A lending company is a financial institution that provides loans to individuals or businesses. These companies make money by charging interest on the loans they provide, and often require collateral or some form of security in case the borrower fails to repay the loan. Lending companies can offer a variety of loan products, including personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, and business loans. They typically have strict underwriting standards to determine whether a potential borrower is likely to repay their debt, and may use credit scores, income verification, and other factors in making their decision.