The difference between credit unions and banks is clearly is apparent when comparing the structure of assets and liabilities of credit unions and banks. National Credit Union Insurance Fund was created by Congress in 1970 to insure deposits of credit union members in the amount of 100 thousand dollars. Over 30% of the assets of credit unions are investments in government securities, certificates of deposit of banks and savings loan associations, as well as in the parent credit unions, and other risk-free investments. Credit unions, like today's credit unions, emerged in the 19th century in Germany as a result of crop failure and famine. A potential new member of a credit union must submit a recommendation of shareholders in which the referee becomes a warrant of a future member of the credit union.