Advanced Benefit Resources Corp, Hub International Outsourcing Unit, Receives SAS 70 Recognition; ``Claims Paying Accuracy Well Above Industry Standards''.

Business Editors

WOODBURY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 23, 2004

Advanced Benefit Resources Corp. (ABR), a division of Hub International Limited (NYSE/TSX: HBG), has received SAS 70 accreditation. Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 70, Service Organizations is an internationally recognized auditing standard developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. ABR, a Third Party Administrator (TPA), offers human resources, benefits and claims services to a variety of businesses.

The SAS 70 audit, which, in ABR's case includes a formal report stating the auditor's unqualified opinion, is widely acknowledged to affirm that an organization has been through an in-depth examination of their control processes. The audit enables service organizations to authoritatively disclose their control activities to their clients and their clients' auditors in a uniform reporting format.

Ann Marie D'Alessandro, ABR Vice President, said, "We are very pleased to receive the SAS 70 certification. All aspects of our operations were audited, and this recognition is a testament to the professionalism of the entire ABR staff. It gives important assurances to our clients and their auditors of ABR's quality control practices." She added, "One of our clients' greatest concerns is accuracy of claims payments - after all, it's their money we're handling - so it is particularly meaningful that the report concluded that ABR's claims paying procedures are excellent and 'claims processing accuracy is well above industry standards'."

Advanced Benefit Resources Corp. offers a broad complement of employee and retiree benefit administration, TPA claims services and human resources outsourcing nationwide. It also provides start-up companies and other smaller firms with a package of outsourcing services as well as 401(k) Plan placement and single invoice billing of all premiums and fees for benefits coverages. The division tailors a countrywide administrative support package designed to accommodate a client's differing needs at multiple locations. ABR also provides online interface for both internal and external benefits communications.

Headquartered in Chicago, IL, Hub International is a leading North American insurance brokerage that provides a broad array of property and casualty, life and health, employee benefits, investment and risk management products and services through offices located in the United States and Canada.