Aviva to give more money back to shareholders as it posts operating profit for H1

Aviva has already given £4.7bn (€5.5bn) back to shareholders after raising £7.5bn (€8.8bn) following a string of disposals around the globe since Amanda Blanc was appointed chief executive in July 2020.

APhoto Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

British insurer Aviva said it planned to give more money back to shareholders as it posted a better-than-expected 14% rise in first-half operating profit, helped by strong performance in commercial lines.

Aviva, which has major businesses in Britain, Canada and Ireland, is under pressure from activist investor Cevian Capital, a holder of 6% of the insurer's shares, to boost investor payouts.