SCOTTISH-born banker John McFarlane looks set to be announced as the next chairman of the insurance giant Aviva in the next few weeks.

He made his name turning round the fortunes of Australia and New Zealand Bank, which he led for ten years until 2007, and is currently a non-executive director at Royal Bank of Scotland.

Mr McFarlane will take over the post currently held by Lord Sharman, who has been chairman of the FTSE 100 Index company since January 2006.

Mr McFarlane, who holds dual British and Australian citizenship, started his business career in the motor industry with Ford before he moved to Citigroup, where he led its UK and Ireland operation.

The Financial Services Authority still has to signal it approves the appointment.