• HCM Unlocked, a team of more than 200 employees, expands SPG’s employee benefits and workforce capabilities with managed HR, payroll, benefits, tax/absence compliance and HCM technology services, including leave of absence management and HCM professional services.
• HCM Unlocked’s proprietary AI-enabled DELTA platform powers its services through data validation, dual maintenance and stored business process rules, supporting accuracy across multi-vendor technology stacks from initial implementation through ongoing managed services.

CHICAGO, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Specialty Program Group LLC (SPG), a leading operator of specialty insurance distribution, underwriting and consulting businesses, today announced the acquisition of HCM Unlocked, LLC, a technology-enabled managed service provider specializing in human capital management (HCM). The acquisition broadens SPG’s employee benefits and workforce services platform, adding complementary capabilities across HR, payroll, benefits administration, tax, leave of absence management, compliance and HCM technology.

HCM Unlocked provides technology-enabled managed services and consulting to mid-market and enterprise organizations, combining HCM expertise with proprietary technology designed to improve the performance, accuracy and management of HCM systems. Founded in 2018 and led by CEO John Wallace, HCM Unlocked has grown to a team of more than 200 employees and supports clients throughout their entire human capital and technology journey by supporting tech agnostic vendor selection, guiding implementations, custom optimization, and providing ongoing management of payroll, tax, HR, benefits, LOA, and compliance.

At the center of HCM Unlocked’s managed services offering is DELTA, its proprietary, AI-enabled data validation platform built to support accuracy across payroll, time & attendance, HR, and benefits systems. DELTA enables HCM Unlocked to manage multi-vendor technology stacks, rather than tie its services to a single software platform. This technology-agnostic approach gives employers the freedom to choose the right combination of solutions for their business, supported by one managed services partner.

“HCM Unlocked isn’t a business built around a theory – John and his team have lived the problems their clients are trying to solve,” said Chris Treanor, President & CEO of Specialty Program Group. “The future of employee benefits and workforce services is increasingly shaped by the intersection of specialized expertise, technology and data. Bringing HCM Unlocked into SPG broadens our platform in each of those areas and creates significant opportunities for continued growth. We’re excited to have John and his team join us.”

HCM Unlocked has grown rapidly by helping organizations get more value from their HCM technology while simplifying complex payroll, HR and benefits operations.

“Our clients don’t experience payroll, HR, benefits, compliance and technology as separate challenges, they are all part of running their business,” said John Wallace, CEO of HCM Unlocked. “We built HCM Unlocked to take ownership of that work by combining experienced people with technology that supports how the work gets done. Joining SPG gives us additional resources to continue developing the business while staying focused on the clients and teams that got us here. We’re looking forward to this next chapter.”

The acquisition is part of SPG’s continued investment in specialized businesses with established teams, strong expertise and opportunities for continued growth.

About Specialty Program Group

Specialty Program Group LLC (SPG) is a leading specialty platform headquartered in Chicago, IL, with a diverse portfolio of specialty insurance operations spanning underwriting management, digital solutions, wholesale and specialty retail brokerage, and insurance services. SPG has a track record of scaling industry leading businesses by providing access to business resources, technology and process efficiency, capital and investment, deep carrier relationships, and a broad distribution network. Visit specialtyprogramgroup.com to learn more about how SPG can help you scale your specialty business.

About HCM Unlocked

HCM Unlocked is a technology-enabled managed service provider helping organizations improve the way they manage human capital technology and operations. The company provides managed services and consulting across payroll, tax, HR, benefits, LOA, compliance, technology implementation and optimization, data governance and related workforce services. Its proprietary DELTA technology supports HCM data migration, validation and management across technology environments. HCM Unlocked has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of America’s 100 fastest-growing companies. For more information, visit hcmunlocked.com.

Q&A

What is HCM Unlocked?

HCM Unlocked is a technology-enabled managed service provider that delivers HCM consulting and managed services to mid-market and enterprise organizations. Its capabilities span payroll, tax, HR, benefits administration, compliance, technology implementation and optimization, data governance and related workforce services.

Why did Specialty Program Group acquire HCM Unlocked?

HCM Unlocked brings HR, payroll, tax, benefits, compliance and HCM technology capabilities to SPG. The acquisition broadens SPG’s employee benefits and workforce services capabilities while providing HCM Unlocked with additional resources to continue growing its business.

What services does HCM Unlocked provide?

HCM Unlocked provides technology consulting and implementation, professional services, managed payroll, tax consulting and monitoring, HR administration and consulting, benefits administration, managed leave of absence, compliance reviews and monitoring, vendor selection, ecosystem mapping, compliance services, talent services, data governance and analytics, strategic HR consulting and data services, and HCM system optimization.

What is HCM Unlocked DELTA technology?

DELTA is HCM Unlocked’s proprietary, AI-enabled data validation platform designed to improve accuracy across technology implementations, system integrations, payroll and benefits administration. Built to support employers from initial implementation through ongoing operations, DELTA complements HCM Unlocked’s service expertise with technology that strengthens the reliability of data.

How does HCM Unlocked fit within Specialty Program Group?

HCM Unlocked adds human capital management and workforce services capabilities to SPG. Its combination of managed services, technology and HR expertise complements SPG’s broader employee benefits platform.

Who leads HCM Unlocked?

HCM Unlocked is led by CEO John Wallace.

What does the acquisition mean for HCM Unlocked clients?

HCM Unlocked will continue serving its clients with its existing managed services and technology capabilities while gaining access to additional resources through SPG.

Will HCM Unlocked continue to operate under its current name?

Yes. HCM Unlocked will continue to operate under its current name following the acquisition.

CONTACT:
SPG Media: Lea Prses
lea.prses@specialtyprogramgroup.com

HCM Unlocked: Patty Pease
patty.pease@hcmunlocked.com

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SOURCE Specialty Program Group