Investment FAQs

As Standard Life operates as a branch of our UK parent company, policies taken out since 1 December 2001 are covered by the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the event that Standard Life is in default.

This means that if you buy a Standard Life pension or investment policy, your policy is covered by the FSCS which covers 90% of the claim, without any limit.

For more information, visit the FSCS website, www.fscs.org.uk.

When you choose a deposit provider, it is at your own risk and no protection applies if the provider is in default.  RaboDirect, Nationwide UK (Ireland) and Barclays are rated as three of the fifty safest banks in the world according to Global Finance magazine, Sept 2 2010.

The FSCS will cover 90% of the claim without limit.

Generally ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) are like investment funds, but they trade on major stock exchanges just like shares.

Unlike investing in individual shares, most ETFs offer the benefits of a diversified portfolio covering the component stocks of an underlying index. In other words, many of the risks involved are reduced by spreading them across a wide portfolio.

Typically, ETFs can be traded during dealing hours so investors can check prices and place orders just like for shares.

For policies taken out since 2001,the growth in your policy is subject to an exit tax (currently 30%).  It is deducted from your policy every eight years and from any withdrawal, surrender or death claim. 

If you are no longer an Irish resident for tax purposes when exit tax is due, then you may not have to pay it.  You will be subject to the tax rules of the country you have moved to.