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. Specialization of credit unions to provide financial services to its shareholders requires a particularly strict regulation of membership and acceptable activities. The value of credit unions is not limited to the role of the economic agent - they are an important element of the social structure and a factor of social stability and progress. In some cases, the initiators of credit unions can be trade unions, associations such as social support centers and others. The supreme body of the World Council of Credit Unions is the Assembly, which elects the president and the board of directors of WOCCU. Credit Union - a non-profit financial institution specialized in mutual financial assistance by providing savings and credit services to their members. Credit unions encourage the proper use of shareholders savings, developing social programs (education, health, recreation, housing, etc.). Worldwide credit union movement is represented by regional confederations and national organizations within the World Council of Credit Unions.