Three years after the “big three” brokers in the US agreed to stop accepting contingent commissions, a new agreement with government agencies paves the way for the partial return of the practice.

Media reports say Marsh, Aon and Willis have struck deals with US Government agencies that will give brokers acquired by them three years to phase out contingent commissions.

The big three brokers agreed in 2005 to stop accepting contingent commissions as a result of the Spitzer inquiry into insurance business practices.

Contingent commissions, also known as over-riders, are additional commissions granted based on factors such as volume of business, renewals and profitability.