Normally, mutual insurance companies do not have the same mandate as caisses populaires. I am talking about direct local investments made by caisses populaires. That is why branches are set up in small municipalities. A municipality in my riding with 1,000 to 1,500 people has a caisse populaire, but no banks want to open a branch there. Mutual insurance companies are not involved in small municipalities either.
On May 9th, 2013. See this statement in context.