The European Association of Co-operative Banks (EACB) represents, promotes and defends the common interests of its 27 member institutions and of cooperative banks, with regard to banking as well as to co-operative legislation. Founded in 1970, today the EACB is a leading professional lobbying association in the European banking industry. Co-operative banks play a major role in the financial and economic system. Their resilience during the crisis made co-operative banks a key driving force in the economic recovery. With 2.700 locally operating banks and 43.000 outlets, they serve more than 214 million customers, mainly consumers, SMEs and communities. Europe’s co-operative banks represent 85 million members and 705,000 employees and have an average market share of about 20%.