AMP has confirmed it is has put chief executive Francesco De Ferrari’s leadership on the chopping block as it looks to wrap up a drawn-out sales process for the company that has so far failed to drum up interest in the battered wealth group.

Shortly after pausing trade in its shares prior to the 10am market opening on Friday, AMP issued a short statement in which it “confirms there has been no change to the CEO’s position and that Mr De Ferrari has not resigned”.