The purpose of this research is to examine the role of cooperative financial institutions in modern financial system and determine their place in national financial intermediation. Peculiarities of functioning cooperative financial institutions in world practice are studied and their basic similarities are identified. Need for formation and development of cooperative financial institutions of 2nd and 3d levels, particularly the cooperative banks in national practice is substantiated. On the basis of studying the international experience of countries with different levels of economic development, conditions of formation and activities of cooperative bank institutions in the domestic practice have been determined.