Prudential, the UK life assurer, plans to list in Hong Kong ahead of its $20bn rights issue, in a surprise move that could encourage local investors to buy shares in support of its $35.5bn agreed deal to buy AIG's Asian businesses.

The acceleration of the listing, which was announced yesterday, represents an apparent turnround from the company's statement last week that it would “consider seeking a dual primary-listing . . . in due course after completion of the transaction”.

However, the Pru had filed its application to list at the beginning of last month. Tidjane Thiam, its chief executive, obtained clearance from regulators last week to speed up the process, said people close to the situation. Prudential said it would not offer any new ordinary shares in Hong Kong.