Aberdeen's return to vowels: 'It had no choice but to change it back'

Initial rebrand an ‘expensive and confusing’ marketing mistake, advisers say

Isabel Baxter
clock • 3 min read

Following the news that Abrdn will be changing its name back to Aberdeen in a bid to “remove distractions”, industry commentators have said that “it had no choice” but to change it back.

Standard Life Aberdeen adopted the name Abrdn back in 2021, following the sale of the Standard Life brand to Phoenix Group. At the time, the asset manager said that the vowel-banishing change reflected a "modern, agile, digitally enabled brand".  As part of its full year results released today (4 March), the asset manager said the name change is a "pragmatic decision marking a new phase for the organisation and removing distractions, this is a name change not a re-brand, so there is no change to visual identity".  "It was clearly not working," The Yardstick Agency founder and di...

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 Companies

Walker Crips CEOs on turning the business around under PhillipCapital

Walker Crips CEOs on turning the business around under PhillipCapital

Firm eyes new investment brand and structured investment fund launch

Isabel Baxter
clock 03 March 2026 • 4 min read
Aberdeen Adviser profit for 2025 slides 32% to £86m

Aberdeen Adviser profit for 2025 slides 32% to £86m

Expects £1bn net inflow target to be delivered in 2027

Isabel Baxter
clock 03 March 2026 • 2 min read
7IM's private client business merges with Amicus Wealth

7IM's private client business merges with Amicus Wealth

Forms Amicus Wealth Management

Jen Frost
clock 02 March 2026 • 2 min read