A sign advertising the services of a pawnbroker, which reads "I buy silver", is seen displayed over a car in Rome August 17, 2012. City centres are being transformed as traditional shops go out of business, their signs replaced by ones that announce "Compro Oro", or "I Buy Gold". The Eurispes thinktank estimates the number of "Compro Oro" shops has quadrupled in the last two years. The proliferation of pawn shops, with an estimated annual turnover of 7 billion euros, is a very visible sign that for millions of Italians life has changed for the worse. Picture taken August 17, 2012. To match Feature ITALY-PAWNBROKERS/ REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (ITALY - Tags: BUSINESS COMMODITIES SOCIETY) 

A man passes in front of a gold purchasing booth located in second hand furniture store in Rome August 17, 2012. City centres are being transformed as traditional shops go out of business, their signs replaced by ones that announce "Compro Oro", or "I Buy Gold". The Eurispes thinktank estimates the number of "Compro Oro" shops has quadrupled in the last two years. The proliferation of pawn shops, with an estimated annual turnover of 7 billion euros, is a very visible sign that for millions of Italians life has changed for the worse. Picture taken August 17, 2012. To match Feature ITALY-PAWNBROKERS/ REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (ITALY - Tags: BUSINESS COMMODITIES SOCIETY) 

A sign advertising the services of a pawnbroker, which reads "I buy Gold, Silver and Diamonds", is seen in Rome August 17, 2012. City centres are being transformed as traditional shops go out of business, their signs replaced by ones that announce "Compro Oro", or "I Buy Gold". The Eurispes thinktank estimates the number of "Compro Oro" shops has quadrupled in the last two years. The proliferation of pawn shops, with an estimated annual turnover of 7 billion euros, is a very visible sign that for millions of Italians life has changed for the worse. Picture taken August 17, 2012. To match Feature ITALY-PAWNBROKERS/ REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (ITALY - Tags: BUSINESS COMMODITIES SOCIETY) 

Signs advertising the services of a pawnbroker, which reads "I buy Gold", are seen in downtown Rome, August 17, 2012. City centres are being transformed as traditional shops go out of business, their signs replaced by ones that announce "Compro Oro", or "I Buy Gold". The Eurispes thinktank estimates the number of "Compro Oro" shops has quadrupled in the last two years. The proliferation of pawn shops, with an estimated annual turnover of 7 billion euros, is a very visible sign that for millions of Italians life has changed for the worse. Picture taken August 17, 2012. To match Feature ITALY-PAWNBROKERS/ REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (ITALY - Tags: BUSINESS COMMODITIES SOCIETY) 

Paul Aitken, CEO of British-based pawnbroker borro.com, works with Samantha Carrington, Director of Sales and Client Relations of Winecare Storage, at a wine storage facility in New York February 21, 2012. Some U.S. pawnbrokers are taking liquid assets, literally. Fine wines are among the items they will accept as collateral for loans, along with family jewels and fine art, as a practice common in Britain and France catches on across the Atlantic. Picture taken February 21, 2012. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (UNITED STATES - Tags: FOOD BUSINESS) 

Paul Aitken (R), CEO of British-based pawnbroker borro.com, works with Samantha Carrington, Director of Sales and Client Relations of Winecare Storage, at a wine storage facility in New York February 21, 2012. Some U.S. pawnbrokers are taking liquid assets, literally. Fine wines are among the items they will accept as collateral for loans, along with family jewels and fine art, as a practice common in Britain and France catches on across the Atlantic. Picture taken February 21, 2012. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (UNITED STATES - Tags: FOOD BUSINESS) 

Paul Aitken, CEO of British-based pawnbroker borro.com, poses at a wine storage facility in New York February 21, 2012. Some U.S. pawnbrokers are taking liquid assets, literally. Fine wines are among the items they will accept as collateral for loans, along with family jewels and fine art, as a practice common in Britain and France catches on across the Atlantic. Picture taken February 21, 2012. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (UNITED STATES - Tags: FOOD BUSINESS) 

Paul Aitken (R), CEO of British-based pawnbroker borro.com, works with Samantha Carrington, Director of Sales and Client Relations, Winecare Storage at a wine storage facility in New York February 21, 2012. Some U.S. pawnbrokers are taking liquid assets, literally. Fine wines are among the items they will accept as collateral for loans, along with family jewels and fine art, as a practice common in Britain and France catches on across the Atlantic. Picture taken February 21, 2012. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (UNITED STATES - Tags: FOOD BUSINESS) 

