Insurance Business America Opens Entries for 10th Annual Top Specialist Wholesale Brokers: A Milestone for Industry Excellence
Insurance Business America (IBA) is calling on insurance professionals nationwide to nominate standout experts as entries open for the 10th annual Top Specialist Wholesale Brokers list. This landmark edition celebrates a decade of recognizing brokers who master the art of securing coverage for the toughest, most niche risks in a volatile market.
What Makes the Top Specialist Wholesale Brokers List a Must-Win Recognition?
Now in its 10th year, IBA’s Top Specialist Wholesale Brokers honors professionals who go beyond standard placements to deliver innovative solutions for hard-to-place risks. These brokers specialize in areas like excess and surplus (E&S) lines, construction, professional liability, and emerging challenges such as cyber threats or climate-related exposures.
The program highlights brokers’ resilience amid rising premiums, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory shifts. Nominations focus on expertise in designing tailored programs, enhancing client financial outcomes, and providing unmatched service to retail agents and end-clients. Past lists have featured up to 42 honorees, showcasing their impact on the $41.7 billion surplus lines market, which saw a 14.9% growth in 2020 alone.
This year’s call for entries emphasizes brokers’ ability to navigate 2024’s tough conditions, including inflation-driven claims and geopolitical risks, making it a timely platform for visibility.
How to Submit Entries: Deadline and Nomination Process
Insurance professionals across the U.S. can nominate candidates by visiting the official IBA submission page. The process is straightforward: Submit details on the broker’s achievements over the past 12 months, including specific examples of successful placements, client testimonials, and contributions to industry innovation.
Entries for the 2025 list closed on October 25, 2024, but IBA has extended the window for this special 10th anniversary edition through early 2025 to encourage broader participation. Selected brokers will be profiled in a dedicated special report, published in February 2025, alongside insights from industry leaders.
IBA’s research team reviews all submissions, prioritizing those demonstrating measurable results in complex markets. As one 2024 nominee noted, “This recognition validates years of problem-solving for clients who thought coverage was impossible.”
Celebrating a Decade of Excellence: Insights from Past Winners
The Top Specialist Wholesale Brokers list has evolved since its inception, growing from a spotlight on 35 brokers in 2024 to a comprehensive showcase of talent. Honorees like Jared Boring of WestPac, a construction risk expert, exemplify the caliber: He oversees brokerage teams while handling wraps, project-specific policies, and builder’s risk for independent agents.
Public reactions from previous years underscore the list’s prestige. Industry analysts praise it for elevating standards, with one expert stating, “These brokers are the unsung heroes keeping businesses protected when others can’t.” On platforms like LinkedIn, past winners report boosted client inquiries and networking opportunities post-recognition.
For 2025, IBA anticipates even more entries, reflecting the wholesale sector’s 10-point rise in business volume—now 33% of brokers handle at least half their deals through wholesalers or MGAs.
Impact on U.S. Insurance Professionals and the Broader Economy
This awards program resonates deeply with U.S. readers in the insurance space, where niche risks are increasingly common due to economic pressures like natural disasters and supply chain woes. For brokers, earning a spot boosts credibility, leading to higher client retention and revenue—critical in a market where surplus lines premiums hit record highs.
On a larger scale, it influences the economy by promoting best practices that ensure coverage for high-risk sectors like construction and tech, supporting job growth and business stability. Politically, as regulations tighten on E&S lines, recognized specialists help agents comply while securing competitive terms, indirectly aiding small businesses nationwide.
Lifestyle-wise, for professionals, the list fosters a sense of community and career advancement, encouraging specialization in underserved areas like environmental liability amid climate change.
Looking Forward: A Decade of Innovation and the Road Ahead
As Insurance Business America marks the 10th anniversary of the Top Specialist Wholesale Brokers, the program stands as a beacon for excellence in a dynamic industry. With entries now open, this is the perfect time for peers to nominate those driving results in challenging markets.
The 2025 list, set for release in February, promises to highlight brokers who not only secure coverage but also shape the future of risk management. For the insurance community, it’s a reminder of the power of expertise to overcome obstacles—ensuring safer, more resilient businesses across America.