Usaldusaste

Usaldusaste is a Estonian credit union founded in 1997. Its main purpose is to provide financial services to its member-owners, who are primarily public sector employees and their families. The primary goal of Usaldusaste is to offer favorable loan and deposit conditions to its members, thereby contributing to improving their financial well-being.

The credit union operates exclusively for the benefit of its members, meaning that the majority of its profits are returned to them in the form of interest on loans and deposits. This business model allows Usaldusaste to provide higher interest rates on deposits and lower interest rates on loans to its members, compared to those offered by commercial banks.

Usaldusaste is regulated by the Financial Supervision Authority of Estonia, which ensures that the credit union operates within the framework of existing laws and regulations. This includes maintaining a minimum capital requirement and adhering to prudent lending practices.

As of 2020, Usaldusaste reported a substantial number of member-accounts, with the majority being deposit accounts. The credit union has established itself as a viable alternative to commercial banks for many individuals, offering a unique combination of personal service and competitive financial products. The member-owned structure of Usaldusaste implies that it is closely tied to the local community, with its members not only benefiting from the services provided but also actively participating in shaping the credit union's policies and development through the governing body, known as the General Assembly.