The heightened focus on governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, and internal audit coupled with the need for innovative digital solutions means that credit unions must adapt quickly or risk falling behind. The impact of these challenges can be profound, affecting not only operational efficiency and resiliency, but also member satisfaction and financial health.
MNP’s Enterprise Risk Services help credit unions navigate these complexities, ensuring they meet regulatory expectations while also providing exceptional service to their members.
What’s your challenge?
Regulatory and stakeholder demands
Navigating increased scrutiny and stringent regulations while meeting stakeholder expectations can present difficulties for credit unions, especially if not properly managed.
Addressing internal threats
Identifying and mitigating risks from internal threats, such as employee misconduct or fraud, that could jeopardize your operations and data security.
Technology risks and investments
Credit unions face difficulties in deciding how to invest in technology, handle security and privacy concerns, and prepare for potential system failures. Credit unions are also on a journey of digital transformation as they contemplate the impacts of AI across internal and member-facing platforms.
Socioeconomic factors
Managing the impact of socioeconomic changes, such as economic downturns or demographic shifts, on your credit union’s financial resiliency, capital adequacy, and operations.
Key climate risk factors impacting credit unions
Physical risks
These stem from direct damages caused by climate-related events such as:
- Floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes: These events threaten credit union assets, especially real estate and mortgage portfolios.
- Geographic vulnerability: Credit unions in coastal and disaster-prone regions are disproportionately exposed.
Transition risks
These arise from the shift to a low-carbon economy and include:
- Regulatory changes: New climate-related disclosure and governance requirements.
- Technological shifts: Adoption of green technologies may render some assets of industries obsolete.
- Reputational and legal risks: Institutions failing to act on climate change risks may face reputational damage or litigation.
How we can help
Risk management
Implement strong corporate governance and an integrated risk management approach to ensure transparency, vigilance, and accountability, helping you navigate challenges and achieve your objectives.
Internal audit and governance
We assist with the implementation of robust internal controls and governance practices to ensure transparency, safeguard assets against internal threats, and comply with regulations.
Technology risk management
We can support you with technology investment decisions, implementing robust security measures, and preparing for potential system failures to secure your technology assets with legacy and emerging AI platforms.
Business resilience strategies
We help credit unions prepare for and manage disruptions and crises to minimize financial, reputational, and operational impacts.
Frequently asked questions
By regularly updating audit methodologies and tools, strengthening risk assessment processes, and investing in staff training. Additionally, fostering a risk-aware culture, implementing continuous auditing techniques, and improving collaboration with other departments can significantly boost audit effectiveness.
Key risks can be identified through risk assessments, internal audits, and by analyzing industry trends. Engaging stakeholders across the organization also helps in recognizing potential risks.
Internal threats can include employee misconduct, fraud, or errors that could jeopardize your operations and data security. Establishing policies and controls to minimize these risks will protect your organization from potential harm.
Develop contingency plans and risk management strategies to navigate economic fluctuations and socioeconomic shifts. By understanding potential impacts and preparing responses, your credit union can maintain stability and adapt to changing conditions effectively.
Managing technology risks includes addressing cybersecurity threats and preparing for system failures. Effective risk management involves implementing robust controls, preparing for potential disruptions, and ensuring that your technology investments are secure and well-managed.
Preparing for shifting regulations and external threats requires staying informed about industry changes and adapting strategies accordingly. Proactive risk management and regular updates to your policies will help your credit union remain resilient and adaptable.
It’s important to perform thorough due diligence and ongoing assessments of third-party vendors. This includes evaluating their risk management practices, conducting regular audits, and ensuring that they meet your credit union’s security and compliance standards.
Effectiveness can be assessed through regular audits, risk assessments, and performance metrics. Comparing your practices against industry standards and benchmarks can also provide insights into areas for improvement and effectiveness.
Many of our credit union clients use MNP for multiple services. Independence guidelines and requirements through CPA Rules of Professional Conduct provide guidance on what additional services MNP can provide to support clients we work with in an external audit capacity. With appropriate safeguards in place, there are situations where MNP can support with both internal and external audit needs. However, the specific details would need to be discussed and analyzed by our team.