The division’s net flows of £6.4bn represented 6% of opening assets under management.

Aviva attributed the drop in flows to the impact of “challenging market volatility” on its platform business.

Protection and health sales rose 23% to £330m with strong growth in individual protection and higher corporate new business.

Retirement business sales rose 2% to £4.4bn due to higher annuity volumes.

Amanda Blanc, group CEO, said: “Aviva has delivered nine months of strong growth. We have clear trading momentum, driven by our uniquely diversified business, as well as our leading positions in growing markets.

“We have continued to expand our capital-light businesses, which now make up over half of our portfolio. We see significant opportunities to generate further higher return, capital-light growth in the future as we prioritise these segments.

“General Insurance premiums grew 13%, reflecting the strength of our operations in the UK, Canada, and Ireland, across both commercial and personal lines. Our workplace pensions business continues to shine, with flows up 26% on the back of over 350 new corporate customers, and higher auto enrolment contributions due to wage inflation. Health sales are also buoyant, up 56%.”

Aviva said its guidance forecast for 5-7% growth in operating profit over the year remained unchanged.