America's Credit Unions appreciates the NCUA for considering ways it can operate more efficiently. While most of the reduction correlates to reduced staffing and travel, we will continue to monitor the impacts on credit union supervision to ensure safety, soundness, and efficiency remain high,” said Curt Long, America's Credit Unions chief economist.

The NCUA’s 2026–2027 staff draft budget justification includes three separate budgets. The proposed operating budget is $292.4 million. The proposed 2026 capital budget is $18.1 million, which includes $10 million for implementation of the NCUA’s reorganization plan for 2026 along with investment in systems to increase efficiency and meet other administration priorities. The proposed Share Insurance Fund administrative budget is $3.3 million.

The proposed budget summary and detailed budget justifications can be found on the Budget and Supplementary Materials page on NCUA’s website.

Comments are due to the agency by Oct. 24, and the agency states comments “should provide specific, actionable recommendations related to NCUA’s staff draft budget.” America’s Credit Unions will provide comments on the draft budget.