The announcement yesterday that Arthur J. Gallagher will be allowed to collect contingent commissions again starting Oct. 1, was met with a measure of approval by two of the three major insurance brokers who are currently barred from taking them.

Willis Group Holdings reported second quarter net income rose 123 percent over the same period last year primarily on last year's acquisition of Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs, but organic growth grew only 1 percent as the soft market and recession took a toll.

The number of insurers using third party investment managers is rising quickly, according to data compiled by a consulting firm.

The Illinois action allowing insurance brokerage Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. to resume charging controversial contingent commissions could mean the commission ban will be lifted for other larger brokers, a RIMS executive said.

In her July NU 6/13 column, Assistant Managing Editor Caroline McDonald challenges conference organizers to further scrutinize hotel emergency plans when booking events--PRIMA replies. Check it out at www.NoRiskZone.com .

For tweets from NU Editor Sam Friedman about breaking news and industry controversies, follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NUSam.

Insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher has reached a nationwide agreement with the Illinois attorney general and Illinois Insurance Department permitting it to once again accept contingent commissions.

Technology vendor offerings for the policy administration sector that were limited in 2007 have become commonplace today, according to a consulting firm report.