OREANDA-NEWS. August 12, 2014. Strong operational performance with fee business revenue up 12% to Ј758m

Assets under administration up 4% to Ј254.1bn, driven by strong net inflows of Ј4.6bn

Business unit underlying performance up 7% to Ј367m

Operating profit before tax up 12% to Ј339m

Acquisition of Ignis Asset Management enhances strategic positioning, and accelerates growth and returns for shareholders

Strong balance sheet and cash generation up 8% to Ј250m

Interim dividend up 7.3% per share to 5.60p

David Nish, Chief Executive, commented:

"Standard Life has continued to perform well in the first half of 2014, driven by our focus on delivering value for money for all of our customers. We have increased revenues, profits and cash, and now have assets under administration of Ј254bn.

"We have the products, experience and proven investment performance to help our customers in all of our markets to save and invest, so that they can look forward to their financial futures with confidence.

"We have an excellent track record of succeeding in evolving markets and we are well placed to deal with the far-reaching reforms to the savings and retirement income rules, announced earlier this year by the UK Government.

"We remain committed to providing simple, flexible investment solutions for all of our customers which make saving for the long-term even more attractive, while creating new opportunities for our businesses."

Business unit underlying performance is Group operating profit before tax after excluding the impact of spread/risk operating actuarial assumption changes, specific management actions, group centre costs and group centre capital management in the reporting period. A full reconciliation to profit for the year attributable to equity holders of Standard Life plc is presented on page 3 of the half year results 2014.