Standard Life eyes Asia growth after revamp

UK-based insurer Standard Life has sought to counter speculation it might seek to pull out of its remaining two Asian markets, saying it is looking to revitalise its business by focusing on affluent clients in Hong Kong and mainland China. But that plan will be put to the test this year amid weak sales prospects for investment-linked assurance scheme (Ilas) products, which are hybrids with both an insurance and investment element. Revenue premiums of life and annuity (linked) in…