Today in the UK there are about 700 credit unions with assets exceeding 200 million pounds. Like the credit cooperatives, credit unions form associations of a higher level, which are called corporate credit unions. First Credit Union was savings unprofitable institution, or rather credit cooperative, providing services to its members. First central bank of credit unions appeared in 1876. Credit unions began to appear rapidly in many European countries. As of the January 1, 2012 the national associations and confederations unite more than 196 million members participating in the 51,013 credit unions in 100 countries. The main activities of credit unions, aimed at the organization of mutual aid and social support of citizens is not intended to profit.