Chesnara’s operating capital generation increased by 79 per cent in the first half of the year, driven by its HSBC Life deal.
The firm’s results, which cover the first six months of 2026, detailed that operating capital generation reached £96mn in H1 2026, an increase on the £54mn that was recorded in H1 2025.
Chesnara suggested this increase was driven by its HSBC Life (UK) acquisition, which was completed in January 2026 and represented the largest transaction to date for Chesnara.
Approximately £51mn of its OCG could be attributed to acquisition-related impacts.
Chesnara Group CEO, Steve Murray, said: “Chesnara has delivered a very strong financial performance in the first half of 2026 with OCG up 79 per cent and a 6 per cent increase in the interim dividend.
“The integration of Chesnara Life UK, our largest acquisition to date, continues at pace with strong capital generation already delivered from our first five months of ownership.
“The regulatory change in control for the proposed acquisition of Scottish Widows Europe SA is anticipated around the end of 2026, and we continue to see attractive opportunities to expand the business, underpinned by a healthy M&A pipeline and disciplined execution.”
The results found that robust operating performance across business units has supported a 46 per cent increase in adjusted operating profit.
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Group assets under administration also increased by 38 per cent, reflecting £5bn of AuA from the acquisition of HSBC Life (UK), which has rebranded to Chesnara Life UK, and the impact of positive market conditions.
Chesnara also pointed out that balance-sheet optimisation continues to be a “material source” of cash and value for the group.
It employed further capital-management initiatives over H1, including the expansion of existing reinsurance and foreign exchange hedging arrangements.
The board is declaring a 6 per cent increase in the interim dividend to 8.16p per share.
This is in line with the guidance provided at the time of the announcement of HSBC Life (UK) acquisition and represents a one-off additional step-up of 3 per cent to the interim dividend.
tom.dunstan@ft.com
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