Providing with an asset but finish in debt (8)
I believe the answer is:
endowing
'providing' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'finish in debt' is the wordplay.
'finish' becomes 'end' (synonyms).
'in debt' becomes 'owing' (I've seen this before).
'end'+'owing'='ENDOWING'
'with an asset but' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for endowing that I've seen before include "Presenting" , "Making donations" .)