Historically, credit unions were preceded by widespread development of credit cooperation in many countries of Europe and America. Today in the UK there are about 700 credit unions with assets exceeding 200 million pounds. First Credit Union was savings unprofitable institution, or rather credit cooperative, providing services to its members. Is necessary that all shareholders of the credit union were members of a single community, would know each other well enough to enjoy mutual trust. 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. Contributions from of shareholders in credit unions in no way can be considered as borrowed funds, they come from the shareholders and for the shareholders and can not be used to provide services to third parties. In the UK, credit unions are a source of financing of people groups. This tool is not widely used. Worldwide credit union movement is represented by regional confederations and national organizations within the World Council of Credit Unions.