We predicts a 2026 stable outlook for the insurance brokerage sector, underpinned by constructive global economic growth, a favourable commercial property & casualty (P&C) rate environment, and stable EBITDA margins.
Beinsure Media analyzed AM Best data. The newly released 2026 list, however, saw some notable changes with three companies joining the TOP 20.
Total Revenue for Top 20 Global Insurance Brokers: $122 bn. Marsh McLennan captures the top spot for the 15th consecutive year, while three new brokers join the top 20
Marsh McLennan captures the top spot for the 16th consecutive year, while a number of other brokers maintained their positions among the top 20.
Top 20 Global Insurance & Reinsurance Brokers by Revenue
| Rank | Insurance broker | 2025 revenue |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marsh | $26.98 bn |
| 2 | Aon | $17.20 bn |
| 3 | Arthur J. Gallagher | $13.80 bn |
| 4 | WTW | $9.71 bn |
| 5 | Brown & Brown | $5.90 bn |
| 6 | Alliant Insurance Services | $5.80 bn |
| 7 | HUB International | $5.28 bn |
| 8 | Howden Group | $4.84 bn |
| 9 | Acrisure | $4.82 bn |
| 10 | Lockton | $4.48 bn |
| 11 | Amwins | $3.20 bn |
| 12 | Ryan Specialty | $3.05 bn |
| 13 | USI Insurance Services | $2.97 bn |
| 14 | Ardonagh Group | $2.96 bn |
| 15 | CRC Group | $2.46 bn |
| 16 | BroadStreet Partners | $2.42 bn |
| 17 | Alera Group | $1.58 bn |
| 18 | The Baldwin Group | $1.51 bn |
| 19 | Diot-Siaci | $1.48 bn |
| 20 | OneDigital | $1.46 bn |
| Combined revenue | $121.90 bn |
Organic growth is to remain in the mid-single digits or higher as economic growth stabilises and P&C rate increases moderate. Favourable P&C pricing in most lines of business, further growth in insurable exposures, strong client retention and new business generation will also support organic revenue growth in the mid-single digits or higher in 2025.
Global insurance and reinsurance brokers play a pivotal role in the insurance industry, serving as intermediaries that facilitate the placement of insurance and reinsurance coverages for their clients with insurers and reinsurers.
According to Beinsure Data, the value of the worldwide market for insurance broking in terms of fees and commissions earned was around $190 bn, equivalent to a growth rate of almost 11% without adjusting for inflation, but closer to 2% as an inflation-adjusted measure.
These brokers are essential in helping clients manage risk and secure the most appropriate and cost-effective insurance solutions.
For insurance professionals and underwriters, understanding the functions, challenges, and opportunities associated with these brokers is crucial for navigating the complex landscape of the global insurance market.
Global Insurance & Reinsurance Brokers, $ mn
Here is the infographic showcasing the top 10 global insurance brokers by revenue for 2026, from the largest to the smallest. Each broker’s revenue is highlighted with a distinct color for clarity. This chart provides a clear comparison of the re/insurance brokers in terms of their financial scale in revenue.
2026 will also see brokers’ EBITDA margins hold steady through strong organic revenue growth and good expense controls.
Re/Insurance brokers will maintain solid EBITDA margins through 2026 and beyond through strong organic revenue growth and good expense controls. Interest coverage for investment-grade and speculative-grade brokers declined slightly over the past couple of years because of higher market interest rates (see Rankings Insurance MGA Groups Worldwide).
Global Re/Insurance Brokerage Market by Segment
Total market estimated at ~$314.5 bn for insurance brokerage + ~$408 bn for reinsurance
| Segment | Estimated Share | Market Value ($ bn) |
| Retail Insurance Brokerage | 76.5 % | ~240 bn |
| Wholesale Insurance Brokerage | 23.5 % | ~74 bn |
| Property & Casualty (within retail) | 56.2 % | ~177 bn |
| Reinsurance Brokerage | — | ~408 bn |
Higher borrowing costs and persistently high purchase multiples will slow the pace of acquisitions. Despite a slowdown in transaction activity, insurance brokers will continue to make strategic platform and tuck-in acquisitions to enhance their product capabilities, geographic reach and economies of scale.
Ownership/management succession as well as access to industry/product specialties, better data and analytics, and more favourable terms from insurance carriers, are some causes that have prompted brokers to sell.
Another factor contributing to a stable outlook for 2025 is that insurance brokers have tapped debt markets early in the year and pushed maturities.
The aggregate debt of brokers has grown over the past decade to about $135 bn. Brokers have had good access to the debt markets through the recent years of rising Treasury rates and fluctuating credit spreads.
Higher Treasury rates partly offset by declining credit spreads have led to somewhat higher but manageable borrowing costs on average. Most insurance brokers have refinanced their debt and extended maturities to 2027 and beyond.
