Historically, credit unions were preceded by widespread development of credit cooperation in many countries of Europe and America. National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) - an independent federal agency, based in Washington (State of Columbia), established by the U.S. Congress to oversee the federal credit union system. The main activities of credit unions, aimed at the organization of mutual aid and social support of citizens is not intended to profit. In some cases, the initiators of credit unions can be trade unions, associations such as social support centers and others.