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

Startup Clove eyes launch in bid to 'lower the advice threshold to £10k'

Startup Clove eyes launch in bid to 'lower the advice threshold to £10k'

To start with five to ten advisers with plans to scale rapidly, CEO says

Sahar Nazir
clock 14 October 2025 • 3 min read
Autumn Budget 2025: Pressure mounts on chancellor as retail spending and jobs market slows

Autumn Budget 2025: Pressure mounts on chancellor as retail spending and jobs market slows

The updates advisers need in the run up to the Autumn Budget 2025 on 26 November

Professional Adviser
clock 14 October 2025 • 1 min read
Farage ditches £90bn tax cut pledge to focus on 'fiscal restraint' - report

Farage ditches £90bn tax cut pledge to focus on 'fiscal restraint' - report

Reform UK will prioritise spending cuts over borrowing

Sahar Nazir
clock 13 October 2025 • 2 min read