Standard Life topped the FTSE leader board this morning, its shares rising by more than 3 per cent after unveiling an underlying profit rise of 21per cent and a 38per cent boost in assets to £296.6billion.

Of the £82bn asset rise, £60.5bn came from the acquisition of Ignis and £20.4bn from market movements, with £1bn of net inflows. The group excludes the Canadian business now sold, and says Standard Life Investments assets are up 45per cent to £246bn. The planned share consolidation will be on a 9 for 11 basis, and the final dividend should be 11.43p making a total of 17.03p.