Chapter 186

186.113 Annotation Under sub. (7), a credit union is not obliged to secure a sales finance company license to purchase installment contracts of its members, nor is an auto dealer subject to a penalty if it sells such a contract to a credit union. 61 Atty. Gen. 439.

186.114 186.114 Savings promotion prize programs.

186.114(1) (1) In this section:

186.114(1)(a) (a) “Member” means any person holding an account authorized under s. 186.113.

186.114(1)(b) (b) “Nonqualifying account” means a deposit account that is not a qualifying account.

186.114(1)(c) (c) “Qualifying account” means a deposit account through which a credit union’s members may obtain chances to win prizes in a savings promotion.

186.114(1)(d) (d) “Savings promotion” means a contest or promotion to encourage savings deposits that is sponsored by one or more credit unions, or by a credit union trade association or its subsidiary in conjunction with one or more credit unions, and in which credit union members are offered a chance to win designated prizes.

186.114(2) (2) A credit union may sponsor, or participate in, a savings promotion if all of the following requirements are satisfied:

186.114(2)(a) (a) Credit union members are not required to pay any fee or otherwise provide any consideration in order to enter the savings promotion.

186.114(2)(b) (b) All fees charged by a credit union in connection with a qualifying account are comparable with all fees charged in connection with comparable nonqualifying accounts offered by the credit union.

186.114(2)(c) (c) Each entry in the savings promotion has an equal chance of winning.

186.114(2)(d) (d) Participants in the savings promotion are not required to be present at a prize drawing in order to win.

186.114(3) (3) For purposes of sub. (2) (a), a member’s deposit of at least a specified amount of money for at least a specified time in a qualifying account, which is required in order to enter the savings promotion, is not consideration if the interest rate associated with the qualifying account is not reduced, as compared to comparable nonqualifying accounts offered by the credit union, to account for the possibility of winning a prize.

186.114 History History: 2017 a. 72.

186.115 186.115 Additional credit union authority.

186.115(1) (1) Scope of authority. Subject to any regulatory approval required by law and subject to sub. (2), a credit union directly or through a subsidiary, may undertake any activity, exercise any power or offer any financially related product or service in this state that any other provider of financial products or services may undertake, exercise or provide or that the office of credit unions finds to be financially related.

186.115(2) (2) Rules. The activities, powers, products and services that may be undertaken, exercised or offered by credit unions under sub. (1) are limited to those specified by rule of the office of credit unions. The office of credit unions may direct any credit union to cease any activity, the exercise of any power or the offering of any product or service authorized by rule. Among the factors that the office of credit unions may consider in so directing a credit union are the credit union’s net worth, assets, management rating and liquidity ratio and its ratio of net worth to assets.

186.115(3) (3) Insurance underwriting not authorized. This section does not authorize a credit union, directly or through a subsidiary, to engage in the business of underwriting insurance.

186.115 History History: 1985 a. 325; 1995 a. 27, 151.

186.115 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also DFI-CU, Wis. adm. code.

186.116 186.116 Financially related services tie-ins. In any transaction conducted by a credit union or a subsidiary of a credit union with a customer who is also a customer of any other subsidiary of the credit union, the customer shall be given a notice in 12-point boldface type in substantially the following form:

NOTICE OF RELATIONSHIP

This company, .... (insert name and address of credit union or subsidiary), is related to .... (insert name and address of credit union or subsidiary) of which you are also a customer. You may not be compelled to buy any product or service from either of the above companies or any other related company in order to participate in this transaction.

If you feel that you have been compelled to buy any product or service from either of the above companies or any other related company in order to participate in this transaction, you should contact the management of either of the above companies at either of the above addresses or the office of credit unions at .... (insert address).

186.116 History History: 1985 a. 325; 1995 a. 27, 151.

186.118 186.118 Incidental powers parity with federal credit unions.

