Statistics from Russell/Mellon show that sales of such products from Standard Life Investments increased by 78 per cent during the first six months of 2007.

Over the past year, its Overseas Equity Fund, part of the range, ranked 1st out of 29 funds offered.

George Walker, global head of institutional business development at the firm, commented that the sector is continuing to boast “strong” and consistent” returns.

“Particularly pleasing is the strong track records we can now demonstrate in corporate bonds and overseas equities. This highlights our success in replicating the performance of our UK equities team across other asset classes and regions,” he said.

Standard Life was founded in 1825 and has its headquarters in Edinburgh.

The company employs more than 12,000 people worldwide.

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