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. Credit unions attract people in the first place by the opportunity to get cash loan (credit) - quickly and relatively inexpensively. In the case of default the shareholder - individual will respond with its property and, in addition, is jointly and severally liable with the credit union's commitments. Today, the World Council of Credit Unions is represented as members four regional confederations and twelve national associations.