Containing a series of case studies of cooperative banks in times of crisis, this book reflects upon the cooperative business model and the governance structures of cooperative banks. Such banks have weathered the current financial crisis relatively well. In most countries, they did not need government support, their losses were comparatively small, and they are seen as safe havens by clients and markets alike. These developments have resulted in renewed interest in cooperative banking and this volume fills a gap in academic literature, making it a necessary read for anyone interested in the functioning of banking systems.