The usual approach is to conduct reverse-repurchase agreements, borrowing from one of its 16 primary dealers for short periods of time in order to finance the assets on its balance-sheet.

ECONOMIST: Central banks' exit strategies

Countries also are divided over the treatment of repurchase agreements, a form of short-term borrowing for dealers in government securities.

WSJ: EU Likely to Weaken Proposed Transaction Tax

Much of the borrowing by athletes has been accomplished through Loan and Security Agreements with a select few private lenders.

FORBES: Connect

The transactions in question, known as "window dressing, " involve repurchase agreements, or repos, a form of short-term borrowing that allows banks to take bigger trading risks.

WSJ: Ernst & Young Faces Fraud Charges

Every deadline -- for funding the government, raising the nation's borrowing limit or addressing expiring taxes or tax cuts -- led to protracted wrangling and last-minute agreements.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS