Lender makes these improvements (8)
I believe the answer is:
advances
'improvements' is the definition.
('advance' can be a synonym of 'improvement')
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for advances that I've seen before include "Moves or puts forward" , "Moves forward in amorous initiatives?" , "Moves forward like army" , "Forward movements" , "Promotes" .)
