About us

We’re proud to be one of the largest mutual life offices in the UK - and one that's been around for over 150 years.

Who is Scottish Friendly?

Established in 1862 as the City of Glasgow Friendly Society, the name Scottish Friendly Assurance was adopted in 1992. This followed the transfer of business from a Scottish-based mutual.

What is a mutual?

Today Scottish Friendly operates as a financial services group offering a wide range of financial products and services. We're based in Glasgow and our staff and management team are dedicated to providing the best in customer service.

Key team members

We’re looking after assets worth more than £5.3 billion and have over 745,000 members (as at 29/04/21)

Our latest financial results

What services does Scottish Friendly offer?

Scottish Friendly as a group consists of three main subsidiaries. Each offers a distinct range of products and services. These include:

Scottish Friendly Assurance Society Limited

Marketing and maintaining a range of life, savings and investment products.

Scottish Friendly Asset Managers Limited

Offers a range of investment products including ISAs, Junior ISA and OEICs, providing access to expert fund managers.

Scottish Friendly Insurance Services Limited

Provides back office support and bespoke insurance products to other financial service organisations.

Who regulates us

Financial Results and Tax Strategy

Annual General Meetings

Our delegate system

Solvency II

Milestones and awards

As one of the largest mutual societies in the UK, we're proud of our achievements over the years. Here are just some of our milestone events and awards.

2015 onwards

2021 - We won ‘Best Junior ISA provider’ for the 3 year in a row at the Investment Life and Pensions Moneyfacts Awards 2021

2021 - We won ‘Best Mutual Insurer’ for the 3rd year in a row at the CFI.co 2021 awards

2020 - We won ‘Best Junior ISA provider’ for the 2nd year in a row at the Investment Life and Pensions Moneyfacts Awards 2020

2020 - We won ‘Best Mutual Insurer’ for the 2nd year in a row at the CFI.co 2020 awards

2019 - We completed the transfer of business from Canada Life. Assets under management more than double to over £5 billion

2019 - We won ‘Best Junior ISA provider’ at the Investment Life and Pensions Moneyfacts Awards 2019

2019 - We won ‘Best Mutual Insurer’ at the CFI.co 2019 awards

2018 - We celebrated our 20th anniversary of the Scottish Friendly Book Tour

2017 - Our new mobile app launched ensuring our customers can manage their My Plans investments whenever and wherever they are

2015 - We completed the transfer of business from Marine & General Mutual. Assets under management more than double to over £2.5 billion
2010 to 2014

2013 - Our new Junior ISA product launched

2013 - Scottish Friendly won the Financial Services Company of the Year Award at the Scottish Business Awards

2012 - Our My Plans online tool launched along with our new range of ISA products

2012 - We celebrated our 150-year anniversary

2012 - Transfer of business from Royal Standard Friendly Society was completed

2011 - We launched our new website and a range of Flexible Plans

2010 - Scottish Friendly wins the Arts & Business Scotland Award 'Young People Award' for our sponsorship of 'Meet Our Authors'

2010 - The Scottish Book Trust 'Meet Our Authors' programme launched with a live broadcast on World Book Day
2005 to 2009

2009 - The Scottish Friendly Children's Book tour expands to England

2008- Our Chief Executive, Fiona McBain wins Business Leader Of The Year at the Glasgow Business Awards

2008 - Scottish Friendly wins Best Practice in Insurance Administration award from Cedent

2008 - Transfer of business was completed from London Aberdeen & Northern Mutual Assurance

2007 - Scottish Friendly begins the first of a highly successful string of business partnerships that will include Royal London, Phoenix, Smart Insurance and Golden Charter

2007 - We won the Orange Best Use of Technology in Business Award at the National Business Awards for Scotland

2007 - Scottish Friendly takes over Scottish Legal Life, our biggest takeover to date

2007 - Pioneer Friendly Society endowment business was transferred to Scottish Friendly

2006 - Preston Operative business transfers to Scottish Friendly

2006 - Scottish Friendly begins wrap administration service to Nucleus Financial

2005 - Rational Shelley business transfers to Scottish Friendly

2005 - Scottish Friendly introduces Child Trust Fund
Up to 2005

2004 - Scottish Friendly, in line with industry trends, closes down its direct sales force. Major restructuring of business

1999 - Scottish Friendly introduces stocks and shares Individual Savings Account (ISA)

1998 - Scottish Friendly begins sponsorship of children’s literacy project in conjunction with Scottish Book Trust

1997 - Scottish Friendly website launched

1992 - Prior to commencing UK-wide marketing campaigns, City of Glasgow Friendly Society becomes Scottish Friendly Assurance, following takeover of business of a small friendly society

1992 - New Friendly Societies Act comes into force allowing incorporated friendly societies to broaden the range of investments they can market

1987 - Introduction of the Financial Services Act – period of significant change for financial organisations

1962 - Scottish Friendly begins to accept payments by cheque, paving the way for Direct Debit payments

1962 - We celebrated our 100-year anniversary

1948 - Introduction of National Health Service sees decline in business for many friendly societies

1914 - Outbreak of First World War – City of Glasgow Friendly Society provides financial support to its members fighting in the fields

1862 - City of Glasgow Friendly Society was founded by John Stewart

Read our latest news and press release or contact our PR team.

News and press

This year we are celebrating 20 years of supporting the Scottish Book Trust to promote literacy across the UK.

Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour

If you’re thinking about taking the next step in your career, then Scottish Friendly could be the place for you.

Careers at Scottish Friendly

Manage your investments online

You can manage your Scottish Friendly products securely online with My Plans. If you need some help, or you're not sure where to start, we've got FAQs and tutorials to get you going.

Visit our Members area

About us

Manage your investments online

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