US-based broker Arthur J Gallagher has put aside $US35 million for any legal costs and compensation that may arise from what it calls “a substantial number” of regulator and legal actions by state attorneys-general and private litigants” investigating the group’s use of contingent commissions.

In a statement detailing its first quarter results, the group said the amount is its “current best estimate” of how much the investigations might cost.

Other companies have had to pay out far more than that. Marsh agreed to settle for $US850 million, Aon settled on $US190 million and Willis set aside $US51 million.