The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word WEAL
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
W
E
A
L
More clues leading to the result WEAL
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does WEAL mean?
WEAL noun- Wealth, riches.
- Welfare, prosperity.
- (by extension) Boon, benefit.
- Specifically, the general happiness of a community, country etc. (often with qualifying word).
- A raised, longitudinal wound, usually purple, on the surface of flesh caused by a stroke of a rod or whip; a welt.
- To mark with stripes; to wale.