"Our view is that you are receiving value for money"

Taking into account all areas, overall we believe customers get value for money from Standard Life. As you can see in the diagram below, we rate Standard Life as ‘good’ for their servicing and Investment Pathways solution. We are pleased to rate them ‘excellent’ for their investment performance, costs & charges, communications & engagement and ESG.

We assess each of the areas to determine if Red (not value for money), Amber (value for money but could be improved), or Green (value for money). We also decide if they are low, medium or high within each category. This results in a final rating between 1 and 9.

Ratings and summary

2024
rating
2025
rating

Assessment

7 8

Investment Performance & Services

The IGC is reassured with the outturn of the main funds (including with-profits) offered to Standard Life customers. The firm is actively monitoring and overseeing your funds to ensure that they meet the required levels of service.

8 8

Costs & Charges

Standard Life continues to take proactive actions to review pricing of schemes. We also see positive progress in the implementation of plans to cap ongoing charges at 0.75% per year where customers have no additional benefits.

7 7

Customer Servicing

Standard Life continues to offer customers a good level of service across Telephone and postal channels and an excellent digital experience.

8 8/9

Communications and Engagement

Standard Life continues to produce high quality and engaging communications and to further develop its offering to customers.

7 7

Investment Pathways

Standard Life’s Investment Pathway proposition continues to offer good value for customers. There will be a focus in the coming year on reviewing the asset allocation of the funds to ensure they continue to deliver good outcomes.

8 8

Environmental, Social & Governance

Standard Life takes its responsibilities to the environment and wider society seriously. 2025 saw further development to ensure ESG considerations are taken into account in investment decisions affecting customer returns.

 

Costs and charges

New regulations now ask IGCs to publish costs and charges information in more detail. Please visit the IGC Costs and Charges page for more information.

The IGC also review transaction costs for Standard Life.

Click here to download the transaction costs spreadsheet

  • The full fund list shows the transaction cost information available to the IGC for its 2025 Annual Report (to follow before 30 September 2026)
  • The information shows the position up to 31 December 2025 and includes over 500 funds
  • The Annual Report provides commentary and the IGC’s conclusions on transaction costs and the value for money implications for members of contract-based workplace pension schemes written by Phoenix

 

Meet the board members

Contact us

The IGC continually looks at how we can improve our approach on behalf of customers. We are keen to hear what you think. Please do get in touch with us at igc@standardlife.com