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Credit Unions: A Theoretical and Empirical Overview

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  • Donal McKillop
  • John O.S. Wilson

Abstract

In 2009 there were over 49,330 credit unions across 98 countries with more than 184 million members and approximately $1,354 billion in assets. There is a great diversity within the credit union movement across these countries. This reflects the various economic, historic and cultural contexts within which credit unions operate. This paper traces the evolution of the credit union movement. It examines credit union objectives, and considers issues relating to efficiency, technology adoption, product diversification, merger, failure and demutualization. The regulatory environment within which credit unions operate is also explored under the themes of interest rate regulation, common bond requirements, taxation, deposit insurance and capital regulation. The overview also considers demutualization and the costs and benefits to credit unions of altering their organizational form.

Suggested Citation

  • Donal McKillop & John O.S. Wilson, 2011. "Credit Unions: A Theoretical and Empirical Overview," Financial Markets, Institutions & Instruments, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 20(3), pages 79-123, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:finmar:v:20:y:2011:i:3:p:79-123
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-0416.2011.00166.x
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