Twenty-nine insurance brokers across Australia have cleared the state-finalist stage of the National Insurance Brokers Association’s (NIBA) two annual awards programs, with winners set to be determined through mid-year regional events before a national announcement in October. NIBA confirmed the shortlists for the 2026 Broker of the Year Award, backed by CGU, and the 2026 Young Broker of the Year Award, backed by Vero. Both programs are part of NIBA’s broader effort to formally recognise brokers who meet or exceed professional standards across the sector.
The Broker of the Year Award is open to senior practitioners and assessed on the basis of client outcomes and professional conduct. CGU is the award’s industry partner. Finalists were drawn from five geographic groupings:
NIBA CEO Richard Klipin pointed to the demands now placed on brokers as context for the award. “The finalists announced today represent the very best of what our profession stands for. In an environment that expects brokers to be future ready, these individuals are setting the standard for what it means to be a trusted strategic adviser in an evolving landscape,” Klipin said. CGU executive general manager Damien Gallagher described the broker-insurer relationship as central to the award’s purpose. “CGU has long believed that brokers are key partners to insurers. The calibre of this year’s finalists is a reminder of just how strong that partnership is. We’re proud to stand alongside NIBA in recognising brokers who go beyond the expected – for their clients and for the profession,” Gallagher said.
The 14 state finalists are:
The Young Broker of the Year Award applies to brokers under 35 and factors in client service and community involvement. Vero has held the partner position on this award for 37 consecutive years. This year’s nomination count reached 96 – the most the award has received, according to NIBA. Fifteen brokers advanced to the state-finalist stage across the same five regional groupings as the senior award. Klipin said the volume of nominations reflects how the award is regarded across the industry. “Receiving 96 nominations this year is a fantastic result and a strong reflection of the elevated standing of this award across the profession. It shows how deeply our profession values the contribution of young brokers,” Klipin said.
Anthony Pagano, head of distribution at Vero, said the nomination numbers indicate sustained interest in the program from both individual brokers and their employers. “For 37 years, Vero has been proud to partner with NIBA to champion emerging talent, and this year’s record nominations show the strong regard this award continues to command across the profession. It is exciting to see so many outstanding brokers under 35 recognised by their peers and workplaces as future leaders,” Pagano said.
The 15 state finalists are:
State winners for both awards will be named at the 2026 NIBA Gala Lunch Series, which runs through July. Each regional lunch serves as the venue where state finalists are presented to attendees before the state-level results are disclosed. Those state winners then advance to compete for the national title. Both the national Broker of the Year and the national Young Broker of the Year will be announced at the NIBA Gala Dinner and Awards Night, scheduled for Oct. 20 on the Gold Coast. NIBA’s awards calendar spans both career stages – recognising established practitioners through the CGU-backed award and those earlier in their careers through the Vero-backed program.
