The Chubb Corporation reported 2010 second-quarter net income of $518 million, a 6 percent decline from 2009 second-quarter net income of $551 million.

More independent agencies are taking advantage of advances in technology, including improved agency management systems, social media marketing methods and real-time capabilities, according to American Agent & Brokers' 2010 reader agency automation survey.

Calling Aon's decision "troublesome and ambiguous," Willis Group Holdings roundly criticized the insurance broker's decision to accept contingent commissions while having to explain its own legacy contingent commission issue.

Now that President Barack Obama has signed financial services reform into law, an intense lobbying effort will be set in motion to shape the regulations that will implement the bill to the liking of insurers, brokers and other interested parties.