osuuspankkitoiminnan
Osuuspankkitoiminnan, or cooperative banking, is a form of banking characterized by its cooperative ownership structure. In this model, the customers of the bank are also its owners, typically through the purchase of membership shares. This ownership grants them certain rights and responsibilities within the cooperative. Unlike traditional shareholder-owned banks, where profits are primarily distributed to external investors, the profits generated by cooperative banks are often reinvested back into the institution or distributed among the member-owners in the form of dividends or reduced service fees.
The core principle of osuuspankkitoiminnan is mutual benefit and local community focus. Cooperatives are often established
Historically, cooperative banking has roots in the 19th century, emerging as a response to the financial needs