Which term refers to the practice of lending to borrowers who may have difficulty repaying loans?

Subprime lending refers specifically to the practice of offering loans to borrowers who have lower credit ratings or a limited credit history, making them more likely to face challenges in repaying the loan. This type of lending often involves higher interest rates to compensate lenders for the increased risk associated with these borrowers. The term emphasizes the potential financial difficulties that subprime borrowers may encounter, distinguishing it from other lending practices that typically involve more creditworthy individuals.

In contrast, microfinancing focuses on providing small loans to entrepreneurs or individuals in developing areas, often without the requirement of high credit scores. Secured lending involves loans where the borrower offers collateral to secure the loan, thereby reducing the lender's risk. Peer-to-peer lending connects individual borrowers directly with lenders, often bypassing traditional banks, but does not specifically target borrowers with repayment difficulties.