Schroders has reported a 36% increase in wealth management profit before tax.

The figure rose to £90.3 million last year, compared to £66.4 million in 2016.

Assets under management also grew last year - by 13 per cent to £447bn. The company said this was helped by a series of acquisitions. Net income was £2.07bn and profit was £760m, an increase of 23 per cent, Schroders said in a statement.

Wealth management clients introduced £2billion of net new money in 2017 compared to net outflows of £0.3 billion in 2016. 

There was client demand from each division within wealth management, with £1.1 billion through the Cazenove Capital business and £0.9 billion through Benchmark Capital, according to the Schroders report.

AUM in wealth management was £45.9 billion (2016: £39.6 billion) and AUA increased by 22% to £11.3 billion (2016: £9.3 billion). Net operating revenue increased by 20% to £266.9 million (2016: £223.3 million), including performance fees of £0.9 million (2016: £2.4 million). 

Net inflows were £9.6bn, compared with £1.1bn for 2016. Schroders said these inflows contributed £24m of revenue, and will contribute £63m a year in future results.

Peter Harrison, group chief executive, said: “Schroders has again delivered strong results in 2017, with our diversified business model and client-centric approach generating growth across the Group. Underlying organic growth and selective acquisitions combined with rigorous cost discipline led to a 24% increase in pre-exceptional profit. Assets under management and administration rose to a new high of £447billion.

“Focusing on the longer term, we have continued to see good progress in a number of key strategic areas, with the expansion of our investment capabilities in private assets, an improvement in wealth management and strong underlying momentum in North America.

“There are headwinds facing the industry but we continue to believe that there remain opportunities for growth. Our diversified business model, ongoing focus on costs, strong financial position and willingness to invest mean that we continue to be well placed.”