borro, the personal asset lender, saw a host of unusual and high value assets come through the doors of its vaults in 2012 – to be used as collateral for loans.

During 2012, the largest surge in loan value seen by borro was a 244% increase against vintage wine collections. borro also saw a 22% increase in the loan value of fine art over the same period.

Paul Aitken, borro CEO, said: “2012 was the year the nation turned to alternative forms of lending despite various initiatives designed to breathe life back into the lending market, particularly for SMEs.

“As a result, an increasing number of people recognise they have accumulated a wealth of personal assets that can temporarily be turned back into cash, quickly and easily. For small business owners and SMEs this is especially important when needing to realise a business opportunity that would not have otherwise been possible.

“The continuing growing demand for our service just goes to show that alternative forms of financing are becoming more mainstream.”

Overall, borro saw a 122% increase in funded loans for 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.

The average loan value for 2012 increased to £7,000 (up from £3,500 in 2011) and the average loan value to SMEs (who make up the majority of borro’s loan book) rose 41%, from £17,000 to £24,000 since last year.

Assets from 2012 in the borro vaults include:

A collection of French porcelains: £160,000

1 x Round brilliant cut single stone ring set: £100,000

Rolls Royce Ghost: £95,000

Stamp collection: £81,000

Collection of Château d’Yquem: £75,000

Porsche Cayenne Turbo: £60,000

Lamborghini 400: £60,000

Sapphire and diamond bracelet: £51,000

2 x Fine Gold bars: £50,000

A platinum and Diamond wristwatch by Christopher: £50,000