from Field Manual: Mercenaries, as posted at www.fasa.com under "Sneak Peeks"
In response to a loss of employer confidence following the ComStar schism and the abortive Operation Scorpion, the ComStar Mercenary Review Board was dissolved in 3052. In its place, the Dragoons organized the Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission, a body dedicated to promoting uniform standards of conduct among mercenary units and their employers. To this end, the commission oversees hiring practices on Outreach, adjudicates disputes between mercenaries and employees, and serves as an escrow company for contract fees.
The commission is composed of representatives of the major political entities in the Inner Sphere and officers from several elite mercenary commands. ComStar also retains a permanent seat on the commission, and its representative serves as chairman for all commission meetings. Five seats are held by representatives of the Great Houses. The St. Ives Compact and Free Rasalhague Republic also hold seats on the commission, as do the Dragoons. The Eridani Light Horse and McCarron's Armored Cavalry both recently lost their mercenary status, and their commission seats have been offered to the well-respected Northwind Highlanders and the Blue Star Irregulars. The Highlanders have accepted; the Irregulars are reportedly still pondering the offer. Seats have also recently been offered to three Periphery states and the Word of Blake. The Magistracy of Canopus has already accepted; the Word of Blake has refused until the ComStar member is denied the right to serve as chairperson. No motion has yet been made in that regard.
Through ComStar-bonded accounts, the commission acts as an escrow company for contract payments. Employers deposit full contract payments in trust with the commission, which then authorizes the contracted mercenary command to draw against the balance. The remainder is usually held until completion of contract, at which time the commission deducts a five-percent handling fee on the full contract. This system ensures that employers are protected from default by mercenary commands and guarantees that mercenary commands receive their final payments.