To date, credit unions - virtually the only form of financial institution where people can quickly and without any problems get a relatively inexpensive cash loan. Principles of cooperative democracy and interaction were adequate to the purposes for which people joined credit unions. At the organization of the credit union it is important that people know each other and know the extent to which each of them is trustworthy. To reduce the risk of default on loans members of the credit union shall the joint guarantee. Since the early 80's started the process of consolidation of credit unions, leading to a decrease in their number with a simultaneous increase in the total number of members. Over 30% of the assets of credit unions are investments in government securities, certificates of deposit of banks and savings loan associations, as well as in the parent credit unions, and other risk-free investments. 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 unions encourage the proper use of shareholders savings, developing social programs (education, health, recreation, housing, etc.). Unlike banks credit unions limit their activities to a closed circle of people.