Marsh & McLennan Companies reported first-quarter net income rose 41 percent over the period last year as its business segments controlled costs and benefited from economic improvement.

The losses from the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform explosion are not expected to significantly impact the insurance marketplace or buying behaviors, a brokerage executive said.

The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents' branding campaign is now available in Spanish, the association said.

Aon Corp. reported its first-quarter net income dropped 36 percent as economic headwinds and soft market conditions took a toll on earnings.

The sinking of the Deepwater Horizon drill rig in the Gulf of Mexico will create a $52.8 million (EUR40 million) loss for German reinsurer Hannover Re, the firm said last week.

Contingent commissions are either a serious conflict of interest that clouds the insurance buying decision, or they can act as leverage in the carrier-client relationship, according to the conflicting views of two brokers presented here.

The theme for the 84th annual meeting of the American Association of Managing General Agents--"Commitment + Value Added = Opportunity In A Changing World"

Willis Group Holdings, plc, reported first-quarter net income rose 6 percent over last year as the company captured new business and continued to control costs.