In recent decades, many credit unions began to resort to such form of service as Specialization of credit unions to provide financial services to its shareholders requires a particularly strict regulation of membership and acceptable activities. The value of credit unions is not limited to the role of the economic agent - they are an important element of the social structure and a factor of social stability and progress. Unlike banks, in order to use the services of a credit union, you have to become its member, having written an application and having paid thus shares and membership fee. Today, the World Council of Credit Unions is represented as members four regional confederations and twelve national associations.