The NAS/Westcourt group, Australia’s largest authorised representative (AR) network, has met for the first time under its new brand, Community Broker Network.

The new name, first revealed by Insurance News (the magazine) in June, was last week established as the new trading name for the IAG-owned operation.

More than 100 authorised brokers – a term used by the group in preference to ARs – met under the new brand at a conference in Darwin. The group has about 400 broker businesses nationwide.

The conference included an exhibition and market hall featuring 25 strategic partners and insurers.

“Investing this time in our authorised brokers to better understand their clients and communities is invaluable, as is involving our strategic partners as we bring the community broker network to life,” MD Paul Ayton said.

The name change follows expansion of the National Adviser Services (NAS) network after the acquisition of Westcourt General Insurance Brokers in July last year. The new group has also absorbed the former CGU AR network.

Community Broker Network is now part of IAG’s new Australia Division, although it operates independently of IAG. It is also a member of the Steadfast network.