Global Re/Insurance Brokers market shares
Insurance brokers’ regular investment in technology, data and analytics and cybersecurity – mainly used to enhance the quality and efficiency of their operations, particularly interactions with insurance buyers and carriers – will remain in focus this 2026
Most of them are investing in digitization, machine learning and robotics, and shifting their businesses to the cloud to improve data quality and accessibility.
With the rise in commercialization of generative AI, Moody’s explained, brokers are exploring its potential to boost operating efficiency. Analysts stated that early adopters could gain a competitive edge if these processes are deeply integrated into risk management practices.
Among these practices, cyber risk management is a priority for management teams to protect both existing and acquired operations, the report highlighted.
Functions of Global Re/Insurance Brokers
- Consulting and Advisory Services: Beyond just placing insurance, brokers often provide additional value through consulting services, such as risk management consulting, market analysis, and compliance advice.
- Risk Assessment and Management: Brokers assist clients in identifying and assessing their risk exposures. They then design and implement insurance programs that address these risks effectively.
- Market Knowledge and Access: Brokers have extensive knowledge of the insurance market and maintain relationships with a wide range of insurers and reinsurers worldwide. This allows them to access the best possible coverage options for their clients, even for the most complex and unique risks.
- Policy Placement and Negotiation: They negotiate terms, conditions, and premiums with insurers on behalf of their clients, ensuring that the coverage meets the client’s needs at the most favorable terms.
- Claims Advocacy: In the event of a claim, brokers advocate for their clients, guiding them through the claims process and working to ensure a fair and prompt settlement from the insurer.
Re/Insurance Brokers Mergers & Acquisitions activity
Insurance distribution remains a major target for private equity firms and strategic buyers. MarshBerry recorded 854 announced US insurance brokerage transactions in 2025, compared with 847 in 2024.
Private capital-backed buyers accounted for 605 transactions, or approximately 70.8% of the total. M&A activity continued in 2026, although at a slower pace.
According to MarshBerry’s October 29 update, 473 US insurance brokerage transactions were announced through the first nine months of 2026, approximately 7.8% fewer than during the comparable 2025 period.
A separate dataset from OPTIS Partners recorded 439 US and Canadian agency transactions through September 2026, down 19% year over year. The two datasets use different transaction criteria and should not be combined.
Mergers and acquisitions activity continued to grow last year with 1,034 total deals, 30% higher than the 795 recorded in 2025, according to Optis Partners’ North American Agent & Broker Year-End Merger & Acquisition Report. Acrisure led all buyers with 122 transactions in 2021, outpacing its five-year average of 104 deals per year, the report said.
Hub International acquired 72 brokerages including an expansion into the Canadian market. Brown & Brown reports making 19 acquisitions of about $130 mn in revenue. NFP closed 22 deals in North America and the United Kingdom.
The broking market is estimated to have broken down between around $69 bn due to commercial P&C insurance retail broking, $15 bn to private P&C retail broking, $50 bn to employee benefits plus life and health insurance retail broking, $6.4 bn to reinsurance broking and $12 bn to wholesale broking.
Noting that these data points omit tied agency and MGA / MGU activity among other elements.
Each of the segments registered a double-digit growth rate during the year apart from employee benefits plus life and health insurance retail broking; indeed, without adjusting for inflation, the top 20 broking groups together achieved an even higher aggregate growth rate of 12% albeit this was driven in part by M&A activity.
Challenges Facing Global Insurance & Reinsurance Brokers
- Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the complex and often varying regulatory environments across different jurisdictions remains a significant challenge.
- Technological Disruption: The rise of insurtech startups and digital platforms is changing how insurance is bought and sold, requiring traditional brokers to innovate and adapt.
- Market Fluctuations: Economic downturns, changing risk landscapes (e.g., climate change, cyber threats), and market capacity can affect the availability and cost of insurance coverage.
- Competition: The brokerage industry is highly competitive, with firms competing on service, expertise, and price. Maintaining differentiation and client loyalty is a constant challenge.
Opportunities for Re/Insurance Brokers
- Specialization: By specializing in specific industries or types of coverage, brokers can offer deep expertise and tailored solutions that add significant value for clients.
- Technology Integration: Leveraging technology to enhance service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and offer innovative solutions can help brokers stay competitive and meet evolving client expectations.
- Emerging Risks: The constant emergence of new risks, such as those associated with technology or climate change, presents opportunities for brokers to develop new insurance solutions and advisory services.
- Globalization: As businesses continue to expand globally, the need for insurance solutions that cover multiple jurisdictions grows, offering brokers opportunities to facilitate cross-border insurance programs.
For insurance professionals and underwriters, working effectively with global insurance and reinsurance brokers requires an understanding of their strategic importance, the services they offer, and the ways in which they can add value to the insurance process.
Collaboration between insurers, underwriters, and brokers is essential for developing comprehensive, innovative insurance solutions that meet the needs of today’s diverse and dynamic risk landscape.
……………………
Edited & Fact-checked by Oleg Parashchak – CEO Finance Media & Editor-in-Chief at Beinsure Media and Insurance TOP Ratings (25+ years of professional experience in Rankings, Insurance & Media) by AM Best Data.
