Latest NIBA Research Shows Broker Networks Have Grown from Licensing Providers into Business Platforms
Media Release
The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has released Culture to Capability: What's Driving Australian Broker Networks at the 2026 NIBA Convention on the Gold Coast. It is the fifth report in NIBA's sector insights series and examines the growth, structure and future of Australia's Authorised Representative (AR) network sector.
The series began with Ready or Reacting? Shaping the Future of the Broking Profession, which set the profession's strategic roadmap. Complexity to Clarity: The Broker Advantage delivered client-led evidence of the broker's value, Data to Direction: Insights from the General Insurance Broking Profession mapped the profession's scale and structure, and Pathways to Professionalism: Developing the Next Generation examined how brokers enter and develop in the profession. Culture to Capability turns to the business models brokers work within, and why a growing number choose to build their businesses as part of a network.
Produced in partnership with Community Broker Network (CBN), the report draws on four sources:
- a survey of ten of Australia's largest AR networks
- a survey of six major insurers
- discussion groups with AR business owners
- analysis of ASIC Authorised Representative and AFS Licensee data
- access to SME clients
- growth opportunities
- scale efficiency
- risk diversification
- lower cost to serve
"AR networks now support thousands of brokers and billions of dollars in premium, and they are a significant part of how insurance advice reaches Australian small businesses. Understanding what brokers value in a network, and what networks need to get right, matters for the whole profession," said NIBA CEO Richard Klipin.
From licensing to capability
Over the past decade, AR networks have expanded beyond licensing and compliance. They now offer technology platforms, insurer access, professional development, operational support and peer communities. For many brokers, joining a network has become a strategic business decision: they keep ownership of their business while gaining support that would be difficult or costly to build alone.
The report identifies 6 key findings:
1. AR networks are a mainstream part of Australian broking
There are 99 AR networks with five or more authorised representatives. Together they hold 5,563 AR appointments: 3,769 individual ARs and 1,794 corporate ARs. The ten largest networks account for around 70% of all AR appointments.
2. Network premiums have more than quadrupled in a decade
The ten networks surveyed grew their combined gross written premium (GWP) from $1.15 billion in FY2015 to $4.79 billion in FY2025, an increase of approximately 316%. They expect it to reach almost $6.0 billion in FY2026. Together they represent more than 1,400 AR businesses and approximately 5,000 employees.
3. SMEs are the core AR market
SMEs make up 63% of AR client portfolios, compared with 41% for self-licensed brokerages. Networks serve a broad range of industries, particularly construction, property, retail, transport, agriculture and manufacturing.
4. Insurers are investing in the network channel
The six insurers surveyed were Allianz, CGU, Chubb, QBE, Vero and Zurich. Their investment includes dedicated underwriting teams, AR service hubs and digital integration. The main reasons they gave were:
5. Culture is becoming the key differentiator
Compliance frameworks and technology are now standard across networks, so brokers increasingly choose a network for its culture, leadership, accessibility and relationships. Peer support and community are a key reason brokers stay with a network once their licensing needs are met.
6. Growth brings a dual responsibility
Networks need to keep investing in governance, compliance, technology, education and broker support. Brokers need to keep building the knowledge and technical capability to serve clients well. The research finds the greatest risk arises when inexperienced brokers work within networks that lack the governance, supervision and support to help them succeed.
"AR networks have entered a new phase of maturity," said NIBA President Nick Cook. "Their long-term success will depend on combining strong capability, technology investment, broker support and culture with the independence and entrepreneurial spirit that attract brokers to the model. The networks that get that balance right will help shape the future of insurance broking in Australia."
"At Community Broker Network, we see every day the contribution ARs make to Australian insurance broking. They are business owners, trusted advisers and local advocates who support communities, family businesses and SMEs across Australia," said Richard Crawford, Chief Executive Officer, CBN.
"This research shows that networks have evolved well beyond licensing and compliance. As they continue to grow, the networks that succeed will be those that deliver scale and expertise while preserving the accessibility, support and sense of community that brokers value."
Looking ahead to 2035, the report finds that the most successful networks will be more capable, more connected and more strategic. They will use technology to strengthen broker capability and client outcomes, while keeping the personal relationships and community that brokers value.
"Brokers told us they want to own their businesses and have the support to run them well," added Richard Klipin. "As complexity increases across the profession, NIBA will keep working with networks, insurers and brokers to lift capability and professional standards, so that clients receive high-quality advice whichever model their broker operates under."