Melbourne-based Reliance Insurance Brokers (RIB) has decided to stay with the Australian Reliance network, using the name but setting up its own back-office function.

RIB Director Jim Malady told insuranceNEWS.com.au the company will stay with Australian Reliance, despite the recent defection of brokers to US-based broker Lockton’s new Australian operation.

“We are in the Australian Reliance camp and happy to be there,” he said. “RIB will remain in a stand-alone ownership structure and will operate with our own back office.”

Mr Malady says the company is moving its outsourced back office from Australian Reliance’s Perth headquarters to Melbourne.

“The Melbourne office will operate independently with its own infrastructure,” he said. “But we are happy to continue to trade under the Australian Reliance banner.”

Mr Malady says the aim is not to confuse clients with the behind-the-scenes moves.

“From the client perspective, they will see no change,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Transport Insurance GM Market Development Peter Burtenshaw is understood to be moving to Australian Reliance in Perth as Managing Principal.