//
The FTSE 100 firms revealed a nine per cent drop in UK sales.
During the fourth quarter of 2008, life and pensions sale fell 25 per cent.
In a statement, Standard Life said it was confident it would be able to outperform its rivals in its more profitable areas.
"Conditions across all our markets will remain challenging during 2009 with the combination of weakening economic conditions and an unprecedented level of dislocation in financial markets," it commented.
The company also said it had £3.5 billion worth of cash more than it needed to meet regulatory requirement.
In addition, to pensions and insurance, Standard Life also offers mortgages, savings and personal healthcare.
