Insurance

The general insurance, life assurance and pensions sector in Scotland dates back to the early eighteenth century. At that time the increase in international trade led to a requirement for marine insurance for many Scottish export and import companies.

Key facts

  • Four major UK insurance companies are headquartered in Scotland: Standard Life, Scottish Widows, AEGON UK and Bright Grey (a division of Royal London).
  • Scotland is the operating base for several other major insurance institutions with diverse business profiles, such as Norwich Union, Prudential and Resolution.
  • The sector accounts for 23 per cent of financial services employment in Scotland.
  • Scottish Financial Enterprise’s (SFE) insurance member companies manage a total of over £726 billion between them internationally.