More Problem CUs, But Fewer Assets and Deposits in Problem CUs as of March 2018

The number of problem credit unions edged higher during the first quarter of 2018, according to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

At the end of the first quarter of 2018, there were 200 problem credit unions. In comparison, there were 196 problem credit unions at the end of 2017.

A problem credit union has a composite CAMEL rating of 4 or 5.

Total assets and shares (deposits) in problem credit unions fell during the first quarter. Assets in problem credit unions were $9.2 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2018 -- down from $9.6 billion at the end of 2017. Shares in problem credit unions decreased to 8.3 billion as of March 31, 2018 from $8.7 billion as of December 31, 2017.

NCUA reported that 90 percent of problem credit unions have less than $100 million in assets, while 1.5 percent have more than $500 million in assets.

At the end of the first quarter, 0.76 percent of total insured shares were in problem credit unions. At the end of 2017, 0.80 percent of total insured shares were in problem credit unions.

NCUA reported that reserves for the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) increased from $925.5 million at the end of 2017 to $935.8 million at the end of the first quarter 2018.