Pedestrians walk by a sign advertising the services of a pawnbroker that reads 'Loans, Diamonds, Antiques, We Buy Gold' in Omonia Square in Athens, November 2, 2011. Picture taken November 2, 2011. REUTERS/Yiorgos Karahalis (GREECE - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY)

Pedestrians walk past a sign advertising a pawnbroker in Omonia Square in Athens, November 2, 2011. The sign to the right reads ' Loans. Pawn, we buy gold, gems, gold coins, watches'. REUTERS/Yiorgos Karahalis (GREECE - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY)

A document shows a pledge valuation for jewels done by an expert at the Credit Municipal public pawnbroker in Nice November 24, 2011. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal helps more and more people in need of extra cash. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A man walks past the Credit Municipal public pawnbroker in Nice November 24, 2011. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal helps more and more people in need of extra cash. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A man looks at jewels displayed for auction after being pawned by their owners at the Credit Municipal public pawnbroker in Nice November 24, 2011. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal helps more and more people in need of extra cash. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A placard announces an auction of jewels pawned by their owners at the Credit Municipal public pawnbroker in Nice November 24, 2011. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal helps more and more people in need of extra cash. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A man looks at jewels displayed for auction after being pawned by their owners at the Credit Municipal public pawnbroker in Nice November 24, 2011. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal helps more and more people in need of extra cash. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A man waits for a pledge valuation at the Credit Municipal public pawnbroker in Nice November 24, 2011. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal helps more and more people in need of extra cash. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A man looks at jewels displayed for auction after being pawned by their owners at the Credit Municipal public pawnbroker in Nice November 24, 2011. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal helps more and more people in need of extra cash. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A man waits for a pledge valuation at the Credit Municipal public pawnbroker in Nice November 24, 2011. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal helps more and more people in need of extra cash. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A woman gets money after a pledge valuation for her jewels at the Credit Municipal public pawnbroker in Nice November 24, 2011. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal helps more and more people in need of extra cash. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A woman gives her jewels to an expert for a pledge valuation at the Credit Municipal public pawnbroker in Nice November 24, 2011. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal helps more and more people in need of extra cash. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

An expert weighs jewellery during a pledge valuation at the Credit Municipal public pawnbroker in Nice November 24, 2011. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal helps more and more people in need of extra cash. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

An expert looks at a ring during a pledge valuation at the Credit Municipal public pawnbroker in Nice November 24, 2011. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal helps more and more people in need of extra cash. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A Buddhist altar bell is displayed at a shop that purchases gold in the Ginza district of Tokyo August 23, 2011. Spot gold sells now for $1,830 an ounce, up nearly a third this year. With currencies and stocks faltering and prices of other commodities held back by slowing economic growth, the frenzy for gold has gone global. Many are cashing in on the gold they have at home although the trend is slowing in the belief prices will rise further. Picture taken August 23, 2011. To match Feature GOLD PEOPLE/ REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: BUSINESS COMMODITIES SOCIETY) 

An employee displays a gold tooth at a shop that purchases gold in the Ginza district of Tokyo August 23, 2011. Spot gold sells now for $1,830 an ounce, up nearly a third this year. With currencies and stocks faltering and prices of other commodities held back by slowing economic growth, the frenzy for gold has gone global. Many are cashing in on the gold they have at home -- or on gold teeth -- although the trend is slowing in the belief prices will rise further. Picture taken August 23, 2011. To match Feature GOLD PEOPLE/ REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: BUSINESS COMMODITIES SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

An employee snips a piece of jewellery at a shop that purchases gold in the Ginza district of Tokyo August 23, 2011. Spot gold sells now for $1,830 an ounce, up nearly a third this year. With currencies and stocks faltering and prices of other commodities held back by slowing economic growth, the frenzy for gold has gone global. Many are cashing in on the gold they have at home although the trend is slowing in the belief prices will rise further. Picture taken August 23, 2011. To match Feature GOLD PEOPLE/ REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: BUSINESS COMMODITIES SOCIETY) 

An employee inspects a piece of jewellery at a shop that purchases gold in the Ginza district of Tokyo August 23, 2011. Spot gold sells now for $1,830 an ounce, up nearly a third this year. With currencies and stocks faltering and prices of other commodities held back by slowing economic growth, the frenzy for gold has gone global. Many are cashing in on the gold they have at home although the trend is slowing in the belief prices will rise further. Picture taken August 23, 2011. To match Feature GOLD PEOPLE/ REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: BUSINESS COMMODITIES SOCIETY) 

