Which of the following describes a financial intermediary?

A financial intermediary refers to an entity that acts as a middleman in financial transactions, channeling funds between savers and borrowers. The correct answer identifies a non-bank lender like a pawnshop as a financial intermediary. Pawnshops provide short-term loans to consumers in exchange for collateral, essentially facilitating the borrowing process for individuals who may not have access to traditional bank financing. This role exemplifies the core function of a financial intermediary, which is to connect parties in the financial system.

Considering the other options, a direct consumer of goods typically does not engage in financial intermediation as they are simply purchasing items for personal use. A person who sells products online operates in e-commerce without serving as a financial conduit between different clients or institutions. A property management service, while it may manage assets and collect rents, does not primarily function as an intermediary for financial transactions in the same way non-bank lenders do; rather, its role focuses more on managing property than on facilitating financial exchanges.