The authorised representative sector is becoming larger, more established and increasingly influential, a National Insurance Brokers Association research report says.

Ten networks surveyed increased their combined gross written premium to $4.79 billion in fiscal 2025, up from $1.15 billion a decade earlier.

The total is expected to reach almost $6 billion in fiscal 2026.

“This growth has been driven by a combination of AR recruitment, organic client growth, premium inflation, acquisitions and the continuing movement of brokers towards network-supported business models,” the report says.

The paper – Culture to Capability: What’s Driving Australian Broker Networks – draws on surveys of AR networks and six major insurers, discussion groups and analysis of Australian Securities and Investments Commission data.

The analysis shows 99 networks have five or more ARs, collectively holding 5563 appointments, including individual and corporate ARs.

The 10 largest networks account for about 70% of appointments, reflecting a trend towards larger, better-resourced organisations capable of investing in compliance, governance, technology and broker support.

SMEs make up 63% of AR client portfolios, compared with 41% among self-licensed brokerages.

“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,” NIBA CEO Richard Klipin said.

“Understanding what brokers value in a network, and what networks need to get right, matters for the whole profession.”

Beyond compliance, network participants highlight the value of technology platforms, insurer access, professional development, marketing support, placement expertise and operational resources.

Many note that operating an independent brokerage can be rewarding but professionally isolating, and networks offer collaboration, mentoring and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

Culture is an increasingly important differentiator between networks, but the report says there are challenges maintaining accessibility and personal connection with ARs and a sense of community as they expand.

It says networks must continue to invest in their services, and individual brokers should continue developing the knowledge, professionalism and technical capability required.

“The greatest risks arise when inexperienced brokers operate within networks that lack the governance, supervision and support required to help them succeed.”

Insurers says AR networks are an “efficient and scalable mechanism” for reaching SME and regional markets while maintaining strong local broker relationships.

The networks participating in the NIBA survey were Australian Broker Network, Ausure, BMIA, CBN, Insurance Advisernet, McLardy McShane, Metrix Connect, Oracle Group, repX and United Insurance Group.