The Australasian Association of Insurance Brokers (AAIB) has picked up its first Queensland member with the addition of Master Builders Insurance Services.

AAIB is a national cluster group of small to medium-sized brokers and was rebranded last year from the Regional Insurance Brokers Association (RIBA), when the Melbourne-based organisation shifted its focus nationwide.

Five of AAIB’s 26 member companies now come from outside Victoria.

Master Builders Insurance Services GM Ken Bowen says the firm has been looking for membership of a suitable cluster group for some time.

“We like the independence of the member under the AAIB structure,” he said. “That suited our business model.”

AAIB does not take an equity stake in member firms. Last week it announced the launch of a new website, www.aaibrokers.com.au, in advance of next month’s conference in Ballarat, Victoria.