Private credit recently hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons due to the collapse of First Brands and Tricolor. But these are not typical...
Read article “Private credit: Misguided fears and the real risks”4 minutes

Brightwell, the comprehensive services provider for defined benefit (DB) pension schemes has launched a new run-on toolkit which can be found here.
Morten Nilsson, CEO, Brightwell said: “There’s lots of discussion about the merits of run-on but less discussion about how to achieve it. The ‘Running on with Brightwell’ toolkit outlines key considerations for pension schemes and the tools needed to run-on successfully.
“A decision to run-on need not be permanent, it can be a stepping stone, but it needs to be done actively.”
Brightwell has a long track record managing run-on strategies for its clients and the toolkit leverages this expertise focussing on key the considerations for trustees and sponsors.
How do you build the consensus you need and fully assess the balance of risks against the potential rewards? How do you support stakeholders to achieve the consensus needed?
DB schemes are entering a new phase marked by improved funding levels yet increasingly negative cash flows as they shift from accumulation to decumulation. The focus must shift towards cash flow management, managing illiquid assets, and enhancing operational efficiency.
What are the options for sharing surplus now and how could these evolve in the future?
A successful run-on strategy should take a connected and unified approach across member, scheme, funding and investment services. None should sit in isolation. The run on journey needs to be underpinned by strong, efficient and effective member administration and other scheme services that meet members’ and Trustees evolving needs and integrates member liability data as effectively as possible into the funding and investment strategy.
How do schemes manage their costs effectively when their AUM and member base is shrinking? How can schemes leverage scale to build resilience into their operating model and continue to motivate talent.

Head of Communications and External Relations
Brightwell, the comprehensive service provider for defined benefit (DB) pension schemes has appointed James Pearson in a newly created role as Head of Member Services Operations based in Chesterfield.
Find out more about “Brightwell appoints James Pearson as Head of Member Services Operations”16/12/2025
Commenting on the revised administration guidance published today, Michelle Esterkin, Head of Admin Consulting, Brightwell said: “Administration is the public face of pension schemes and is central to overall member experience. It’s the glue that holds everything together and we welcome this guidance which clearly sets out TPR’s expectations of the roles of administrators and trustees in this increasingly crucial part of the pensions ecosystem.”
Find out more about “Brightwell comments on The Pension Regulator’s revised guidance on administration”09/12/2025
For information on how we use your personal data read our terms & conditions and privacy statement.