Membership in the credit union is voluntary and is open to all citizens bound by with joint work or residence, who wished to create a credit union to use its services and are willing to take on relevant commitments and responsibilities. Today in the UK there are about 700 credit unions with assets exceeding 200 million pounds. Credit union services are available only to its shareholders. Credit unions, like today's credit unions, emerged in the 19th century in Germany as a result of crop failure and famine. To increase the number of credit unions in 1979 was adopted the corresponding law that serves as the legal basis of their activity. Today, the World Council of Credit Unions is represented as members four regional confederations and twelve national associations.
Credit union services are available only to its shareholders. Credit unions, like today's credit unions, emerged in the 19th century in Germany as a result of crop failure and famine. Today in the UK there are about 700 credit unions with assets exceeding 200 million pounds.