A lender is a party that offers loans to borrowers, expecting the repayment of the principal amount along with interest. Lenders can be banks, credit unions, peer-to-peer lending platforms, or private individuals. The lending process involves assessing the borrower's creditworthiness, determining loan terms, and managing the repayment process.
Lenders take on risk when providing loans, as there is always a possibility of borrower default. To mitigate this risk, lenders conduct thorough evaluations of borrowers' financial health, credit history, and the purpose of the loan. Interest rates charged by lenders compensate for the risk taken and provide a return on the funds lent out.
Further Reading: