About Us - Royal London

About Us - Royal London

A Legacy Rooted in Purpose
Royal London began its journey in 1861 in a coffee shop on City Road, London. In Victorian Britain, many families faced the indignity of pauper’s funerals—basic, publicly funded burials for those who could not afford proper arrangements. Determined to provide an alternative, Joseph Degge and Henry Ridge founded The Royal London Friendly Society. Their vision was simple yet profound: to offer affordable financial security and dignity during life’s most challenging moments.

What started as a small burial club has grown into the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions, and investment company. Our evolution from a Friendly Society to a modern mutual reflects over 160 years of commitment to helping people build financial resilience and safeguard their futures.

Proud to Be a Mutual
Since transitioning to a mutual in 1908, we have been owned by our members and customers, not shareholders. This structure enables us to focus entirely on delivering value to the people who matter most: those who trust us with their financial wellbeing.

Today, we manage £169 billion in assets, support over 8.5 million policies, and employ more than 4,400 people. As one of the top 30 mutuals globally, we combine our deep heritage with a forward-looking approach to create meaningful, sustainable impact.

Our Purpose: Protecting Today, Investing in Tomorrow
Our Purpose – “Protecting today, investing in tomorrow. Together we are mutually responsible” – defines who we are and guides every decision we make. It reflects our commitment to:

1. Helping Build Financial Resilience
   We empower individuals and families to face life’s uncertainties with confidence. Through our tailored savings, protection, and investment solutions, we help customers protect themselves and their loved ones while planning for the future.

2. Moving Fairly to a Sustainable World
   We use our position to drive progress on environmental and social priorities. By aligning our investments with the goals of the Paris Agreement and actively engaging with companies, we strive to create long-term value while contributing to a sustainable future.

3. Strengthening the Mutual Choice for Customers
   We champion the benefits of mutuality, advocating for customer ownership as a model that prioritises long-term value over short-term profits.

Delivering Excellence Through Our Services
At Royal London, we provide a comprehensive range of financial products and services to meet diverse customer needs:

• Life and Pension Products
  In the UK, we offer a wide array of pension and protection solutions, including life cover, critical illness cover, and income protection. These products are primarily distributed through financial advisers who help customers choose the best options for their circumstances.

• Asset Management
  Royal London Asset Management (RLAM) is one of the UK’s leading fund managers, managing investments across all major asset classes. With a strong focus on responsible investing, RLAM helps clients achieve their financial goals while aligning with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

• Protection for Irish Customers
  In Ireland, we provide protection and pension products through a network of financial brokers. This ensures impartial advice and tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of our Irish customers.

Commitment to Responsible Investment
As stewards of £169 billion in assets, we are dedicated to driving positive change. Our investment beliefs include:

• Customer Focus: We invest responsibly to align with our customers’ values and expectations.
• Climate Commitment: We support the Paris Agreement and understand that actions taken by 2030 will shape the planet’s future.
• Active Ownership: We engage with companies to influence change, address risks, and ensure sustainable practices.
• ESG Integration: Incorporating environmental, social, and governance factors into our investment process helps manage risk and delivers better outcomes for customers.

Our Strategy: A Modern Mutual Growing Sustainably
Our insight-led strategy focuses on building long-term relationships with customers while driving sustainable growth. By aligning our strategy with our Purpose, we ensure:

• High-quality solutions that support good customer outcomes.
• Enhanced financial resilience for individuals and families.
• A commitment to using our mutuality for the greater good.

Recognition and Achievements
We are proud of the numerous awards we have received for our innovative products, outstanding customer service, and responsible business practices. These accolades reflect our dedication to evolving with our customers’ needs and delivering exceptional value.

Our Vision for the Future
Royal London remains committed to being a trusted partner in life’s key financial moments. From enabling customers to save for retirement to protecting their families against life’s uncertainties, we are here to help build brighter futures.

For more information about Royal London, visit our website.