Historically, credit unions were preceded by widespread development of credit cooperation in many countries of Europe and America. Credit unions also differ from the traditional consumer cooperatives. 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. All the members of the credit union, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religious and political beliefs, as well as the size of the monetary share have equal rights. The supreme body of the World Council of Credit Unions is the Assembly, which elects the president and the board of directors of WOCCU.