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. Specialization of credit unions to provide financial services to its shareholders requires a particularly strict regulation of membership and acceptable activities. 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. To reduce the risk of default on loans members of the credit union shall the joint guarantee. The supreme body of the World Council of Credit Unions is the Assembly, which elects the president and the board of directors of WOCCU. Credit unions encourage the proper use of shareholders savings, developing social programs (education, health, recreation, housing, etc.).