Arbuthnot Latham, the private banking arm of Arbuthnot Banking Group, saw their profits before tax in 2013 increase over threefold, from £2.1 million in 2012 to £7.7 million.

In addition, assets under management (AuM) increased by 40% to £528 million compared to £377 million in the same period last year.

The group overall saw pretax profits rise from £12.6 million, in the previous year, to £15.7 million.

Henry Angest, chairman and chief executive, said: "This has been another significant year. Both banks have made good progress. We have substantially increased the net assets of the group and at the same time been able to pay shareholders a special dividend."