Cobra Network

What Cobra Network does

Cobra Network is a UK insurance broker network founded in 2003 and acquired by PIB Group in 2019. It serves independent insurance brokers across the United Kingdom, offering free membership that aggregates broker demand to negotiate market access, compliance support, HR resources, and exclusive underwriting facilities on their behalf. The platform is anchored by Cobra Connect, a member hub providing centralised access to insurer panels and operational tools, alongside an SME E-Trade Portal for small commercial risks, a Cobra Broking Desk for larger or more complex placements, and the Cobra Network Underwriting Agency, a proprietary MGA offering members exclusive capacity.\n\nThe business model is commission- and service-led rather than subscription-led: core membership is free to brokers, with Cobra earning revenue primarily from commission shares on insurance placed through its panel and from paid value-added services layered on top of the free membership. Distribution reach is extended via a partnership with Citynet, which gives members access to Lloyd's and London Market capacity that individual brokers would struggle to access independently. As a PIB Group subsidiary, Cobra benefits from shared back-office, compliance, and capital backing, but operates as a distinct broker-network brand with its own leadership, headquartered in the UK.\n\nIn 2025 Cobra was named 'Network of the Year' at industry awards, reflecting its positioning as a mid-market consolidator of broker services within the UK independent channel. The combination of a free membership model, PIB Group sponsorship, and exclusive MGA capacity creates a defensible broker-acquisition proposition, though absolute scale remains modest given headcount of 11-50 employees.

Name

Cobra Network

Legal name

Cobra Network Limited

Website

https://cobranetwork.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cobra Network is a UK insurance broker network, owned by PIB Group since 2019, that gives independent brokers free access to insurer panels, compliance support, and exclusive underwriting capacity including Lloyd's and London Market access via Citynet.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Insurance Broker Network Services

NAICS

Insurance Agencies and Brokerages (52421), Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities (5242)

SIC

Insurance Agents, Brokers & Service (6411)

akta.pro primary industry

Insurance Leads, Introducers & Referral Networks (FSAEAMAB)

Keywords

• Insurance broker network
• Commercial insurance brokerage
• Broker support services
• Lloyd's market access
• Compliance consultancy

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Broker Membership Fees (Free Model): Cobra Network offers free membership to join the network. The organization reinvests its income into the network rather than charging membership fees. Additional paid services are available at discounted rates for members who want additional support.
2. Insurance Commission: Network earns commission from insurer arrangements and deals with major insurers. Members benefit from attractive commission deals negotiated by the network.
3. Additional Services: While core membership is free, members can purchase additional services at discounted rates including HR consultancy, additional compliance support, and specialized training.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Cobra Network operates as a free-to-join insurance broker network for independent UK insurance brokers, founded in 2003 and part of PIB Group since 2019. The network provides members with market access (including Lloyd's and London Markets), an exclusive Managing General Agent (MGA), compliance and HR support, premium finance, learning & development, and digital trading tools. Revenue is generated through insurance commissions on placements routed via the network and through additional paid professional services offered to members.

Product overview

Cobra Network operates as an award-winning broker network for independent insurance brokers, founded in 2003 and acquired by PIB Group in 2019. The core offering is a free membership model that provides independent brokers with the purchasing power and support of a network while maintaining their independence and brand. The product portfolio centres on Cobra Connect as the primary member portal, supported by proprietary trading capabilities including the SME E-Trade Portal, Cobra Broking Desk, and an exclusive Cobra Network Underwriting Agency MGA. Additional value is delivered through service modules covering compliance consultancy, HR support, learning and development, premium finance, risk management, business development, and employee benefits—offered free as part of membership with optional paid enhancements at discounted rates.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cobra Connect Member Hub
• SME E-Trade Portal
• Cobra Broking Desk

