Core Insights - The collapse of First Brands Group highlights increasing risks in the private credit market and its potential impact on the UK's financial system [1] - The bankruptcy of First Brands and Tricolor raises concerns over opaque lending structures in the US auto sector [2] Company Overview - First Brands Group, a US auto parts manufacturer, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with liabilities exceeding $10 billion [2] - The company's downfall was attributed to off-balance-sheet financing practices that obscured the true extent of its debt [3][4] Industry Context - The private credit market has expanded significantly since the 2008 financial crisis, now comparable in size to the entire UK GDP [6] - Private credit funds, which lend directly to companies outside the regulated banking system, manage over $2 trillion globally [7] - The situation with First Brands has drawn parallels to previous financial collapses, such as Greensill Capital and Carillion, indicating systemic vulnerabilities in the financial market [5][6]