In this exclusive interview conducted by ZEZ XXI, we meet Daniel (name changed), a pawn lender operating outside the traditional banking system. With candor and caution, he reveals the often-hidden truths of his profession: the loan amounts, required collateral, recovery methods for defaults, and astonishing stories about his clients. Between shadows and light, Daniel takes us behind the scenes of a complex, discreet, and sometimes risky vocation.
ZEZ XXI: Daniel, brother, what exactly do you do for a living?
Daniel: My job is basically lending money to people who can’t get loans from banks. That could be because they have no pay stubs or lack verifiable income required by traditional lenders.
ZEZ XXI: And what’s the scale? Can you give me an idea of average or maximum amounts?
Daniel: Sometimes up to €200,000. It varies case by case.
ZEZ XXI: Do you know what borrowers use the money for, or is that not your concern?
Daniel: Not always my concern. Sometimes I just collect interest. Other times I take a percentage of the asset they’re acquiring. For example, recently I financed people buying gold bars, and I earned a 2.5% cut of that purchase.
ZEZ XXI: What brings people to you? Do they come to you only after a bank says no, or are there other paths? How do they get in touch?
Daniel: Most reach out by referral. Usually someone they know has already borrowed from me. You need a trusted introduction. We don’t deal with newcomers—it’s a closed circle.
ZEZ XXI: I guess that’s to avoid defaults. But what do you do when someone doesn’t pay back? Any special measures?
Daniel: Yes, I always require collateral. Even if I don’t ask for income proof like a bank, I always insist on real guarantees, like gold deposits, car keys, property titles—it depends, but I never lend without security.
ZEZ XXI: So collateral can be movable or immovable assets?
Daniel: Exactly. Even if the collateral doesn’t completely cover the loan, I still require something tangible.
ZEZ XXI: What’s your process if things go south?
Daniel: I have a small team that handles that. My fees are substantial because I must be able to pay them if problems arise. Before this, we worked for real estate agencies in Paris, hired to evict non-paying tenants because legal processes take so long.
ZEZ XXI: I didn’t realize practices like that were so common. That’s impressive.
Daniel: In real estate, it’s quite widespread.
ZEZ XXI: Do you work alone? And how much do you make per month from this?
Daniel: I work solo. My income mainly comes from interest. I put in some capital initially, and now the interest fuels the operation. I charge 10% over under a month; longer, it’s 20%.
ZEZ XXI: So on €200,000, that’s €20,000 to €40,000 in interest?
Daniel: Exactly. Then there’s my team on standby, paid only if needed. They’re contractors, not permanent staff.
ZEZ XXI: Have you ever dealt with well-known or public figures, without naming them?
Daniel: Yes, I’ve financed artistic projects. Once I fronted the money to rent a concert hall. A record label guaranteed it. If they didn’t pay, they’d cover the bill.
ZEZ XXI: Who do you refuse to lend to, no matter what?
Daniel: I never lend to people wanting to do illegal stuff. I sense when something’s off, and I avoid the risk.
ZEZ XXI: Do you sleep well? Ever fear for your safety or freedom?
Daniel: Not really—debtors owe me, not the other way around. People aren’t going to hunt me down for money. There have been minor threats, like attempts to reclaim collateral vehicles, but nothing serious.
ZEZ XXI: Got a memorable story?
Daniel: Once I lent money to a diplomat’s son—he wouldn’t pay. I had his passport as collateral, so I threatened to release his info. His father paid up immediately. Another time, a guy repaid thinking he was the debtor—but actually the loan was for his friend, who’d left his name as backup. The guy paid without even realizing.
ZEZ XXI: How long have you been doing this, and how did it start?
Daniel: About ten years. I was in real estate. A tenant asked me to pay his rent late with interest. That’s how it began.
ZEZ XXI: Thanks for such insightful answers, Daniel.
