Insurance Advisernet is a major independent broking group in Australia, founded in 1996 by Ian Carr. It offers a wide range of general insurance broking services through its network of insurance advisers.

According to the company, it allows advisers to retain their local presence and client relationships while being able to access a national buying group for insurance products and services. This is especially important in today’s advanced society, with businesses’ insurance needs becoming more complex as risks emerge.

The group transacts over $600 million in gross written premiums in its main markets of Australia and New Zealand.

Insurance Advisernet also works with major insurers, both in Australia and overseas. It has a wide network of relationships with leading firms worldwide, which boosts its buying power and gives clients more options in choosing the best cover for their needs. Some of the top insurance names it works with include Allianz, QBE, CGU, Zurich, Vero, AIG, Chubb, and Altius Group. It also works with several premium funding organisations to help make insurance more accessible, especially for small and medium businesses.

Insurance Advisernet is part of the publicly listed AUB (formerly Austbrokers) Group, which has around $4.5 billion of gross written premium under management. It is also a principal member of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA).

Insurance Advisernet in the news
2013: Insurance Advisernet corporate AR Gibbscorp merges with Total Capital Management
2014: Insurance Advisernet denies plans to sell its authorised representatives business
2014: Cassandra Pearce named Young Professional Broker of the Year in NIBA Awards
2017: AR networks “more significant” than before, says Insurance Advisernet managing director Shaun Standfield
2018: Insurance Advisernet wins Authorised Representative Network of the Year in Insurance Business Awards
2018: Insurance Advisernet brokered $600 million worth of GWP, up 21% from previous year
2019: Andrew Borden appointed general manager for the Southern Region
2019: Insurance Advisernet Foundation won best community engagement program in Insurance Business Awards
2019: Insurance Advisernet hosts ‘Empowering Women’ workshop
2019: Joint venture with AUB, Insurance Advisernet Equity Partners, launched

Need to know
Type of company: Insurance brokerage
Founded: 1996
Service areas: Insurance broking, general insurance, business insurance
Headquarters: Sydney, NSW
Employees: 500-1,000

Key people as of 2020
Ian Carr, founder and chairman
In 1996, Carr founded Insurance Advisernet, helping it grow into one of the largest general insurance brokerages in Australia. He has more than 40 years’ experience in insurance broking, having held various senior roles such as state manager, general manager, and director for operations at a major national insurance broker in Australia. He holds an advanced diploma in financial services (broking) and is a fellow of NIBA, as well as member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Shaun Standfield, managing director, Australia and New Zealand
Standfield is based in Sydney and is in charge of developing and executing the companies’ strategies across the two Australasian markets. A seasoned insurance professional, he has extensive experience in the sales, claims, and underwriting functions. Standfield joined Insurance Advisernet in 2015 from QBE, where he was most recently chief underwriting officer for Asia. He was also chief operating officer in an acting capacity, as well as general manager for Australian intermediaries.

Josh Hamill, general manager, broking & risk services
Hamill has more than 25 years’ experience in the insurance broking industry. He joined Insurance Advisernet in 2008 as an authorised representative. Across his career, which includes five years in the London market, he has worked with major local and global brokerages. His role includes providing technical understanding and experience to the company’s authorised representatives.

Culture:
Insurance Advisernet established the Insurance Advisernet Foundation as part of its commitment to its employees, its clients, and the wider community. Each year, the foundation supports various local Australian and New Zealand organisations that work to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

The Insurance Advisernet Foundation has contributed more than $2.5 million over the past 10 years to over 30 different charities. The foundation aims to donate over $400,000 each year through several community initiatives, working closely with its staff, advisers, and insurance underwriting partners.

Insurance Advisernet also works with the Young Insurance Professionals (YIPs) Australia & New Zealand to help attract and retain talented professionals in the insurance industry. The organisation regularly holds various educational and networking events for young insurance professionals.