Why Martin
Most AR networks feel like franchise agreements with a compliance overlay. Martin is different — here's what that means in practice.
Background
An authorised representative (AR) network is a group of independent insurance brokers who operate under a shared Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Rather than holding their own AFSL — which requires significant capital, compliance infrastructure, and regulatory overhead — each broker becomes an authorised representative of the network's licence holder. The network provides the regulatory backbone. The broker provides the expertise, the relationships, and the brand.
The quality of that network determines whether being an AR is a genuine advantage or just a compliance arrangement with a fee attached.
The problem
When you join a traditional network, you get licensing — and a long list of things you can't do. Heavy compliance overhead, shared branding requirements, market access that's actually less than advertised, and a support team that responds to tickets rather than calls. The independence you signed up for gets hollowed out.
| What you hear | What it often means |
|---|---|
| "Full back-office support" | A ticketing system and a shared compliance template |
| "Access to specialty and international markets" | Access in theory — placements still require network approval |
| "Keep your own brand" | Co-branding requirements buried in the AR agreement |
| "Low fees" | Low base fee with revenue share that scales against you |
| "Dedicated relationship manager" | Whoever answers the phone when your usual contact is unavailable |
The difference
01
No co-branding. No network logo on your proposals. Your clients know you — and that's how it should stay. Martin operates as silent infrastructure, not a franchise badge.
02
When you have a compliance question or a complex placement, you call Martin. Not a help desk. Not a 48-hour SLA. A direct conversation with someone who knows your book.
03
As a Steadfast member, Martin gives you genuine access to one of Australia's strongest insurer panels — including markets that simply aren't available to self-licensed brokers at the same terms.
04
AFSL compliance doesn't have to be a weight around your neck. Martin handles the framework so you can focus on client work — with guidance that's practical, not theoretical.
Side by side
| Feature | Martin | Typical AR network |
|---|---|---|
| Brand ownership | 100% yours | Co-branding required |
| Support model | Direct access to Martin | Ticketing system / shared team |
| Market access | Full Steadfast panel | Variable — depends on network |
| Compliance oversight | Practical, broker-focused | Template-driven |
| Onboarding speed | Structured 6-step process | Varies — often months |
| Fee structure | Transparent, agreed upfront | Base fee + revenue share |
| Minimum GWP | From $250k (case by case) | Often higher, less flexible |
| Network size | Intentionally selective | Volume-focused |
What brokers say
"I'd been at a large network for six years and the support had quietly disappeared. With Martin, I actually speak to someone who understands what I'm doing. That's made a real difference to how I run the business."
"The onboarding process was the smoothest I've seen. Everything was laid out clearly, Martin was available throughout, and I was operational faster than I expected. No surprises."
Eight questions. Three minutes. Every submission reviewed personally.