Which of the following is NOT typically a characteristic of an institutional lender?

An institutional lender, such as a bank or credit union, primarily focuses on providing financial services and products that align with regulatory standards and serve a wide range of clients. One of the defining characteristics of these lenders is that they operate under strict regulations imposed by governmental authorities, ensuring consumer protection and financial stability. This often includes offering services like commercial loans, mortgages, and other forms of financing targeted at businesses or real estate.

While it's true that institutional lenders do engage in various lending practices, personal loans are generally in the realm of consumer finance, often handled by smaller financial institutions or specialized lenders. Institutional lenders usually specialize in larger-scale loans that are secured by collateral like property or commercial ventures rather than providing unsecured personal loans.

Thus, the option regarding personal loans does not align with the typical activities of institutional lenders, making it the correct answer in this context.