Certified Financial Management Specialist Practice Exam

What type of financial entity is characterized as being member-owned?

1. Insurance Companies

2. Brokers

3. Credit Unions

4. Investment Banks

The correct answer is: Credit Unions

A financial entity that is characterized as being member-owned is a credit union. Credit unions are cooperative institutions formed by a group of individuals who share a common bond, such as being part of the same community, profession, or organization. Each member has an equal say in the management of the credit union, regardless of the amount of money they have deposited. This structure reflects a cooperative spirit where profits are typically reinvested into the credit union or returned to members in the form of lower loan rates and higher savings rates. In contrast, insurance companies, brokers, and investment banks operate under different structures. Insurance companies can be for-profit or non-profit entities but are not necessarily member-owned; they often serve policyholders rather than being organized around a membership model. Brokers are intermediaries who facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers in various markets, and they work for profit, not as member-owned entities. Investment banks primarily assist with large financial transactions and capital management for corporations and governments, operating under a profit-driven model rather than one focused on member ownership or participation.