Historically, credit unions were preceded by widespread development of credit cooperation in many countries of Europe and America. Today in the UK there are about 700 credit unions with assets exceeding 200 million pounds. Some credit unions are closed, serving only their members. However, the more and more popularitywin cooperatives of open type. Credit union services are available only to its shareholders. 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. Credit unions, like today's credit unions, emerged in the 19th century in Germany as a result of crop failure and famine. Credit Union - a non-profit financial institution specialized in mutual financial assistance by providing savings and credit services to their members. Corporate alliances are intermediaries between credit unions and financial markets.