In Italy, there is a bank that accepts as collateral parmesan cheese

The bank looks no different from other banks: the vault is surrounded by barbed wire perimeter and allow the camera to monitor in every room. But no storage of bank notes or precious metals; instead, it contains quite a different currency, so much so valuable that the bank has already robbed three times. Tucked away in his safe parmesan: giant shelves are as much as 300 000 head cheese. This kind of cheese - one of the most expensive in the world, and all the cheese is in the bank is estimated at $ 200 million.



Storage belongs to the bank «Credito Emiliano», also known as «Credem». Cheese in the bank credit is the main currency. Simply put, the bank receives from the local cheese makers parmesan as collateral, and in return gives them a loan at low interest - only 3% of which are mainly in the care of the maintenance and storage of cheese in good condition. Manufacturers of cheese in addition to the funds obtained from banks and other benefits: normally at the time of repayment of the cheese already "ripen" in quality storage to the desired state and is ready for sale. If the manufacturer does not pay the loan in the agreed period, the bank sells the cheese yourself.





The Bank aims not only to make a profit, but also to support the local cheese makers over the past five years, more than 100 manufacturers parmesan declared bankruptcy and shut down their businesses.

via factroom.ru