History
Providing financial security since 1848
Successive generations have looked to Prudential to safeguard their financial security – from industrial workers and their families in Victorian Britain, to around 24 million insurance customers worldwide today. Our financial strength, heritage, prudence and focus on our customers’ long‑term needs ensure that people continue to turn to our trusted brands to help them plan for today and tomorrow.
Fred’s story
In June 1949, an article describing the life and work of a long-serving Prudential agent, Fred Sawyer, appeared in the Weekly Illustrated magazine. One of the pictures was so striking that it prompted Prudential’s publicity department to use it in their next advertising campaign, and the figure of Fred Sawyer came to represent a typical agent.
‘“Service,” says Pru agent Sawyer, “is the secret of success”. He has 1,500 clients and collects in the morning and evening, fitting in clerical work in the afternoon. But he still finds time to be a special constable, a school manager and a district councillor. “I know the people,” says Mr Sawyer, “I wouldn’t change my job for any other.”’
Weekly Illustrated magazine
June 1949
1848
Prudential is established as Prudential Mutual Assurance Investment and Loan Association in Hatton Garden, London, offering loans and life assurance to professional people.
1854
Prudential opens the Industrial Department to sell a new type of insurance, Industrial Insurance, to the working classes, for premiums of a penny and upwards.
1923
Prudential’s first overseas life branch is established in India, with the first policy being sold to a tea planter in Assam.
1949
The ‘Man from the Pru’ advertising campaign is launched.
1986
Prudential acquires Jackson in the United States.
1994
Prudential Corporation Asia is formed in Hong Kong as a regional head office to expand operations beyond an existing presence in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
1999
Prudential acquires M&G, pioneer of unit trusts in the UK and a leading provider of investment products.
2000
Prudential and CITIC launch the first Sino-British life insurance joint venture in China.
2014
Prudential acquires businesses in Ghana and Kenya, marking its entry into the fast-growing African life insurance industry.
2017
M&G and Prudential UK & Europe combine to form M&G Prudential, a leading savings and investments business ideally positioned to target growing customer demand for comprehensive financial solutions.