186.118(1) (1) In addition to any activity or power authorized under ss. 186.098, 186.11, 186.113, 186.114, 186.115, and 186.235 (21), a credit union organized under s. 186.02 may engage in any activity or exercise any power that is listed by the office of credit unions under sub. (2) (a) or (3) (b) 1.

186.118(2) (2) 

186.118(2)(a) (a) The office of credit unions shall promulgate a rule establishing a list of activities and powers incidental to the business of a credit union that are authorized for federally chartered credit unions as of April 18, 2014.

186.118(2)(b) (b) The office of credit unions shall submit the proposed rule under par. (a) to the legislative reference bureau in an electronic format approved by the legislative reference bureau, and the legislative reference bureau shall publish the proposed rule in the notice section of the Wisconsin administrative register under s. 35.93.

186.118(2)(c) (c) Sections 227.114 (4) and (6), 227.115, 227.135, 227.137, 227.14 (2) (a) 6., (2g), (4), and (4m), 227.15, 227.16, 227.17, 227.18, 227.185, 227.19, and 227.30 do not apply to the office of credit unions in promulgating a rule under par. (a) or to any rule promulgated by the office of credit unions under par. (a). Guidelines prescribed by executive order of the governor do not apply to the office of credit unions in promulgating a rule under par. (a).

186.118(3) (3) 

186.118(3)(a) (a) After April 18, 2014, if any activity or power incidental to the business of a credit union that is not listed under sub. (2) (a) becomes authorized for federally chartered credit unions, within 60 days after the activity or power becomes authorized the office of credit unions shall make a determination as to whether the activity or power should also be authorized for credit unions organized under s. 186.02. In making this determination, the office of credit unions shall consider the degree to which the following apply with respect to the activity or power:

186.118(3)(a)1. 1. It is necessary, convenient, or useful for effectively carrying out the mission or business of a credit union.

186.118(3)(a)2. 2. It is the functional equivalent or logical outgrowth of activities or powers that are part of the mission or business of a credit union.

186.118(3)(a)3. 3. It involves risks similar in nature to those already assumed as part of the business of the credit union and it is not likely to be detrimental to the overall safety and soundness of the credit union.

186.118(3)(b) (b)

186.118(3)(b)1. 1. The office of credit unions shall promulgate a rule adding an activity or power to the list of activities and powers established under sub. (2) (a) if the office of credit unions determines under par. (a) that the activity or power authorized for federally chartered credit unions should also be authorized for credit unions organized under s. 186.02.

186.118(3)(b)2. 2. The office of credit unions shall submit the proposed rule under subd. 1. to the legislative reference bureau in an electronic format approved by the legislative reference bureau, and the legislative reference bureau shall publish the proposed rule in the notice section of the Wisconsin administrative register under s. 35.93.

186.118(3)(b)3. 3. Sections 227.114 (4) and (6), 227.115, 227.135, 227.137, 227.14 (2) (a) 6., (2g), (4), and (4m), 227.15, 227.16, 227.17, 227.18, 227.185, 227.19, and 227.30 do not apply to the office of credit unions in promulgating a rule under subd. 1. or to any rule promulgated by the office of credit unions under subd. 1. Guidelines prescribed by executive order of the governor do not apply to the office of credit unions in promulgating a rule under subd. 1.

186.118(4) (4) The office of credit unions shall publish and maintain on the department of financial institutions’ Internet site the list of activities and powers under sub. (2) (a).

186.118(5) (5) If the office of credit unions promulgates a rule listing an activity or power as provided in sub. (2) (a) or (3) (b) 1., subs. (2) (b) and (c) and (3) (b) 2. and 3. do not apply to any subsequent rule modifying or eliminating the listed activity or power.

186.118 History History: 2013 a. 277; 2017 a. 72; 2023 a. 128.

186.12 186.12 Compensation of officers, operation expenses.

186.12(1) (1) Board members. No member of the board of directors may receive any compensation for services as a member of the board other than reasonable health, accident and similar insurance.

