Agency Management

A New York independent insurance agent's association dug in its heels in opposing the state Insurance Department's new producer disclosure regulation but is making further preparations to educate producers about the rule when it takes effect Jan. 1.

Catastrophe models insurers use to assess risk could help governments and aid agencies develop new approaches for sustainable development and poverty alleviation, said Rowan Douglas, chairman of the Willis Research Network.

John J. Bauer, director of regulatory reporting for Prudential Financial, received The Insurance Accounting & Systems Association Inc.'s Presidential Award during the association's recent meeting in Dallas.

Lloyd's of London has joined the Retail Agent E&S Initiative--an effort to improve the electronic transfer of data from managing general agents in the United States to the London market.

Cooper Gay Group and Swett & Crawford confirmed they are in "advanced deal discussions" on a merger that would create the world's largest independent global wholesale and reinsurance broker.

Nearly 44 percent of small firms are operating without a business continuity strategy in case of disaster, and almost two-thirds have never even spoken to their insurance agents about contingency planning, a survey by Travelers revealed.