May 2005/1

As the London market continues to debate the extent and cost of services brokers perform on behalf of subscription market insurers, broking giant Aon has been applauded for backing new underwriting slips which record in greater detail the levels of commis

US retail broker Arthur J Gallagher expects regulatory probes into its activities could cost the firm up to $35mn in costs, after examining the settlements made by Marsh, Aon and Willis.

But Plumeri points the way to a brave new world... April became the cruelest month for Willis, with job losses, a licence suspension, a more than halving of profits and the setting up of a $20mn legal reserve all occurring recently.

ACE sees slight deterioration on higher revenues; Partner Re struck by Q1 losses; IPC Re profits down on Q1 cats; XL shows strength despite wind loss; Fixed income losses hit Montpelier profits; Max Re life change continues; AXIS continues on growth path;