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. As of the January 1, 2012 the national associations and confederations unite more than 196 million members participating in the 51,013 credit unions in 100 countries. Consumer loan and reliable savings - these are the main goals, which mean "natural persons" having decided to unite in credit consumer cooperative. In some cases, the initiators of credit unions can be trade unions, associations such as social support centers and others. Credit unions encourage the proper use of shareholders savings, developing social programs (education, health, recreation, housing, etc.).