The term "loan shark" refers to an unethical and often illegal money lender who charges very high interest rates and uses intimidating or violent tactics to collect debts. Therefore, antonyms for this term would include legitimate, ethical, safe, and legal lending sources such as banks, credit unions, and licensed lending institutions. These sources provide loans with fair and reasonable interest rates, transparent repayment terms, and strict regulations to protect borrowers from abusive lending practices. Unlike loan sharks, these institutions are accountable to laws and regulations, and they aim to help borrowers improve their financial situation instead of exploiting their vulnerabilities.