In the U.S., credit unions have a clear organizational structure. All credit unions belong to one or the other parent credit union (there are 35 of them in the U.S.). Like any financial institution, credit unions have the financial resources. 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. Like the credit cooperatives, credit unions form associations of a higher level, which are called corporate credit unions. Since the early 80's started the process of consolidation of credit unions, leading to a decrease in their number with a simultaneous increase in the total number of members. The main activities of credit unions, aimed at the organization of mutual aid and social support of citizens is not intended to profit. The relationship between credit unions and shareholders arise from the membership and are not customer relationship. The right to use the services of the credit union have only its members. Corporate alliances are intermediaries between credit unions and financial markets.