The importance of members

One member = one vote

Crédit Mutuel’s local banks operate according to the principle of “one member = one vote”. This means that all the votes cast by members at general meetings are of equal value. It also makes it impossible for anyone to acquire a controlling interest in the bank as a shareholder with a majority interest in a company might do. The Crédit Mutuel local banks organize their annual general meetings between the months of February and May. As a member, you will be able to participate in the life of your bank and its role in society.

By becoming a member in my Crédit Mutuel local bank, will I be taking on more responsibilities than if I were simply a customer at another bank?

Rest assured, mutual banks are run based on the principle of solidarity. The local banks share an internal fund that shields you from any financial risk should your bank incur a loss. Any local bank that posts a loss will benefit from the support of all the other local banks. While, in recent years, many international banks have run into serious difficulty, with some even going bankrupt, Crédit Mutuel is regarded as one of the strongest banks in Europe.

General meetings – a forum for dialog

Once a year, each local bank's general meeting is an opportunity for members to get together to review the previous year's activity, approve the financial statements and confirm the appointment or reappointment of the directors who serve on their boards.

The Manager (an employee) and Chairman (elected as a volunteer) of each local bank attend the general meeting as hosts and to answer any questions from members.