COLUMBIA, Md.–An executive order issued by President Trump earlier this year that exerts White House control over independent agencies such as NCUA is making for a lot of uncertainty, according to one league president.

In an interview with the Maryland Daily Record, John Bratsakis, CEO of the Maryland and DC Credit Union Association, said the “Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies” executive order could have an affect on how regulatory agencies enforce rules and regulations. 

As the CU Daily reported earlier, Trump’s he order clarifies that all federal agencies must adhere to presidential supervision and affirms the president, through the attorney general, as the final arbiter of legal interpretations of federal statutes. 

“It is difficult to predict the impact this will have,” Bratsakis told the publication. “Given that independent regulators have helped with consistency and enforcement, we have known what to expect as a regulated industry.”

Other Questions Raised

The Maryland Daily Record also noted the  executive order also raises questions about agencies’ autonomy and independence. 

“I think the attorney general’s legal interpretations will override the NCUA’s, which will impact their ability to enforce consumer protection laws and compliance requirements, which could add another layer to that process,” Bratsakis told the Daily Record…“It could lead to longer timelines for enforcement, delays to implementation, and the interpretation of rules … as it goes through the process.”

Bratsakis further told the publication that while no regulatory changes have materialized, MDDCUA is closely monitoring developments.