Credit unions also differ from the traditional consumer cooperatives. Among the U.S. credit unions, there are three groups that differ in terms of assets, shareholders, and business services. The main advantage of credit unions consists in transparency, controllability, governance for shareholders. Credit unions encourage the proper use of shareholders savings, developing social programs (education, health, recreation, housing, etc.). Today, the World Council of Credit Unions is represented as members four regional confederations and twelve national associations.