Converting an unsecured debt into a secured debt instinctively seems like it could be an unfair preference since it advantages one creditor over others. However, one of the requirements for an unfair preference stipulated in s 588FA is that the preferential dealing be "in respect of an unsecured debt". This may present a difficulty for the simple reason that the debt is no longer unsecured after it has been converted into a secured debt and hence the preferential dealing is not "in respect of an unsecured debt". This article considers the history, text and policy of s 588FA and argues that the words "in respect of an unsecured debt" present no obstacle to the conversion of an unsecured debt into a secured debt constituting an unfair preference.