Aberdeen Investments appointed by UK insurer Utmost Life and Pensions to manage commercial real estate lending mandate

Aberdeen Investments has been appointed by Utmost Life and Pensions to manage a commercial real estate lending (CREL) mandate supporting the insurer’s growing Bulk Purchase Annuity (BPA) business.

The appointment expands a relationship spanning more than 25 years and reinforces Aberdeen's position as a provider of private market investment solutions for insurers seeking long-term, income-generating assets that align with their liabilities.

Aberdeen has already completed the first transaction under the mandate, providing financing secured against a prime Grade A office asset in central London. The transaction demonstrates the ability of both organisations to move rapidly from mandate award to capital deployment.

The CREL mandate will focus on sourcing and managing high-quality commercial real estate debt investments for Utmost Life and Pensions, helping support the continued growth of its BPA business and broader pension risk transfer ambitions.

The appointment comes at a time when insurers are increasingly seeking specialist partners with proven origination, underwriting and asset management capabilities in private markets. Aberdeen has a long-established track record in commercial real estate lending and currently manages real estate debt investments on behalf of a range of institutional and insurance clients across the UK and Europe.

Martin Barnewell, Head of Commercial Real Estate Lending at Aberdeen Investments, said:

“We are delighted to have been selected by Utmost Life and Pensions and are proud to have completed our first transaction together so quickly following the award of the mandate. This early investment highlights the strength of our origination and execution capabilities, as well as our ability to identify attractive opportunities while maintaining our disciplined investment approach.

“We value the confidence Utmost Life and Pensions has placed in our team and look forward to building a long-term partnership through the delivery of high-quality real estate debt investments that support the growth of its BPA business.”

Craig Baker, Chief Investment Officer at Utmost Life and Pensions, said:

"As we continue to grow our BPA business, securing access to high-quality private market assets is an important component of our investment strategy. Aberdeen's long track record in commercial real estate lending, combined with its insurance asset management expertise, made it a strong partner for this mandate. We are pleased to have completed the first transaction and look forward to working closely together as the portfolio grows."

Matthew Smith, Global Head, Strategic Insurance Group at Aberdeen Investments, said:

“Since entering the UK BPA market, Utmost Life and Pensions have brought welcome competition and a differentiated approach. We are pleased to support their continued growth through the deployment of our significant expertise in managing highly bespoke private credit asset mandates under the Solvency UK matching adjustment regime.”

Growing demand for specialist private markets expertise

The appointment reflects the growing demand from insurers for specialist investment expertise across private markets. One of the largest independent asset managers for insurance assets in the UK, managing around £216 billion of assets for over 150 clients worldwide*, Aberdeen has built longstanding relationships with insurance clients by helping them access assets that can support their liability profiles, while maintaining a disciplined approach to risk management.

It also continues a strong period of momentum for Aberdeen’s Strategic Insurance Group. Earlier this year, Aberdeen was appointed by Flood Re, the UK’s government-backed flood reinsurance scheme, to manage a c. £1bn credit mandate.  

About Aberdeen Investments' Commercial Real Estate Lending capability

Aberdeen Investments' Commercial Real Estate Lending team provides financing across a broad range of sectors in the UK and Europe. The team originates, structures and manages commercial real estate debt investments on behalf of institutional investors and insurance clients, focusing on attractive risk-adjusted returns through disciplined underwriting, strong asset selection and active portfolio management.

About Aberdeen Investments' Strategic Insurance Group

Aberdeen Investments’ Strategic Insurance Group is a dedicated global team focused exclusively on serving insurance companies and reinsurers. Formed in October 2025, the group brings together Aberdeen’s investment, actuarial, regulatory and insurance‑specific expertise into a single, fully integrated centre of excellence.

With over a century of experience managing assets for insurance clients, Aberdeen supports clients with balance‑sheet‑aware investment solutions, integrated portfolio management and high‑touch client service, responding to growing demand for deeper and more strategic asset management partnerships across global insurance markets.

Ends

*Source: Aberdeen, data as at 30 June 2026

Media enquiries 

Jemma Jackson
Head of Campaigns and Media, Aberdeen
jemma.jackson@aberdeenplc.com
07776 204 610

Yoosof Farah
Campaigns and Media Relations Manager, Aberdeen
yoosof.farah@aberdeenplc.com 
07345 441 771

Notes to editors

About Aberdeen Investments:

Aberdeen Investments is a specialist asset manager that focuses on areas where we have both strength and scale across public and private markets, including credit, specialist equities and real assets. 

Our teams collaborate across regions, asset classes and specialisms, connecting diverse perspectives and working with clients to identify investment opportunities that suit their needs.

As at 30 June 2026, Aberdeen Investments managed £397.5bn on behalf of clients, including insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, independent wealth managers, pension funds, platforms, banks and family offices.

www.aberdeeninvestments.com

About Aberdeen Group

Aberdeen is a leading Wealth & Investments group, working to help millions of customers and clients turn their financial goals into reality. As at 30 June 2026, Aberdeen managed and administered c.£579.4bn of client and customer assets across its three core businesses, interactive investor, Adviser and Investments.

www.aberdeenplc.com 

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