Global Advisors, a boutique investment management firm run by two former traders at UK oil giant Shell, enjoyed a near-trebling of profits last year, according to documents seen by Financial News, in what was a rough year for many advisers in the global commodity markets.

The firm uses systematic, computer-driven strategies to trade global energy markets, as well as exchange-traded derivatives for trading of base metals and other commodities and index products. The firm did not respond to a request for comment on its results.