MADISON, Wis. — As the United States faces a banking crisis,modern day credit unions are hoping they will gain market sharelike their predecessors did in the 1930s. However, the U.S. andworld economies have changed quite a bit in nearly 80 years. Arethere more recent examples of banking crisis that indicate creditunions will, in fact, gain market share?

Yes, said World Council of Credit Unions Chief Operating OfficerBrian Branch. In fact, financial crises like the current U.S.banking crisis are actually quite common around the world.

“In fact, when we get more involved, it's often a more traumaticsituation, like a civil war or huge natural disaster that wouldwipe out banking and financial services,” Branch said. “But, evenin these environments, you see credit unions continue to operate,and reignite their communities.”