186.12(3) (3) Expenditures. To the extent permitted by a credit union’s bylaws, the officers elected by the board of directors and the members of the credit committee may receive such compensation as the board authorizes, but the expenditures of the credit union for all purposes shall be paid from its earnings.

186.12 History History: 1971 c. 193; 1983 a. 369; 1995 a. 151; 1997 a. 152; 2015 a. 304.

186.13 186.13 Expulsion. If the board of directors adopts a written policy, a credit union may expel a member if the member neglects or refuses to comply with this chapter or the credit union bylaws or if the board has other just cause. The credit union shall provide notice to the member in writing of the reason for expulsion. The notice shall include a description of the member’s right to petition the board for reconsideration of the member’s expulsion and the time period for the member to petition. If a member petitions the board in writing within 45 days of receipt of the expulsion notice, the board shall reconsider the expulsion within 90 days after the date of the expulsion notice.

186.13 History History: 1971 c. 193; 1981 c. 156; 1995 a. 151; 1997 a. 152; 2015 a. 304.

186.14 186.14 Expelled member rights and liabilities. The amounts paid in on shares by members who have withdrawn or have been expelled shall be paid to them, but in the order of withdrawal or expulsion as funds become available and after deducting any amounts due from the members to the credit union. Expulsion or withdrawal shall not relieve a member from any remaining liability to the credit union.

186.14 History History: 1971 c. 193 s. 42 (3); 1995 a. 151.

186.15 186.15 Auditing.

186.15(1) (1) Annual audit. Except as provided in sub. (2), the board of directors shall hire a certified public accountant licensed or certified under ch. 442 or other qualified person to conduct a comprehensive annual audit of the records, accounts and affairs of the credit union.

186.15(2) (2) Audit committee. The board of directors may appoint an auditing committee of one or more capable persons to annually audit the records, accounts and cash of the credit union and to verify member accounts. Verification procedures shall be conducted according to the credit union’s bylaws or the rules of the office of credit unions.

186.15(3) (3) Independent audit. The office of credit unions may order an independent audit at the credit union’s expense if the office of credit unions finds an annual audit to be unsatisfactory.

186.15(4) (4) Audit reports. Audit reports under this section shall be submitted to the board of directors and retained as records of the credit union.

186.15 History History: 1971 c. 193; 1993 a. 482; 1995 a. 151; 2001 a. 16.

186.16 186.16 Dividends.

186.16(1) (1) Board establishes dividends. The board of directors shall establish the dividend period. Dividends shall be considered a normal operating expense of the credit union. Rates of dividends and terms of payment may be established and guaranteed in advance by action of the board of directors. The board of directors may classify its accounts and declare dividends which may be at variable rates.

186.16(2) (2) Maximum set by office of credit unions. The office of credit unions may establish the maximum dividend that a credit union and a corporate central credit union may pay in each classification of its savings.

186.16 History History: 1971 c. 193; 1979 c. 282; 1981 c. 156; 1995 a. 27, 151.

186.16 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. DFI-CU 60, Wis. adm. code.

186.17 186.17 Reserves. A credit union shall maintain sufficient reserves to meet anticipated withdrawals, commitments, and loan demand. A credit union shall maintain at least the level of reserves required for it by the national credit union administration. The office of credit unions may prescribe additional reserve requirements for an individual credit union based on examination findings or other reports available to the office.

