Standard Life is the revered Scottish financial institution. It was a mutual life insurer, founded in 1825, and de-mutualised in 2006 and floated on the London Stock Exchange to become a member of the FTSE-100.

Just looking at basic financials, in these 0.5% interest rate times, Standard Life PLC is able to pay a 3.8% coupon on this shares.
[http://www.shareshop.hsbc.co.uk/shareshop/security.cgi?username=&ac=&csi=186960&record_search=1&search_phrase=sl]

A financial giant, with expertise in long term investment, the 2012 annual report, one can collect some salient information.
[http://www.standardlife.com/investor/financial_reports.html]

page 5: Focus on Emerging Markets: Dubai, India, China and Singapore.

page 11: Assets under administration of £218.1 Billion (£218,100 Million)

Page 15: Highly Liquid with £1,064 Million (£1.064 Billion) in cash and short term debt securities)

page 19: Investment in technology is delivering lower costs.

page 126: Investment return of £13,982 Million (£13.982 Billion) on its investments.

page 136: Investment in property of £8,565 Million (£8.565 Billion)

page 141: Derivative Financial Instruments held for trading: £82,979 Million (£82.979 Billion)

A very strong institution with a prudent approach to investment management.