isolved®, a leading provider of human capital management (HCM) solutions, has released its “Emerging Trends for Brokers in 2026” report. Based on a July 2025 survey of 200 U.S.-based brokerage professionals, the study examines how compliance pressures, AI adoption, and economic uncertainty are reshaping broker roles and driving demand for expanded advisory services.
Quick Intel
The report highlights brokers’ evolution into trusted extensions of HR teams amid rapid regulatory, technological, and economic shifts. Compliance expertise stands out as the strongest differentiator, with brokers positioned to guide clients through complex requirements like ERISA, COBRA, and FMLA while anticipating broader regulatory changes.
“For 40 years, we’ve worked closely with the broker community as compliance, benefits and workforce needs have continually evolved, and 2026 is no exception,” said Jura Slattery, Chief Customer Officer at isolved. “What’s different now is the pace of change. Brokers are being asked to guide clients through rising regulatory pressure, economic uncertainty and AI adoption all at once. Our data shows they’re becoming true extensions of HR teams, leaning on technology and insight to deliver faster, more personalized guidance while staying grounded in the real needs of employers and employees.”
Traditional HR-broker relationships have largely disappeared, replaced by expectations for broader strategic support. Clients increasingly request help with AI implementation, compliance navigation, and emerging workplace benefits such as commuter programs—reflecting a return to office-based norms. Brokers are also expanding into HCM technology partnerships, with more than half planning to offer such services soon.
AI adoption among brokers is nearly universal, with strong focus on compliance automation and personalized employee planning. Brokers credit AI with tangible improvements in compliance efficiency, employee engagement, and hiring speed—outcomes that align with broader labor market trends showing AI-linked productivity gains despite slower overall hiring.
However, a majority (55%) believe AI still lacks strength in addressing the human elements of HR, emphasizing the need for solutions that preserve trust and connection. Brokers and HR leaders seek AI that delivers results without sacrificing the personal touch.
“HR leaders think in measurable outcomes, which brokers have clear evidence that AI is delivering, from seamless compliance support to stronger engagement and hiring,” said Slattery. “At the same time, the survey finds that 55% of brokers think AI falls short when it comes to the softer, human side of work. People still sit at the heart of everything HR touches, which is why brokers and HR leaders want results without sacrificing trust or human connection. HR technology providers that deliver AI that accounts for the employee experience will earn broker confidence, and brokers that bring these solutions to clients will be hailed as irreplaceable advisors.”
The full “Emerging Trends for Brokers in 2026” report outlines five key trends and is available for download. Brokers interested in partnering with an HCM provider to prepare clients for these shifts can explore isolved’s Broker Referral Program.
About The Report This Emerging Trends for Brokers report is based on July 2025 survey of 200 professionals working in brokerages across the United States. The findings are a part of isolved’s broader Advisory Services Research report, which collected insights from 1,000 advisors across five categories: accounting firms, banks, brokerages, consulting service providers and financial advisory firms.
About isolved®
isolved is a leading provider of human capital management (HCM) solutions that combines modern technology with expert services and support. Purpose built for People Heroes™, isolved gives HR, payroll and benefits leaders the tools and insights to streamline operations and deliver employee experiences that matter. isolved People Cloud™ is a unified, modular platform with built-in artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics that connects HR, payroll, benefits, workforce management and talent management within a single platform. Built on a legacy of 40 years in the market, isolved is trusted by more than 200,000 employers and used by 9 million U.S. employees, representing about one in 20 American workers.
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