usaldusühingud
Usaldusühingud, also known as credit unions in English, are financial cooperatives owned and controlled by their members. Unlike banks, which are for-profit entities, credit unions are not-for-profit organizations. They were established in the United States in the early 20th century as a response to the lack of banking services for rural and working-class communities. The concept of credit unions has since spread to many other countries, including Estonia, where they are known as usaldusühingud.
The primary purpose of a credit union is to provide financial services to its members, such as
One of the key features of credit unions is their commitment to the community. They often prioritize
In Estonia, usaldusühingud have played a significant role in the financial sector, particularly in rural areas