- CBN (Community Broker Network) acquires Folio’s broker network in New Zealand, launching CBN NZ and separating broking from platform operations
- As Australia’s largest authorised representative (AR) network in general insurance, CBN must navigate regulatory complexity, technology adoption and margin pressure
CBN Operations Pty Ltd: growth, structure and identity
On LinkedIn, CBN describes itself as having formed from the merger of several networks, including Westcourt General Insurance Brokers and NAS Insurance Brokers, to create what is today Australia’s largest AR network. It claims support for more than 340 AR businesses and over 900 individual authorised brokers across Australia. The network also emphasises ethical practices, broker support, operational resources and community building.
CBN is a member of the Steadfast Group, a larger umbrella network in Australia and New Zealand, which strengthens its negotiating power with insurers and access to shared services. In internal culture, it has earned recognition via Great Place to Work, with around 85 % of employees saying it is a great place to work (versus 60 % for a “typical” Australian organisation), and staff testimonials praising collaboration, inclusion and purpose.
As part of its service offering, CBN also links its brokers to Steadfast’s life insurance capabilities (via “Steadfast Life”) to enable brokers to provide broader advice beyond general insurance.
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Challenges and innovation in the broker network industry
Against this backdrop, firms are exploring innovation in digital broker platforms, use of data analytics, automation of administrative workflows, and stronger integration between advice, distribution and underwriting. The separation of Folio’s platform from its broker network in the CBN deal is a clear example: each side can focus on its core competency — technology on one hand, broker support and advice on the other.
The move into New Zealand also reflects a broader ambition in the region. The New Zealand operations acquired include 19 member brokerages and 30 individual brokers, with gross written premium of NZD 22.7 million. If successful, CBN NZ might serve as a growth blueprint for other markets.
In this evolving environment, CBN Operations Pty Ltd’s expansion is a signal that broker networks with scale and technological sophistication believe they can lead the next phase of innovation — bridging traditional insurance advice with modern platform capabilities across borders.
