Conversion to the bank charter is one choice. It sidesteps future NCUSIF assessment. Conversion preserves member capital and independence. Members will gain other benefits, which remain off limits to credit unions, from the larger FDIC insurance fund. The expanded powers attendant to the banking charter will also allow institutions to better serve their members and the community. Most importantly, as we have long advocated, the bank charter carries with it access to outside capital markets. Today, retained earnings alone won't sustain even the most conservative business plans or support the current level of assets and the declared missions of many credit unions.