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brighter about us-1

ABOUT US

Supporting organisations to deliver transformation, strengthen governance and navigate regulatory complexity

Brighter is a boutique consulting firm supporting organisations across insurance, banking, payments, other financial services and professional sectors. 

Since 2018, we have partnered with leading firms to deliver complex transformation programmes, strengthen governance and risk frameworks and implement practical solutions to regulatory and operational challenges.

Our approach combines deep industry expertise with a flexible delivery model. Rather than rely on large teams or rigid consulting structures, we deploy highly experienced consultants who work closely with client teams to understand their objectives and deliver measurable and meaningful outcomes.

From regulatory change and operational transformation to financial crime compliance and remediation programme delivery, Brighter provides pragmatic, outcome-focused support that helps organisations to manage complexity and deliver sustainable improvement.

We are trusted by senior leaders across the insurance and financial services sectors to deliver high-impact programmes where clarity, discretion and technical expertise are essential.

Our work is guided by a set of core principles that define how we engage with clients and deliver projects.

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Integrity
Integrity
We operate with transparency and professionalism, building trusted relationships with our clients and partners.
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Expertise
Expertise
Our teams combine deep technical knowledge with practical industry experience to deliver solutions that work in real-world environments.
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Collaboration
Collaboration
We work closely with our clients, embedding ourselves within their teams to ensure alignment and shared ownership of outcomes.
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Accountability
Accountability

We take responsibility for delivery, and focus on achieving measurable, sustainable results.

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Pragmatism
Pragmatism

We believe in solutions that are proportionate, practical and aligned with business objectives rather than theoretical frameworks.

Meet the Team

Experienced practitioners delivering practical solutions

Brighter’s consulting team is made up of experienced practitioners from consulting, financial services, insurance and regulatory backgrounds.

Our consultants bring extensive industry experience across actuarial, risk, finance, compliance, transformation and financial crime. This expertise allows us to work closely with clients to understand their complex challenges and design practical, proportionate solutions that are aligned with strategic objectives.

Rather than deploying large teams of junior consultants, Brighter focuses on delivering value through senior expertise and collaborative partnerships. Our consultants work alongside client teams to ensure that knowledge is transferred, capability is strengthened and change is fully embedded within the organisation.

Graham.
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Graham Bailey COOGraham has over 30 years of experience in financial services, specialising in financial crime and regulatory change.

He has led major AML and ICB programme implementations across insurance and banking, delivering regulatory compliance through end-to-end change programmes. His experience includes system integrations, operating model redesign, and offshoring of financial crime and payments functions.
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Dean.
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Dean Manning CEO

Dean has over 25 years of experience in senior change and transformation roles, leading major regulatory and compliance-driven programmes across global financial institutions.

He has successfully delivered complex portfolio initiatives for top-tier banks, with a strong focus on anti-financial crime, AML, and regulatory risk mitigation. Dean also brings international experience in the life assurance sector. His expertise lies in navigating complex regulatory landscapes, strengthening financial crime controls, and enhancing compliance frameworks in highly regulated environments.

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Laura.
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Laura Whelan Head of People Operations

Laura is a CIPD-qualified HR professional with experience across HR, payroll, and employee onboarding.

She has delivered improvements in HR processes, team performance, and operational efficiency across large organisations in construction, medical, and the motor industry.

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Jon.
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John Bleasdale UK Managing Director

John has over 17 years of commercial experience delivering high-value services to clients.

He has spent the last 11 years working within the insurance sector, with experience across key industry disciplines, supporting clients with impactful, outcome-focused solutions.

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Simon.
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Simon Davis Chairman/Strategic AdvisorSimon has over 35 years of experience in financial services across insurance, banking, payments, and consultancy. He has held executive leadership roles including CEO, COO, and CRO, and now advises boards on growth, regulatory complexity, and risk.

He brings deep expertise in financial crime risk management and regulatory transformation, advising on governance, compliance frameworks, and responses to evolving regulatory expectations.

An entrepreneur, Simon has founded both an insurance business and a consultancy, combining commercial acumen with regulatory insight to solve complex challenges.
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Louise
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Louise Everett Head London Market

Louise has over 15 years of experience in the UK financial services sector, specialising in delivering change solutions. She connects clients with change management and technology professionals to deliver solutions aligned to business needs.

Her partnership-led approach ensures clients access the right expertise through Brighter’s network. Louise’s market insight and focus on long-term client relationships position her as a trusted advisor for outcome-led solutions.

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Jason
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Jason Davies Director of Finance & Accounting/ Governance, Risk & ComplianceJason brings over 25 years of experience in financial services, with a background in retail banking and 12 years at a global consulting and advisory firm specialising in risk, compliance, financial crime, and finance.

He has expertise across insurance, banking, capital markets, payments, wealth and asset management, and pensions.

As a Director at Brighter, Jason leads Risk, Compliance, and Finance transformation services, focusing on delivering value and building long-term client partnerships.
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Sarah
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Sarah Watkins Actuarial Solutions Partner

Sarah has 20 years of experience across recruitment, management, sales, and strategic development.

Her broad background enables her to support clients with actuarial solutions aligned to business needs.

Combined with her collaborative approach, she delivers effective outcomes across client engagements.

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Corporate Social Responsibility

Supporting responsible and sustainable business practices

Brighter recognises the importance of responsible business practices and the role that organisations play in supporting sustainable economic and social outcomes.

We support our clients in navigating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements while embedding responsible practices within our own organisation.

Our approach focuses on:

  • Responsible governance and ethical decision-making

  • Promoting diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities

  • Encouraging sustainable and responsible business practices

  • Contributing our expertise to initiatives that strengthen financial systems integrity

By aligning our work with these principles, we aim to support organisations in building resilient and responsible businesses.

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