Friends Provident defiant despite ratings cut

clock

Friends Provident says it will press ahead as planned with implementing its new UK strategy despite having its insurance financial strength rating cut by Moody's.

The firm’s life and pensions arm (FPLP) yesterday had its A2 rating downgraded to A3 amid concerns about the group’s profitability outlook and its “weak” financial flexibility. Moody's added there had been further deterioration in the value of the business's net assets and pointed to market threats to its revised strategy. Earlier this month, Friends Provident announced its H1 results for 2008, which showed profits had fallen 20% and UK new business dipped 12%. In January, Friends unveiled its new UK business plan saying it intends to focus on protection, the group pensions market and an...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Protection

Training day: How will CPD changes impact protection?

Training day: How will CPD changes impact protection?

Rules may “lead to protection being overlooked”

Cameron Roberts
clock 30 May 2025 • 6 min read
'Surely we're capable enough of doing it ourselves': Industry says protection should be in-house

'Surely we're capable enough of doing it ourselves': Industry says protection should be in-house

Majority believe IFAs and wealth managers should not outsource, PA Asks finds

Isabel Baxter
clock 13 May 2025 • 3 min read
Five things to know when assessing critical illness policies

Five things to know when assessing critical illness policies

Five critical illness factors to consider

Alan Lakey
clock 12 May 2025 • 4 min read