An alternative ranking of a sample of UK non-bank wealth management firms which focuses on return on equity provides further evidence of the underlying profitability of the sector. 

The ranking, which is based on data extracted from the latest sets of accounts deposited at Companies House, shows that 35 of the 45 firms included in the sample posted returns on equity of more than 10 percent.

Many of the 35 firms generated returns much greater than this with three - Maseco, Sarasin and Partners and Cardale Asset Management - all generating returns of over 100 percent.

If nothing else this provides further evidenc...