LONDON -- Standard&Poor's CreditWire 1/16/96 -- Standard&Poor's assigns its double-`A' financial strength rating to Scottish Mutual Assurance plc (Scottish Mutual). The rating is primarily based on the backing of the company's parent, the U.K. bank Abbey National plc (senior debt rating double-`A'). Although Scottish Mutual's published solvency is currently somewhat weak, Standard&Poor's expects that a satisfactory solvency level will be maintained, by injections of further capital by Abbey National if necessary, and this is a key factor supporting the rating. Scottish Mutual has a strong position in the U.K. broker pensions market, and obtains substantial advantages from its membership of the Abbey National Group. Operating performance is improving and Standard&Poor's expects profitability
