Historically, credit unions were preceded by widespread development of credit cooperation in many countries of Europe and America. In the case of default the shareholder - individual will respond with its property and, in addition, is jointly and severally liable with the credit union's commitments. Credit unions, like today's credit unions, emerged in the 19th century in Germany as a result of crop failure and famine. The right to use the services of the credit union have only its members. Unlike banks credit unions limit their activities to a closed circle of people.