The item itself acts as the security or collateral for the loan.

VOA: special.2011.04.18

Because over the course of a year, there is a danger that the bank that you've borrowed from - and is holding your assets as security for the loan - could go bust.

BBC: Where to find bank stress

But if the money were to come from the EFSF, well in those circumstances Finland has said it would fear that the money would be too much at risk of loss - so it is demanding collateral or security for its share of any such loan.

BBC: Messy Spanish rescue