2011-10-28 | I-11-04The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions issued Interpretive Letter I-11-04 to address whether state-chartered credit unions may provide life insurance to board members. The regulator confirms that the Washington State Credit Union Act does not prohibit such coverage provided it is generally available to employees. This permission is conditional on the coverage being reasonable, identical to employee offerings, and ceasing immediately upon the member leaving office.
State of Washington DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS DIVISION OF CREDIT UNIONS P.O. Box 41200 Olympia, Washington 98504-1200 Courier Address: 150 Israel Rd. SW Tumwater, WA 98501-6456 Telephone (360) 902-8701 TDD (360) 664-8126 (800) 372-8303 FAX (877) 330-6870 http://www.dfi.wa.gov October 28, 2011 ”A” RE: Board Member Life Insurance DCU Interpretive Letter I-11-04 Delivered by Email Dear ”A”: Issue You inquired if a Washington state chartered credit union (WSCCU) may provide life insurance to its board members, which is available to the credit union’s employees generally. Analysis The Washington State Credit Union Act does not prohibit a credit union’s directors or committee members from receiving insurance coverage or incidental services, available to the credit union’s employees generally. RCW 31.12.365 (1)(b) Conclusion Therefore, we do not object to a WSCCU purchasing life insurance for its board members or committee members with the following conditions: