Marsh says it will tell clients if information on their assets is handed to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

As revealed by insuranceNEWS.com.au last week, the ATO has served insurers of high net worth clients with notices to supply details of art collections insured for more than $500,000.

Insurers have no option but to comply. However, opinion is divided as to whether they should inform brokers whose clients are affected.

The subsequent dilemma for brokers is whether they should then inform clients.

A spokesman says Marsh has a responsibility to keep its clients updated.

“As such, the company will alert affected private clients in the event that it is contacted by the ATO or an insurer. Marsh takes its obligations to maintain the confidentiality of client information very seriously.”

Willis and JLT have declined to comment on the issue, and Aon had not responded in time for publication.

Chubb and Mansions – Calliden’s high net worth homes underwriting agency – are among insurers to have received the ATO notice.