Today in the UK there are about 700 credit unions with assets exceeding 200 million pounds. Credit union is created by a group of members who pursue a common interest. Agreeing to make regular contributions, they create a fund from which can borrow money for investments and replenishment of working capital at favorable interest rates. When organizing the credit union it is important that people know each other and know the extent to which each of them is trustworthy. First central bank of credit unions appeared in 1876. Credit unions began to appear rapidly in many European countries. Credit unions of the open type are still controlled by their members, but at the same time provide services to people who are not its members (external customers). Credit unions appeared in England in the 19th century. In 1844 a group of workers from Rochdale established the first cooperative. 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 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.
When organizing the credit union it is important that people know each other and know the extent to which each of them is trustworthy. First central bank of credit unions appeared in 1876. Credit unions began to appear rapidly in many European countries. Credit union is created by a group of members who pursue a common interest. Agreeing to make regular contributions, they create a fund from which can borrow money for investments and replenishment of working capital at favorable interest rates.