Most modern credit unions represent specialized consumer cooperatives of citizens associated by the principle of social community: place of work, place of residence, profession, or any other shared interest. 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. Credit unions appeared in England in the 19th century. In 1844 a group of workers from Rochdale established the first cooperative. Standards by which credit unions build their work do not coincide with the standards and regulations of consumer cooperation of the usual type. Credit Union - a non-profit financial institution specialized in mutual financial assistance by providing savings and credit services to their members. Credit union as a consumer cooperative operates on the principles of equality of all its members. Today, the World Council of Credit Unions is represented as members four regional confederations and twelve national associations.