From cash to investing: Lower-risk investment solutions with Standard Life

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Irish savers continued to favour bank deposits in 2025, with total balances exceeding €250 billion*, comprising almost €170 billion in household deposits and €80 billion in corporate accounts. Surprisingly, over 84% of these deposits remain in demand/overnight accounts, earning an average interest rate of just 0.10% p.a. (as of November 2025).

For clients seeking better returns, moving beyond traditional demand deposits is increasingly important. Understandably, some may be cautious, so low-risk investment options can be an ideal starting point.

At Standard Life, we offer a range of low-risk solutions designed to help your clients take that first step into investing. Whether for retirement planning, savings, or investments, our options focus on capital preservation, while providing access to world-leading banks such as Barclays, Societe Generale, and HSBC bank.

As well as a number of deposit options, we also offer a money market fund as part of our low-risk options range.

Euro Global Liquidity Fund

The Euro Global Liquidity Fund aims to preserve capital and deliver returns in line with euro money market rates (before charges), while maintaining high liquidity. It is a highly diversified investment fund with over 120 securities and the minimum credit rating of all securities is A-1.

¹ As of 31 December 2025

Source: Aberdeen Investments, 31 December 2025. Important to note: The current gross yield is not guaranteed.

For more information on this fund see our fund centre on standardlife.ie/adviser.

Fixed-term deposits – Societe Generale

For clients who prefer a gradual approach, we offer a range of fixed-term deposits giving stability and predictable returns. Through Société Générale, a leading global bank with a strong, long-term A credit rating, we provide fixed deposit terms of 2, 3, 4, or 5 years.

• Available across our Synergy product range, including Synergy PRSA
• Minimum investment: €250,000
• For latest indicative rates see deposits on standardlife.ie/adviser. Example: 5-year fixed term deposit (as of 12 January 2026) 2.7% Compound Annual Rate (CAR)

Structured deposits – Barclays Bank Ireland

For clients seeking capital protection with potential for growth, our 3-year structured deposit with Barclays Bank Ireland is an attractive option. Barclays ranks 17th globally and holds a strong long-term A credit rating.

Key points:

• 100% Capital protection
• Opportunity to benefit from equity market performance
• Available across most Synergy products (excluding Synergy PRSA)
• Minimum investment: €100,000

Structured deposits are available across most Synergy products (excluding Synergy PRSA) with a minimum investment of €100,000. They may suit risk-averse clients for pensions or investments and can also be an attractive option for those companies with excess cash, seeking a secure, low-risk solution.

For our latest Barclays Structured Deposit see the deposit page. Also refer to relevant Standard Life Key features document and Barclays KID for important information.

Policy cash account

We also have another low-risk option which is used as a transaction account for clients until they decide on a more suitable long-term home for their retirement or investment money.

The policy cash account is provided by a third-party deposit provider set up within the policy. This account is currently with HSBC Bank which is the world’s 7th largest bank and has strong A credit ratings.

The variable interest rate payable on the policy cash account is currently 1.95% gross (1.97% CAR) and is subject to change at any time (it was 2.20% gross (2.22% CAR*) between 23 April 2025 and 10 June 2025).

Refer to the Key Features document and Self-Directed Options Guide for more details.

There is an annual management charge of 1% on all deposits. Returns on your client’s investment will also be affected by the commission structure you have agreed with them

Opportunities for clients and corporates

Low-risk investment options can play a valuable role in personal financial planning, offering stability, and peace of mind. These options may suit risk-averse clients for a portion of or all their pension or investment and can also be an attractive option for those companies with excess cash, seeking a secure, low-risk solution.

Corporate investments: A significant amount of corporate money continues to sit on bank deposits. This is a compelling opportunity for advisers to help clients review how surplus cash is held and whether another structure might be more effective. Where companies invest in deposits with Standard Life through the Synergy Investment Bond, and gains are treated as capital gain, no CGT and no close company surcharge tax applies. Gains are subject to exit tax which is currently 25%. This structure may provide more tax-efficient outcomes than investing directly in deposits, alongside the potential for higher investment returns. Companies should obtain independent tax advice prior to investing.

Low-risk investment options can play a vital role in financial planning, offering security, stability, and peace of mind. Explore these solutions today and help your clients achieve their goals with confidence. Talk to your Standard Life Business Manager for more information.

*Source: Central Bank of Ireland, October 2025