Pru's chief is still eyeing an Asia move

The Man from the Pru yesterday left the door open for a move away from London.

Tidjane Thiam, Prudential's chief executive, said the insurer was still considering shifting its corporate headquarters to Asia because of the threat posed by new regulation.

He said talks were ongoing with regulators but added that the Pru's preference was to stay based in London. "London is our birthplace, it is convenient and it is a good jobs market.

"However, until we have more clarity [on new regulation] we will continue our contingency planning."

Mr Thiam said the company was interested in moving into new territories such as Brazil and the Middle East.

His comments came as the Pru posted new business profits of £1.7bn during the first nine months of the year, up 13 per cent year on year.