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Ascend and CAA: A Strategic Partnership for Accounting Automation

March 3, 2026 - San Francisco
In a move set to redefine efficiency in the insurance industry, Ascend, a premier financial operations automation platform, has announced its partnership with Combined Agents of America (CAA). CAA, recognized as one of the largest privately held insurance aggregator groups in the United States, has designated Ascend as its Accounting Automation Partner. This collaboration aims to modernize the back-office operations for CAA's extensive network of independent agencies, thus addressing prevalent challenges in accounting workflows.

Transforming Back-Office Operations

The essence of this partnership lies in replacing outdated and fragmented manual workflows with an innovative automated solution tailored specifically for the insurance sector. Many independent agencies face significant bottlenecks due to traditional accounting practices that are not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. Ascend’s platform addresses these issues head-on, streamlining processes across various aspects of the insurance lifecycle:

• - Commission Reconciliations: Ascend efficiently automates the tedious task of processing and matching policy commissions, helping agencies save hours that can be better spent on client engagement.
• - Billing and Payments: The automation of premium collection enhances the client experience, ensuring a seamless interaction for policyholders when it comes to payments.
• - Carrier Payables: This function accelerates the payment of commissions, providing agencies with vital cash flow and reducing the time to bind policies.

According to A.J. Lovitt, CEO of Combined Agents of America, “Our mission has always been to empower our members with the best-in-class tools they need to thrive. Ascend’s innovative approach to automation allows our agencies to shift focus from administrative tasks to fostering high-value client relationships and pursuing strategic growth.”

Driving the Future of Accounting Operations

The partnership comes at a time when the insurance industry is increasingly embracing digitization and the integration of AI-driven financial tools. This shift is crucial for independent agencies looking to sustain growth and remain competitive in a fast-evolving market.

Amelia Lee, Head of Partnerships at Ascend, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “CAA represents a leader for independent agency networks. We are thrilled to be their exclusive accounting automation partner and help provide solutions that support the growth ambitions of CAA's member agencies.”

About Ascend

Ascend is recognized as a comprehensive accounting automation platform for the insurance industry. Offering a suite of technologies that automate essential financial operations—including payments, collections, payables, and reconciliations—Ascend aims to enhance operational efficiency for agencies, intermediaries, and carriers within the insurance landscape. Interested parties can explore the substantial changes Ascend can bring to their businesses by visiting www.useascend.com.

About Combined Agents of America (CAA)

Founded in 1997, CAA has established itself as a leading network of independent insurance agencies. Dedicated to evolving the independent agency system, CAA gives its members the advantages, resources, and scale of a national organization while maintaining their local agency independence. This partnership with Ascend reflects CAA’s commitment to providing top-tier resources for its members in a competitive marketplace.