Jewellery is displayed at a shop that buys gold in the Ginza district of Tokyo August 23, 2011. Spot gold sells now for $1,830 an ounce, up nearly a third this year. With currencies and stocks faltering and prices of other commodities held back by slowing economic growth, the frenzy for gold has gone global. Many are cashing in on the gold they have at home the trend is slowing in the belief prices will rise further. Picture taken August 23, 2011. To match Feature GOLD PEOPLE/ REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: BUSINESS COMMODITIES SOCIETY) 

An employee prepares banknotes to purchase items from a customer at a shop that buys gold in the Ginza district of Tokyo August 23, 2011. Spot gold sells now for $1,830 an ounce, up nearly a third this year. With currencies and stocks faltering and prices of other commodities held back by slowing economic growth, the frenzy for gold has gone global. Many are cashing in on the gold they have at home although the trend is slowing in the belief prices will rise further. Picture taken August 23, 2011. To match Feature GOLD PEOPLE/ REUTERS/Toru Hanai (JAPAN - Tags: BUSINESS COMMODITIES SOCIETY) 

An employee inspects gold at a pawn shop in Bangkok August 9,2011. Bullion gained more than 2 percent on Tuesday, roaring to all-time highs for a second consecutive session to stand above $1,750 as equity markets dived on growing fears of a global recession following last week's U.S. credit downgrade.
REUTERS/Sukree Sukplang (THAILAND - Tags: BUSINESS) 

Pawnbroker Kristel Julian poses for a photograph as she tests a ring with a file, at Pawnbroker Nikolas Michael in the City of London January 25, 2011. The number of pawnbrokers in Britain appears to be on the increase, and the National Pawnbrokers Association of the UK has 1200 members. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor (BRITAIN - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

Pawnbroker Kristel Julian poses for a photograph as she tests a gold ring with chemicals, at Pawnbroker Nikolas Michael in the City of London January 25, 2011. The number of pawnbrokers in Britain appears to be on the increase, and the National Pawnbrokers Association of the UK has 1200 members. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor (BRITAIN - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

Pawnbroker Kristel Julian poses for a photograph as she inspects a ring at Pawnbroker Nikolas Michael, in the City of London January 25, 2011. The number of pawnbrokers in Britain appears to be on the increase, and the National Pawnbrokers Association of the UK has 1200 members. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor (BRITAIN - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

Pawnbroker Nik Robinson poses for a photograph as he inspects a watch at Pawnbroker Nikolas Michael, in the City of London January 25, 2011. The number of pawnbrokers in Britain appears to be on the increase, and the National Pawnbrokers Association of the UK has 1200 members. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor (BRITAIN - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

Pawnbroker Nik Robinson poses for a photograph as he inspects a watch at Pawnbroker Nikolas Michael, in the City of London January 25, 2011. The number of pawnbrokers in Britain appears to be on the increase, and the National Pawnbrokers Association of the UK has 1200 members. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor (BRITAIN - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

Pawnbroker Nik Robinson poses for a photograph as he inspects a watch at Pawnbroker Nikolas Michael, in the City of London January 25, 2011. The number of pawnbrokers in Britain appears to be on the increase, and the National Pawnbrokers Association of the UK has 1200 members. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor (BRITAIN - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

Pawnbroker Nik Robinson poses for a photograph as he inspects a watch at Pawnbroker Nikolas Michael, in the City of London January 25, 2011. The number of pawnbrokers in Britain appears to be on the increase, and the National Pawnbrokers Association of the UK has 1200 members. REUTERS/Luke MacGregor (BRITAIN - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A pedestrian walks past a shop in Dublin November 16, 2010. Ireland came under intense pressure on Tuesday to request aid over its debt crunch in what the European Council's president called a "survival crisis" for the euro zone and the wider European Union. REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton (IRELAND - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS) 

People sit inside the Monte de Piedad (Mountain of Pity or Mountain of Mercy), the national pawnshop, as they wait to recover their pawned goods, in downtown Mexico City January 27, 2010. Mexicans are going to pawnshops to hock their jewelry and family heirlooms, in more evidence Mexico is struggling to recover from a deep recession. Across the country, unemployment remains near its highest level in 14 years even though Mexico's recession technically ended in the third quarter with a big industrial rebound. Picture taken January 27, 2010. REUTERS/Claudia Daut (MEXICO - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

A soldier stands inside a raided pawn shop while under investigation for money laundering in Tijuana November 25, 2009. Often overlooked amid all the violence and chaos they engender is the fact that Mexico's drug cartels are capably run businesses that have turned into some of the most lucrative criminal enterprises ever. Picture taken November 25, 2009. To match SPECIAL REPORT - DRUGS/MEXICO- REUTERS/Jorge Duenes (MEXICO - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY BUSINESS CRIME LAW) 

