Aberdeen Standard Investments said its infrastructure debt team has lent £40 million to the Wales and Borders rail franchise for essential upgrades to its rolling stock.

The investment was made on behalf of the firm’s strategic clients, including Phoenix Group, and its diversified private credit fund, the Secure Income & Cashflow Fund (SICF).

“The investment will provide investors with a reliable income stream until 2048, helping them meet their future liabilities,” said Aberdeen Standard .

“The £40 million will be used to purchase new rolling stock for the rural parts of the Welsh network and help deliver better transportation and social connectivity to regional Wales.

“The trains are set to be delivered over the next four years and will be first operated by KeolisAmey as the incumbent train operating company.”

Edinburgh-based Aberdeen Standard Investments manages roughly £555 billion of assets worldwide.

Jeremy Allcock, dead of infrastructure debt at Aberdeen Standard Investments, said: “This investment offers our clients access to long term economic drivers and cash flows which are unlikely to be impacted by typical economic cycles, and which deliver good investment returns.

“Moreover, the investment delivers for the Welsh regions as they will experience enhanced social connectivity and a better all-round train travel experience.”