3i appears to have shifted its traditional investment focus away from its home UK market after delivering record annual figures amid buoyant market conditions. It has also doubled its bonus pool.

Asian companies received £259m (€381m) from 3i in the 12 months to the end of March, compared with £91m in its previous financial year. The region now accounts for 9% of 3i's portfolio by value, compared with 4% the year before.