Standard Life develops alternatives during ‘Perfect Storm'

Standard Life has developed new investment options which extend the range of less volatile forms of investment available through its individual, group and Wrap SIPPs.

Developed following adviser feedback, these new options increase the range of ‘safer haven' investments available to both new and existing customers, and form part of the ongoing development of Standard Life's SIPP proposition in the second half of 2008.
Capital Guaranteed Plus1 is available over one and two year terms and is a capital protected product. It offers growth opportunities depending on the performance of the FTSE 100, subject to a maximum cap, and guarantees the return of capital on maturity. All growth is linked to the FTSE 100 and the product is exclusive to Standard Life SIPP customers.

There are also two new Fixed Rate Accounts, which offer protection and growth with the flexibility of different terms. Customers can invest in one or both terms at the same time, with the accounts currently paying:

Up to six months on a fixed rate of 5.50% gross p.a./AER or
Up to one year on a fixed rate of 5.65% gross p.a./AER

Dave Campbell, director of retirement solutions at Standard Life said: "In the current economic climate we are seeing strong demand for less volatile investments. Advisers and their clients have been asking us to introduce safer options within SIPP to which we have reacted positively and swiftly. Our absolute return funds are already being used by advisers as part of a diversified portfolio to help preserve capital values, and these new options extend the range of solutions available."

Campbell continued: "Advisers and their clients should take confidence that we are providing solutions for current investment conditions and we are committed to ensuring our SIPP proposition remains at the front of the pack.

"The ongoing SIPP developments are being very well received by advisers, including availability of vesting protected rights pension pots, the launch of the Retirement Manager tool, and recently linking our mutual fund platform, FundZone, to SIPP.

"Our SIPP is going from strength-to-strength. More developments are in the pipeline which will help us to continue building valuable and long-term customer relationships, cementing our market leading position."