People walk past a pawn store near a casino in Macau December 18, 2009, two days before the 10th anniversary of its handover to China. As Macau marks its first decade under Chinese rule on Sunday, the quiet Portuguese enclave turned gaming hub remains beset by a tangle of challenges that could yet tarnish its future economic prospects and impact on governance. REUTERS/Bobby Yip (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS ANNIVERSARY) 

A "We Pawn Cars, Trucks and Bikes" sign sits in the window of a pawn shop on the main street in Pontiac, Michigan June 19, 2009. The decline of U.S. automakers has for years affected those who live in Pontiac. Now the city's dead look set to feel the pain as well. Mayor Clarence Phillips says "we can no longer afford" the $400,000 the city spends each year on the upkeep of cemeteries in light of fresh local plant closures and job losses at General Motors Corp <GMGMQ.PK>, the largest employer and taxpayer in the city of 66,000. Picture taken June 19, 2009. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook (UNITED STATES TRANSPORT BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT) 

An employee checks bottles of wine in the exhibition room of the Credit Municipal, known as the "Mont-de-Piete" (the public pawnbroker), in Paris May 11, 2009. More than 500 famous bottles, such as Chateau Cheval Blanc, Chateau Margaux and Chateau d'Yquem, will be put on auction on May 12, 2009 after being pawned by their owners. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (SOCIETY) 

An employee checks bottles of wine in the exhibition room of the Credit Municipal, known as the "Mont-de-Piete" (the public pawnbroker), in Paris May 11, 2009. More than 500 famous bottles, such as Chateau Cheval Blanc, Chateau Margaux and Chateau d'Yquem, will be put on auction on May 12, 2009 after being pawned by their owners. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (SOCIETY) 

An employee looks at bottles of wine in the exhibition room of the Credit Municipal, known as the "Mont-de-Piete" (the public pawnbroker), in Paris May 11, 2009. More than 500 famous bottles, such as Chateau Cheval Blanc, Chateau Margaux and Chateau d'Yquem, will be put on auction on May 12, 2009 after being pawned by their owners. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (SOCIETY) 

An employee checks bottles of wine in the exhibition room of the Credit Municipal, known as the "Mont-de-Piete" (the public pawnbroker), in Paris May 11, 2009. More than 500 famous bottles, such as Chateau Cheval Blanc, Chateau Margaux and Chateau d'Yquem, will be put on auction on May 12, 2009 after being pawned by their owners. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (SOCIETY) 

Pedestrians walk past a pawn office in central Sydney May 7, 2009. Australian employment jumped against all expectations in April, pulling the jobless rate down and throwing into doubt the need for further interest rate cuts.
REUTERS/Daniel Munoz (AUSTRALIA BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

A woman walks past a pawn office in central Sydney May 7, 2009. Australian employment jumped against all expectations in April, pulling the jobless rate down and throwing into doubt the need for further interest rate cuts.
REUTERS/Daniel Munoz (AUSTRALIA BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Outside view of the Credit Municipal building known as "Mont-de-Piete" (the public pawnbroker) in Paris April 22, 2009. From Napoleon III's mistress to cash-strapped modern-day bankers, Parisians have for centuries stored their jewels and secrets in a discreet building not far from the Seine: the public pawnbroker. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal has a new task -- helping Parisians weather the economic crisis with traditional loans and cutting-edge financial services Picture taken April 22, 2009. To match feature FRANCE-PAWNBROKER/ REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (FRANCE BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

View of the entrance of the Credit Municipal's bank in Paris April 22, 2009. Set up in the 17th century as to fight usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal now has a new task, helping Parisians weather the economic crisis with traditional loans and cutting-edge financial services. Picture taken April 22, 2009. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (FRANCE BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

An employee looks at jewellery at the Credit Municipal, known as the "Mont-de-Piete" (the public pawnbroker), in Paris April 22, 2009. From Napoleon III's mistress to cash-strapped modern-day bankers, Parisians have for centuries stored their jewels and secrets in a discreet building not far from the Seine: the public pawnbroker. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal has a new task -- helping Parisians weather the economic crisis with traditional loans and cutting-edge financial services Picture taken April 22, 2009. To match feature FRANCE-PAWNBROKER/ REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (FRANCE BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

An expert weighs jewellery during a pledge valuation at the Credit Municipal, known as the "Mont-de-Piete" (the public pawnbroker), in Paris April 22, 2009. Set up in the 17th century as to fight usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal now has a new task, helping Parisians weather the economic crisis with traditional loans and cutting-edge financial services. Picture taken April 22, 2009. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (FRANCE BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A plaque which indicates that the "Mont-de-Piete" (the public pawnbroker) was founded in 1777 is seen outside the building of the Credit Municipal in Paris April 22, 2009. From Napoleon III's mistress to cash-strapped modern-day bankers, Parisians have for centuries stored their jewels and secrets in a discreet building not far from the Seine: the public pawnbroker. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal has a new task -- helping Parisians weather the economic crisis with traditional loans and cutting-edge financial services Picture taken April 22, 2009. To match feature FRANCE-PAWNBROKER/ REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (FRANCE BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

