Standard Life says UK annuity rates hit 7.75%, highest since 2008

• Standard Life flagged July 2026 annuity rates at an 18-year high, with the average for a healthy 65-year-old at 7.75%.
• The rate rose from 7.66% in April, lifting expected annual income on a GBP 100,000 pension pot to GBP 7,750.
• Head of Annuities Pete Cowell said the higher rates shorten the payback period to about 13 years versus about 20 years at 5% in 2020.
• Cowell said guaranteed income can anchor core living costs, with drawdown used alongside it to balance certainty with flexibility.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Standard Life plc published the original content used to generate this news brief on July 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.