Insurance Business has released its 5-Star Wholesale Brokers and MGAs 2026 report, identifying US wholesale firms that retail producers say are key partners for product placement, market access, and distribution support. The survey-based ranking highlights how retail brokers rate their wholesale partners across technical capabilities, digital operations, and relationship support.
Insurance Business America surveyed retail producers across the US, asking them to rate the performance and service of their wholesale partners on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). Respondents evaluated each partner against 10 criteria:
Wholesale brokers and MGAs that achieved an average score of 4 or more in at least one category were awarded a 5-star designation. Those that recorded an average score of 4 or more across all 10 criteria received an all-star designation.
Responses from retail producers indicated several consistent themes among the highest-scoring firms. Producers reported that leading wholesale partners tended to perform steadily across multiple dimensions rather than relying on a single area of strength. The firms that stood out were described as delivering on most of the service and capability measures that producers consider material to their business.
Retail brokers also emphasized support on more complex and specialized placements. High scores for technical expertise, product knowledge, and the ability to place niche or emerging risks were closely associated with stronger reputational and overall ratings. Digital capability emerged as another marker of performance. Producers gave higher marks to firms that were easier to work with through technology and automation, signalling that digital processes and platforms are now embedded expectations in the wholesale distribution channel.
Investment in broker relationships appeared as a key factor. Marketing support – including education, co-marketing, and communication – was identified as the strongest statistical predictor of overall ratings, indicating that producers place weight on wholesalers that help them position, explain, and distribute products. Finally, respondents suggested that value is being assessed more broadly than on price alone. Compensation and pricing remained relevant, but producers viewed them as elements of a wider value proposition rather than the sole deciding factors in how they rated their wholesale partners.
Alongside the firm-level designations, the survey also asked brokers to name standout MGA products. Retail producers identified the top insurance products offered by MGAs, and the four products that received the most votes were awarded the Brokers’ Pick medal. This product-level recognition is intended to sit alongside the 5-star and all-star firm ratings and draw attention to programs that producers see as aligned with specific market and client needs.
A range of wholesale brokers and MGAs earned recognition in the 2026 report. Among those named were:
See the report findings and the full list of winners by reading the Insurance Business America 5-Star Wholesale Brokers and MGAs 2026 special report.
