First-time private lenders
If you have never lent privately before, this is where I spend the most time — the structure, the protections, the questions to ask, and what "indicative" honestly means.
Verified consultant
ProLend private-lending consultant
John CostopoulosPrivate-Lending Consultant in Durban
Capital growth in a private lending environment
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Local & offshore
In person & online
I like to offer people with available capital the opportunity to earn interest in the private lending environment, in South Africa and offshore, that exceeds what the traditional investment platforms offer.
Local + Offshore
Both ProLend pathways
Durban
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
In person & online
How John meets clients
Background & experience
Capital growth in a private lending environment
I like to offer people with available capital the opportunity to earn interest in the private lending environment, in South Africa and offshore, that exceeds what the traditional investment platforms offer.
I allay any fears that arise regarding the private lending environment.
After 14 years selling accounting and administration systems to business owners, CEOs and CFOs, a chance encounter (right place, right time) led me into the importation of used vehicles from Japan — selling/exporting to the neighbouring countries.
Like many things in life, some — not all — good things come to an end, but the imports and exports of the Japanese used cars slowly dwindled.
Fortuitously, it was at this time my brother introduced me to the private lending environment.
Areas of expertise
Where clients rely on me most.
People who want the mechanics explained plainly before they commit.
Local, prime-linked lending
Rand-based arrangements that move with South Africa's prime rate. We model an indicative range and talk through how income tracks as prime shifts.
Offshore fixed-return notes
Hard-currency structures over a fixed term, deployed in Rands at the live rate. Useful when a client wants currency diversification and a defined horizon.
Credentials & training
What backs me.
ProLend Consultant CertificationCompleted the full training programme and knowledge checks, 2026.
LanguagesWorks with clients in English.
Where John works
Based in Durban, working across KwaZulu-Natal and online.
John works with clients in Durban, Umhlanga, Pietermaritzburg and Ballito, as well as online with clients anywhere in South Africa. First conversations happen in person or over a video call — whichever suits you.
Common questions
About working with John.
Who is John Costopoulos?
I like to offer people with available capital the opportunity to earn interest in the private lending environment, in South Africa and offshore, that exceeds what the traditional investment platforms offer.
I allay any fears that arise regarding the private lending environment.
Where is John based?
John is based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and works with clients in Durban, Umhlanga, Pietermaritzburg and Ballito — as well as online with clients anywhere in South Africa.
Who does John work best with?
People who want the mechanics explained plainly before they commit.
What does John help clients understand?
How private lending works in South Africa — the local prime-linked pathway and the offshore hard-currency pathway — including the structure, the term, the security features and the risks, so you can weigh it up yourself.
Does John provide financial advice?
No. John is an independent ProLend consultant and does not provide financial, investment or tax advice — only information, and a walk through the pathways. Product terms and administration are the responsibility of the registered provider.
Can I model local and offshore scenarios with John?
Yes. You can model an indicative local prime-linked or offshore hard-currency scenario for your own amount using the calculator on John's link, then discuss what it shows together.
Is there any obligation after enquiring?
No. Modelling a scenario and enquiring are free and carry no obligation. Nothing proceeds until you are comfortable, and final terms, availability and acceptance still apply.
Important boundaries
What this is — and what it isn't.
- John is an independent ProLend consultant, not an employee of ProLend.
- John does not provide financial, investment or tax advice.
- Figures modelled on ProLend are indicative, not quotes or offers.
- Returns are not guaranteed, and depend on the arrangement, prevailing rates and the term.
- Capital carries risk, including the risk of loss.
- Product terms and administration are handled by the registered credit provider under the National Credit Act.
Ready when you are
Model your scenario with John.
Start with an indicative figure on the calculator, then request a conversation. There's no obligation, and nothing happens until you're ready.
John Costopoulos is an independent ProLend consultant. Figures modelled on ProLend are indicative and do not constitute financial advice or a guarantee of any return. Product terms and administration are the responsibility of the registered product provider.