What do you call a person or business that lends money at extremely high interest rates?

A person or business that lends money at extremely high interest rates is referred to as a loan shark. This term is typically associated with illegal or predatory lending practices, where the lender takes advantage of individuals who may be in desperate need of cash and may not qualify for traditional loans. Loan sharks often impose exorbitant fees and interest rates that can trap borrowers in cycles of debt, making it very difficult for them to ever repay the borrowed amount.

In contrast, banks and credit unions are regulated financial institutions that provide loans under controlled conditions typically characterized by more reasonable interest rates and fees. Investors generally refer to individuals or entities that allocate capital with the expectation of receiving financial returns but do not fit the definition of a lender charging exorbitant rates.