Crossword Genius

A trip to secure five small loans (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

advances

'loans' is the definition.
(advancing is a kind of loaning)

'a trip to secure five small' is the wordplay.
'trip' becomes 'dance' (I've seen this before).
'to secure' indicates putting letters inside.
'five' becomes 'v' (roman numeral).
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'dance' enclosing 'v' is 'dvance'.
'a'+'dvance'+'s'='ADVANCES'

(Other definitions for advances that I've seen before include "Forward movements" , "Moves forward in amorous initiatives?" , "More than one sub" , "Progresses" , "Moves or puts forward" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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