Aon internal investigation has revealed violations of its code of conduct as “some employees have not always followed" principles specified by the company guidelines, according to the company CEO Patrick G. Ryan. He promised to "take appropriate action." The company offered no comment about the specifics of the action proposed or the date when the probe will be completed.

Aon, the second-largest U.S. insurance broker, is also included in the investigation of New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer into the insurance industry practices. In October, Spitzer accused New York-based Marsh & McLennan Cos. of entering into conspiracy with the large insurers steering business to insurance companies on the basis of contingent fees and to the detriment of the client interests.

Previously, Mr. Ryan said in Chicago Tribune article Sunday that he was "very comfortable" with the company’s past behavior. However, Aon ended the practice of accepting contingency commissions from brokers shortly after Eliot Spitzer started his investigation.