Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Commissioner or a deputy, examiner, assistant, or employee of the Commissioner may not be financially interested in an insurer, insurance agency, or insurance transaction, other than as a policyholder or claimant under a policy. The Commissioner may employ or retain an actuary, attorney, or other technician who is similarly employed or retained by insurers or other persons if the individual: is independently practicing the profession of the individual; and does not have a conflict of interest in the matter for which the individual is employed or retained.