Loan investments refer to a type of financial instrument where an individual or institution provides funds to another person or entity in exchange for interest and eventual repayment of the principal amount. This is different from equity investments, which involve providing capital in exchange for ownership shares in a company. Loan investments can be made through various channels such as banks, credit unions, peer-to-peer lending platforms or directly to an individual or business. The interest rate and terms of repayment are typically negotiated between the borrower and the lender before the loan is disbursed.