Standard Life: Royal London watches and waits

clock

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 that 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. The view was first put forward in January, when the FSA publicly acknowledged it was helping Standard Life sort out its 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 change to our business plan.” Still, Buch...

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 Your profession

Feel Good Friday: Quilter pledges £3m towards financial education

Feel Good Friday: Quilter pledges £3m towards financial education

Alongside £1m in grants supporting charities

Professional Adviser
clock 13 February 2026 • 1 min read
Brits unlikely to see IFAs despite Budget impact

Brits unlikely to see IFAs despite Budget impact

Just 19% were likely to seek advice, Continuum finds

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 February 2026 • 3 min read
Treasury consults on AR regime adding further FCA and FOS permissions

Treasury consults on AR regime adding further FCA and FOS permissions

Amid concerns about consumer harm and weaknesses in oversight

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 February 2026 • 3 min read