Today in the UK there are about 700 credit unions with assets exceeding 200 million pounds. The number of shareholders of a credit union is limited and formalized by a list. Limit of the number is defined by the assembly and such assembly establishes the charter. First central bank of credit unions appeared in 1876. Credit unions began to appear rapidly in many European countries. International cooperation has been particularly felt since the days when Alphonse Desjardins began the activity on development of credit union movement in North America. In the credit union compensation for use of the loan (interest) is a source of compensation for savings. Credit unions base their activities on savings of shareholders, their shares and savings contributions, which make up the fund of mutual financial assistance - a source of cash loans to shareholders. Worldwide credit union movement is represented by regional confederations and national organizations within the World Council of Credit Unions. A potential new member of a credit union must submit a recommendation of shareholders in which the referee becomes a warrant of a future member of the credit union.