Insurance Council Added Three New Member Firms
The addition of these companies aims to address specific coverage gaps in the commercial insurance market for policyholders.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Insurance
The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers added Bold Penguin, Cogent International, and Del Rio Group to its membership during the third quarter of 2026. These firms join to address various commercial insurance market gaps alongside existing members.
Why it matters
These additions are designed to expand the resources available to solve complex client problems within the commercial insurance space. The expansion reflects a broader effort to bring specialized expertise to the market to help meet varied business coverage needs.
Three new firms joined the association in Q3 2026, joining a broader network of industry players. This expansion includes firms such as Bold Penguin, which operates across 50 states and maintains relationships with more than 40 carriers.
The players
The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers
A Washington, D.C.-based trade association that coordinates professional standards and innovation initiatives for commercial insurance agencies.
Bold Penguin
A digital platform based in Dublin, Ohio, that connects more than 40 insurance carriers to help streamline commercial policy underwriting.
Cogent International
A London-based insurance broker that has operated within the Lloyd's market since 1986.
Del Rio Group
An environmental risk specialist firm based in Gilbert, Arizona, that has provided commercial coverage solutions for over 30 years.
McKinsey & Company
A global management consultancy that provides strategic research and funding to support the insurance industry's operational evolution.
The details
The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers recruits new firms specifically to bridge coverage gaps that commercial clients face. By adding companies like the environment-focused Del Rio Group and the tech-integrated Bold Penguin, the organization aims to broaden the technical capacity of its network. Meanwhile, McKinsey & Company increased its investment in the Council Partners program to the Platinum level to further fund innovation and programming for members.
Timeline
Three firms joined and McKinsey increased partnership investment during Q3 2026.
The Council announced the new member firms on September 30, 2026.
The 113th annual Insurance Leadership Forum takes place later this week.
Money Landscape
This expansion of industry representation follows a pattern set by the Council's ongoing efforts to consolidate specialized risk expertise ahead of the 113th annual Insurance Leadership Forum. The move fits into a broader cycle of institutional investment aimed at improving commercial coverage efficiency.
While these membership changes do not alter individual premiums, they signal a push to improve the quality and availability of commercial risk products. Households or business owners looking for specialized coverage should talk to a qualified financial or insurance professional about market options.
The takeaway
The Council is expanding its network of specialized firms to help close gaps in the commercial insurance market. Business owners should stay updated on these firm offerings by reviewing their current insurance coverage with a qualified professional.
Further reading
For more on industry trends, visit Insurance.