Quantifiable outcome

• Free membership with comprehensive business support
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• PIB GroupflagshipOthersCobra Network was acquired by PIB Group in 2019. While Cobra operates independently, it benefits from PIB Group's buying power, insurer relationships, and organizational resources. PIB Group is a parent company that matches charity fundraising and provides access to additional facilities and services.
• PIB Risk Services LimitedcoreOthersCobra Network Limited is an Appointed Representative of PIB Risk Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number 308333). This is the principal firm relationship required for regulatory compliance.
• CitynetcoreTechnology or IntegrationCitynet provides Cobra Network's Lloyd's and London market access. Ali Davey previously worked with Citynet before joining Cobra as a London Market Strategic Account Manager.
• Q UnderwritingcoreTechnology or IntegrationAccess to Q Underwriting facilities provides members with specialist services. Harvey Kennedy previously worked for Q Underwriting before joining Cobra's strategic account management team.
• Close Premium FinancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides preferential premium finance rates to Cobra members with dedicated account managers and access to training.
• AvivacoreTechnology or IntegrationAviva Learning provides discounted access to development portal and training resources for Cobra Network members.
• PIB Risk ManagementminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiscounted access to PIB Risk Management services for members and their clients, including software and training.
• Support DogsminorOthersCharity partner for 2025. Cobra Network fundraises to help cover the cost of training puppies for autism assistance dogs, seizure alert dogs, and disability assistance dogs. PIB Group match funds all amounts raised.
• Day One Trauma SupportminorOthersCharity partner for 2025. Supports people with life-changing injuries and their families. Cobra Network fundraises throughout the year and participates in annual 'Go Orange' fundraising day.
• Alzheimer's SocietyminorOthersCharity partner for 2025. PIB Group has a 2-year project to fund a Research Fellowship to improve diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's. Cobra Network fundraises and raises awareness across the sector.
• EcologiminorOthersEnvironmental partnership for tree planting. Cobra Network is growing the Cobra Network Forest and planting 10 trees for every member brokerage. Website shows live forest tracking.
• The Association of Professional Compliance Consultants (APCC)minorOthersCobra Network is a member of the Association of Professional Compliance Consultants, demonstrating commitment to compliance standards and industry association.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• PIB Group: Parent company of Cobra Network since 2019 and operator of other UK broker networks (Citynet, Q Underwriting), providing the buying power, regulatory permissions and shared services that underpin Cobra's offering.

Broad incumbents

• Howden Group: Global insurance broker with significant UK retail and specialty broking operations, providing scale-based competition for independents weighing network membership versus full acquisition.
• Aon UK: Global insurance broker and risk adviser with substantial UK commercial and specialty operations, sitting at the high end of the size spectrum against which Cobra Network positions its independent-broker value proposition.
• Towergate Insurance Brokers: Large UK insurance broker group (now under Benefact Group) with extensive retail and specialty broking capabilities, offering scale-based alternatives to network membership for independent brokers considering exit.
• Arthur J. Gallagher (UK): Global insurance broker with substantial UK retail, network and specialty operations, competing for the same independent broker relationships either via acquisition or network-style affiliation.

Direct peers

• County Group Insurance Brokers: UK insurance broker network serving independent brokers with market access, compliance support and back-office services, comparable to Cobra Network's positioning and target customer base.
• Bollington Insurance Group: UK insurance broker network offering membership-based services to independent brokers across commercial and personal lines, with similar market access, schemes and compliance support to Cobra Network.
• Compass Broker Services: UK insurance broker network providing market access, compliance and back-office support to independent brokers, directly competing with Cobra Network's freemium offering and target customer segment.
• Network Broker Services: UK broker network providing market access, schemes and back-office services to independent insurance brokers, overlapping directly with Cobra Network on member profile, geography and service mix.
• Brownhill Insurance Group: UK broker network supporting independent commercial brokers with market access, compliance and business development services, broadly comparable to Cobra Network's independent-broker member proposition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights2 records

Customer concentration

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cobra Network