An employee displays a bottle of wine in the cellar of the Credit Municipal, known as the "Mont-de-Piete" (the public pawnbroker), in Paris April 22, 2009. From Napoleon III's mistress to cash-strapped modern-day bankers, Parisians have for centuries stored their jewels and secrets in a discreet building not far from the Seine: the public pawnbroker. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal has a new task -- helping Parisians weather the economic crisis with traditional loans and cutting-edge financial services Picture taken April 22, 2009. To match feature FRANCE-PAWNBROKER/ REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (FRANCE BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

An expert looks at a necklace for a pledge valuation at the Credit Municipal, known as the "Mont-de-Piete" (the public pawnbroker), in Paris April 22, 2009. From Napoleon III's mistress to cash-strapped modern-day bankers, Parisians have for centuries stored their jewels and secrets in a discreet building not far from the Seine: the public pawnbroker. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal has a new task -- helping Parisians weather the economic crisis with traditional loans and cutting-edge financial services Picture taken April 22, 2009. To match feature FRANCE-PAWNBROKER/ REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (FRANCE BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

An employee looks at jewellery at the Credit Municipal, known as the "Mont-de-Piete" (the public pawnbroker), in Paris April 22, 2009. From Napoleon III's mistress to cash-strapped modern-day bankers, Parisians have for centuries stored their jewels and secrets in a discreet building not far from the Seine: the public pawnbroker. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal has a new task -- helping Parisians weather the economic crisis with traditional loans and cutting-edge financial services Picture taken April 22, 2009. To match feature FRANCE-PAWNBROKER/ REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (FRANCE BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

People queue up at the Credit Municipal, known as the "Mont-de-Piete" (the public pawnbroker), in Paris April 22, 2009. From Napoleon III's mistress to cash-strapped modern-day bankers, Parisians have for centuries stored their jewels and secrets in a discreet building not far from the Seine: the public pawnbroker. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal has a new task -- helping Parisians weather the economic crisis with traditional loans and cutting-edge financial services Picture taken April 22, 2009. To match feature FRANCE-PAWNBROKER/ REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (FRANCE BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

Outside view of the Credit Municipal building known as "Mont-de-Piete" (the public pawnbroker) in Paris April 22, 2009. From Napoleon III's mistress to cash-strapped modern-day bankers, Parisians have for centuries stored their jewels and secrets in a discreet building not far from the Seine: the public pawnbroker. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal has a new task -- helping Parisians weather the economic crisis with traditional loans and cutting-edge financial services Picture taken April 22, 2009. To match feature FRANCE-PAWNBROKER/ REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (FRANCE BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

Bernard Candiard, director of the Credit Municipal, known as "Mont-de-Piete" (the public pawnbroker), speaks during an interview with Reuters in Paris April 22, 2009. From Napoleon III's mistress to cash-strapped modern-day bankers, Parisians have for centuries stored their jewels and secrets in a discreet building not far from the Seine: the public pawnbroker. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal has a new task -- helping Parisians weather the economic crisis with traditional loans and cutting-edge financial services Picture taken April 22, 2009. To match feature FRANCE-PAWNBROKER/ REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (FRANCE BUSINESS SOCIETY HEADSHOT) 

An expert values a ring at the Credit Municipal, known as the "Mont-de-Piete" (the public pawnbroker), in Paris April 22, 2009. From Napoleon III's mistress to cash-strapped modern-day bankers, Parisians have for centuries stored their jewels and secrets in a discreet building not far from the Seine: the public pawnbroker. Set up in the 17th century in response to usurious moneylenders, the non-profit Credit Municipal has a new task -- helping Parisians weather the economic crisis with traditional loans and cutting-edge financial services Picture taken April 22, 2009. To match feature FRANCE-PAWNBROKER/ REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (FRANCE BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

Workers look at their goods at the Oriental Pawn shop in Shanghai in this picture taken February 9, 2009. Turned away by banks caught in the credit crunch, many Chinese entrepreneurs are borrowing from pawn shops instead, hawking their factories and homes, as well as gold and jewellery, as security. Picture taken February 9. To match feature CHINA-PAWNSHOP/ REUTERS/Nir Elias (CHINA)