186.17 History History: 1971 c. 193; 1975 c. 345; 1995 a. 27, 151; 2003 a. 63; 2015 a. 304.

186.18 186.18 Dissolution. Upon a two-thirds recommendation of the board of directors, the members may vote to dissolve the credit union. If a majority of the total membership vote by ballot, in person or by letter or other written communication in favor of dissolution, and if not more than the greater of 15 members or 10 percent of the total membership, by written notice, vote against dissolution, the credit union shall be dissolved. If both the number of votes in favor of dissolution and the number of votes against dissolution are each less than 25 percent of the total number of members, the board of directors may, with the permission of the office of credit unions, mail to each member at the member’s last-known address a written notice which states that the board’s proposal to dissolve the credit union will be approved or disapproved at a special or annual meeting to be held at the time and place specified in the notice. The credit union shall be dissolved only if a majority of the members present at the meeting vote in favor of the board’s proposal to dissolve the credit union. If the members vote to dissolve the credit union, a committee of 3 shall be elected by the members to liquidate the assets of the credit union. After assets are liquidated and debts paid, members shall be paid a liquidating dividend in proportion to their savings from remaining assets. The committee in charge of liquidation may sell or dispose of the assets in whole or in part at a public or private sale subject to confirmation by the board of directors and the office of credit unions.

186.18 History History: 1971 c. 193; 1981 c. 156; 1995 a. 27, 151.

186.19 186.19 Bonding requirements. A credit union shall maintain the necessary bonds for directors, officers and employees according to any standards prescribed by the national board.

186.19 History History: 1971 c. 193 s. 42 (1); 1971 c. 307; 1993 a. 482; 1995 a. 27; 1995 a. 151 ss. 180, 302; 1997 a. 152.

186.20 186.20 Financial privacy. A credit union shall comply with any applicable requirements under 15 USC 6801 to 6803 and any applicable regulations prescribed under 15 USC 6804.

186.20 History History: 2003 a. 63; 2021 a. 241.

186.21 186.21 Credit unions promoted.

186.21(1) (1) Office to cooperate. It shall be the duty of the office of credit unions to cooperate with every group of people that is interested in the formation of, or in an affiliation with, a credit union in this state. The office of credit unions may do all things reasonably necessary for the discharge of this duty.

186.21(2) (2) Advertising. The office of credit unions shall use advertising that is suitable and effective to acquaint the people of this state with the agencies and organizations dealing with credit unions.

186.21(3) (3) Consultations. The office of credit unions shall offer without charge to any group, either joined in a credit union or considering such an organization, advice and direction on accounting practices and managerial problems.

186.21(4) (4) Materials. The office of credit unions shall provide application forms, model bylaws, and other materials to help in the organization, efficient functioning and expansion of credit unions.

186.21 History History: 1971 c. 193 s. 42 (2); 1995 a. 27, 151; 2001 a. 107.

186.235 186.235 Office of credit unions.

186.235(1) (1) Supervision. A credit union shall be under the control and supervision of the office of credit unions.

186.235(2) (2) Enforcement. The office of credit unions shall enforce this chapter and other laws relating to credit unions.

186.235(3) (3) Full-time duties. The administrator of the office of credit unions shall devote full time to his or her position.

186.235(3m) (3m) Conflicts of interest. No employee of the office of credit unions may serve as a director or officer of a credit union or any other organization that is under the supervision of the office of credit unions.

186.235(4) (4) Bond required. A person who is appointed to or employed by the office of credit unions shall furnish a surety bond in an amount authorized by the office.

186.235(5) (5) Immunity of office of credit unions. The office of credit unions shall not be subject to any civil liability or penalty, or to any criminal prosecution, for any error in judgment or discretion made in good faith and upon reasonable grounds in any action taken or omitted by the office of credit unions in an official capacity.

186.235(7) (7) Disclosure of information.

186.235(7)(a) (a) Employees of the office of credit unions and members of the review board shall keep secret all the facts and information obtained in the course of examinations or contained in any report provided by a credit union other than any semiannual or quarterly financial report that is regularly filed with the office of credit unions. This requirement does not apply in any of the following situations:

186.235(7)(a)1. 1. If the public duty of the person requires that person to report upon or take special action regarding the affairs of any credit union.

186.235(7)(a)2. 2. If the person is called as a witness in any criminal proceeding.

186.235(7)(b) (b) Notwithstanding par. (a) and unless otherwise provided by rule, the office of credit unions may do any of the following:

186.235(7)(b)1. 1. Furnish to the national board a copy of any examination made by the office of credit unions of any credit union or of any report made by the credit union.