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. Most modern credit unions represent specialized consumer cooperatives of citizens associated by the principle of social community: place of work, place of residence, profession, or any other shared interest. First Credit Union was savings unprofitable institution, or rather credit cooperative, providing services to its members. In some cases, the initiators of credit unions can be trade unions, associations such as social support centers and others. Today, the World Council of Credit Unions is represented as members four regional confederations and twelve national associations.