About one in five brokers is now working under the authorised representative model – and it’s a proportion that is expected to grow.

In recognition of the sector’s growing influence, Insurance News has published a special 40-page report.

Sponsored by Arch Insurance, the report includes a top 20 ranking of the largest general insurance networks in Australia, based on the number of ARs listed on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission register.

There are also detailed features on key industry issues such as the many models in the market, consolidation and technology.

Experts quoted include CBN CEO Richard Crawford, Insurance Advisernet MD Shaun Standfield, McLardy McShane Partners CEO Meg Long, and many more.

Insurance Advisernet founder and chairman Ian Carr – an AR pioneer when he started the company in 1996 – says the model had many critics in the early years but is now “flavour of the month”.

“The authorised rep networks are seen as credible and are growing very quickly,” he said.

The figure used for the top 20 ranking is not a perfect measure, and should not be interpreted as anything other than an indication of scale. We’re aware some companies would prefer to be ranked by gross written premium. Others believe number of corporate ARs is the more relevant figure. We’re also aware every network operates in its own way, with different priorities.

But where we’ve landed provides a relevant and interesting list, based on public, verifiable data.

Additional metrics on growth and tenure have been provided by data expert Roshan Khozouei.

Find the full report here.