Standard Life: Royal London watches and waits

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Standard Life's decision to put forward the option of demutualisation to its policyholders is being closely watched by Royal London, although the latter maintains the view its competitor's problems are company specific.

Royal London, which becomes the biggest mutual if Standard Life does demutualise, remains committed to the principles of mutuality and has the financial strength to take advantage of a forecast growing market, says head of communications Alasdair Buchanan. That view was first put forward in January, when the FSA publicised its involvement in helping Standard Life develop a realistic balance sheet. ”We said then [in January] that the issues were company specific and our position remains the same,” he says. ”There is no reason for radical plans in our business plan.” Still, Buchan...

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