Specialist bank and asset manager Investec saw assets under management (AuM) nudge slightly higher in the nine months to December 31st, helped by its recent acquisition of Evolution.

Nevertheless, the firm did admit that the third quarter has been a challenging one due to the volatile markets and low levels of activity.

Operating profit before goodwill, acquired intangibles, non-operating items and taxation and after non-controlling interests was 5.6% behind the prior year in the nine-month period.

"The asset management and wealth management businesses continued to see net inflows however overall assets under management pre the acquisition of Evolution Group plc declined," the statement said.

Third party AuM rose by 1.9% to £90.6bn in the first three quarters, up 8.2% on a currency neutral basis. This included a £6.9bn gain from Evolution.

The Specialist Banking business saw both margin and fee income grow but earnings from principal activities fell substantially, the group said.

Meanwhile, customer accounts (deposits) fell 0.7% to £24.3m, and core loans and advances were 3.2% lower at £18.2bn.

As of December 31st, the group had £9.5bn in cash and near cash available.

BC

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