Providing the licensing, technology and advisory infrastructure to successfully build, scale, and exit a modern brokerage.
AI-powered placement, consolidation, compliance pressure, and CGT exposure are reshaping insurance broking.
The next generation of brokers will need more than client relationships. They will need smarter systems, better structure, stronger compliance, and a clear path to long-term value. Ascend exists for experienced operators who want to build correctly from day one.
Ascend brings together experience across broking, compliance, corporate advisory, tax, technology adoption, and exit advisory.
Matthew has over over 30 years’ experience scaling brokerages, and is recognised as a Qualified Practicing Insurance Broker (QPIB) and Certified Insurance Professional (CIP).
Director - Senior Broker
Senior advisor and private equity professional with over 10 years’ experience across Australia and the US, focused on supporting brokerage founders with growth, technology adoption, and M&A advisory.
Director - Operations and M&A Advisory
Director - Responsible Manager
Head of Corporate Advisory
A complete support platform for insurance broking founders.
Operate under Ascend’s AFSL with onboarding, supervision, CPD reporting, and compliance frameworks.
Broker operating system, workflow automation, document generation, market research, and reporting dashboards.
Quarterly workshops, company/equity structuring, CGT exposure modelling and corporate restructuring, and off-market acquisition sourcing.
Bookkeeping, payroll, BAS/IAS, trust reconciliation, financial statements, and tax returns.
Access to carriers, underwriting agencies, specialty markets, and premium funding partners.
Material preparation, acquirer introductions, deal dialog coaching, and LOI negotiation.
Ascend offers Australia’s most comprehensive service offering, supporting brokers as business builders.
| Feature | Ascend | Large Incumbents | Mid-Size AR Networks | Regional AR Networks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR Licensing & Compliance | ||||
| Carrier / Underwriter Access | ||||
| AI Technology Bundle | ||||
| Claim Handling Support | ||||
| CPD Training & Mentoring | ||||
| Corporate Advisory | ||||
| Tax, Accounting & Bookkeeping | ||||
| Exit Advisory |
Ascend’s AI technology bundle helps reduce admin, improve workflow efficiency, support research, and create clearer operational visibility. As technology evolves, Ascend curates and maintains the stack so brokers are not left navigating the shift alone.
End-to-end policy lifecycle management, covering client and document management, compliance reporting, and trust reconciliation.
Automated management of leads, renewals, and claims, with AI-assisted quote retrieval and proposal drafting. The platform connects directly to the BOS via API, removing the need for manual data entry.
AI research and advisory tools covering claims, compliance, risk research, and client communications - including placement recommendations, multi-policy wording analysis, and a central data repository queryable in plain language.
Technology-forward specialist brokers, looking for support resources to continue growing.
Experienced corporate agents becoming founders without AFSL operational burden.
For licensed operators who want to reduce overhead and refocus on clients, growth, and exit value.
For digitally native insurance businesses needing AFSL coverage, trust capability, compliance, and back-office support.
Company & equity structuring, and governance design.
CGT modelling, corporate restructuring, Division 7A, and franking account management.
Automated financial, team productivity, and cash flow reporting - structured to support day-to-day decisions and transaction readiness.
Off-market acquisition sourcing, financial due diligence, materials preparation, acquirer introductions, and LOI support for founders buying or selling.
Ascend selectively accepts applications from qualified founders.
If you are an experienced insurance professional with the expertise, vision and ambition to build a modern brokerage, apply to join the network.
