Phoenix Group is now Standard Life plc

Phoenix Group became Standard Life plc in March 2026. References to Phoenix Group remain on this page as they were accurate at the time it was published.

Visit standardlifeplc.com for more information.

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

As you can see in the diagram below, we rate Phoenix Life CA as providing value for money, however we appreciate that much improvement is still required and the IGC will continue to push and monitor their performance. Their costs & charges and ESG are both rated as good (green) however, we have only rated their servicing as adequate (6) and their investment performance & services and communications & engagement as only just adequate (4).

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

2025
ratings

Assessment

4

Investment Services and Performance

The IGC is concerned about the poor performance of the Phoenix Life CA funds on a number of measures, although steps are being taken to improve. We are satisfied with the overall governance of Phoenix Life CA funds.

7

Costs and Charges

Since July 2024, following challenge from the IGC, we have seen Phoenix Life CA take positive action by significantly reducing the ongoing charges you pay. We are pleased that all customers are now paying ongoing charges of 0.75% per year or less and believe this represents good value for money.

6

Customer Service

Overall, Phoenix Life CA service levels are adequate, and their call centre service is particularly strong.

4

Communications and Engagement

Communications are regulatory compliant and there have been some improvements since it came under the IGC’s remit. However, the communications offering is text based with very few diagrams or charts to help customer engagement and understanding.

7

Environmental, Social and Governances

Phoenix Life CA takes its responsibilities to the environment and wider society seriously. Following its acquisition by Standard Life plc, Phoenix Life CA adopted the Group’s framework and policies that have been built to ensure ESG and Stewardship considerations are taken into account in investment decisions affecting customer returns.

 

Costs and charges

The Independent Governance Committee (IGC) also review transaction costs for Phoenix Life CA.

View the transaction costs table

  • 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
  • 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 Life CA.

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

Other documents

This document is applicable to both Phoenix Life and Phoenix Life CA customers