Insurance House authorised representatives are set to move to Community Broker Network as part of a new strategic partnership between the two Steadfast-owned businesses.

CBN is already the largest authorised representative network in Australia, with 300 ARs, and another 60 are lined up to join from Insurance House.

insuranceNEWS.com.au understands no acquisition has taken place and that Insurance House Advance – Insurance House’s AR network – will continue as a brand. The companies say CBN is providing “key managed services” to Insurance House ARs under an “outsourcing arrangement”.

However, they confirm they are “working on a transition plan for Insurance House ARs to move to CBN”.

The outsourcing agreement will enable Insurance House to focus on running its highly regarded broking operations, following a six-month review of its AR offering and the wider market.

Both sides of the Insurance House business have grown quickly over the past two years and resourcing has “become stretched”, a joint statement released today says.

“It has become clear that Insurance House’s desire to provide an unparalleled customer experience could not be met without further investment,” the statement says. 

“Insurance House believes that the support ARs require to manage and grow their business while adhering to the latest in compliance requires dedicated, specialist support and services, which CBN is set up to provide.

“Operating an AR network alongside a broking business requires clear business strategy, operational diversification and significant financial investment. By transitioning its managed services to CBN, Insurance House will be able to focus on growing and solidifying its position as a leader in Australia’s broking market.”

Two Insurance House Advance staff will move to CBN to support the managed services “phased transition”, which begins on August 1.

Senior relationship manager Stella Polyviou has been appointed CBN regional business partner, and head of operations Katie Simpson becomes head of broking operations at CBN.

Insurance House Advance GM Melissa Starfield will manage the outsourcing arrangement on behalf of Insurance House “to ensure that, together, Insurance House and CBN realise the service improvements we are aiming for and that we maintain group connectivity”.

Insurance House CEO Scott Leis says the partnership will deliver “an immediate uplift of services” for ARs.

“CBN has invested heavily in its network and services over the past three years to significantly evolve, and I believe they offer a market-leading proposition,” he said. “They also have the opportunity to access the most comprehensive and up-to-date AR solutions available.”

CBN CEO Richard Crawford says the network is “proud to be Australia’s AR network specialist, and pleased to be able to partner with Insurance House and deliver its managed services.

“Insurance House has done a wonderful job in setting up and supporting their AR network. Our team is well prepared to support ARs and meet their needs now, as well as resourced to develop and deliver the future service requirements.”