MGAA Conversations

The specialty insurance market stands at a crossroads: soft conditions, shifting client risks, and the relentless advance of AI. In this candid conference podcast, leaders from AXA, GEO, and Genesis debate where the real value lies—portfolio agility, meaningful partnerships, or competitive tech? Whether it’s monoline niche or diversified portfolios, everyone’s rethinking scale, distribution, and t...

How healthy is the UK broker landscape really? Ahead of BIBA 2026, leaders from Qclaims, Victor Insurance, Virtue, CGI, and First Underwriting debate the shifting shape of the broking sector. From AI-powered innovation to the resurgence of entrepreneurial ARs, discover where new value is being created and why service,  not just price, is back in vogue. With consolidation slowing and MGAs finding t...

The UK's MGA and broker landscape is buzzing with innovation, so why does BIBA remain the linchpin for meaningful partnership and growth? In this candid panel, leaders from PKF, Corin, Unicorn Underwriting, and Blue Fryers pull back the curtain on what really moves the market, how soft conditions are creating new winners, and why a physical presence in Manchester matters now more than ever. From h...

Insurers and MGAs face unprecedented complexity in managing counterparty risk, especially as technology amplifies both opportunity and exposure. In this MGA Conversations episode, sector leaders unpack how onboarding, data harnessing, and relentless monitoring are reshaping best practices. Discover why ‘set-and-forget’ risk frameworks are obsolete, how to future-proof your due diligence with tech,...

In this episode we dive into a frank conversation with Sasha Haco, CEO of Unitary AI, as she unpacks the realities behind automation in insurance. Discover why true transformation isn’t about flashy tech but about smart, practical integration: start small, leverage human-in-the-loop models, and sidestep common adoption errors. Explore which admin-heavy workflows—from claims to underwriting—are rip...

The Accident & Health (A&H) market isn’t just surviving - it’s redefining how MGAs, carriers, and TPAs collaborate and compete. In this episode, Kieran Morrin of HDI UK & Ireland shares what’s powering their growth: a data-centric mindset, tech-enabled efficiency, and a consciously balanced approach to distribution. Hear why AI isn’t a silver bullet, how true partnership can cut fricti...

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating is joined by Rachel Turk, Chief of Market Performance at Lloyd’s of London, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving Lloyd’s market and its growing appeal to MGAs and cover holders. Rachel explains her role overseeing underwriting performance, delegated authority, exposure management, reinsurance, and claims across the Lloyd’s market. The...

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, MGAA CEO Mike Keating sits down with Hannah Gurga, Director General of the Association of British Insurers (ABI), for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of the UK insurance market in 2025. They explore the industry’s resilience in the face of extreme weather and cyber incidents, regulatory cost pressures, changes arising from the latest Government Budget,...

In this special episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating sits down with Jack Harding—Underwriter at Tokio Marine Kiln and Chair of the MGAA Next Generation Committee—to explore how the next wave of talent is shaping the MGA market and wider insurance industry. Jack reflects on the committee’s evolution, the importance of refreshing membership to keep perspectives current, and the role that...

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, Mike Keating is joined by Caroline Wagstaff, CEO of the London Market Group (LMG), for a wide-ranging discussion on the health, competitiveness, and future of the London insurance market. Caroline explains how the LMG acts as the collective voice of brokers, insurers, and Lloyd’s businesses, working with government and regulators to promote the market’s globa...

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating speaks with newly appointed Ryan Gill, CEO of Bspoke Group, following the company’s acquisition by NFP. Ryan shares how Bspoke will operate “independent but connected” under its new ownership, his outlook on market softening, regulation, diversification, broker partnerships, and the evolving role of AI and automation within MGAs. He also out...

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, Mike Keating, speaks with Mike Crane, SME & Specialty Director at AXA UK. They explore AXA’s long-term approach to growth, the role of delegated authority, the importance of culture and partnerships, and how technology is reshaping insurance. Mike shares his insights on navigating challenging market conditions, balancing efficiency with empathy in claims,...

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating sits down with Kelly Ogley, CEO of Howden Consumer and Local Commercial, to explore the current state and future of broker distribution in the personal lines insurance market. The conversation touches on branch network trends, the role of scale and specialism, MGA-broker partnerships, regulation, and the importance of diversity and inclusion...

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating sits down with Chris Davies, Group Chief Executive Officer at DRS Bond, to explore the highly specialised world of surety bonds and the niche MGA market. Chris provides a candid and in-depth look at how DRS is responding to a capacity gap in the UK construction and real estate sectors, how macroeconomic and political uncertainties impact the...

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, Mike Keating, CEO of the MGAA, is joined by David Nichols of Zurich and Clive Nathan of Brown & Brown to explore what makes a capacity relationship successful over the long term. Their candid discussion reveals how clarity, communication, and commitment underpin their capacity partnership. From structured claims oversight and forensic performance reviews...

In this engaging episode, Mike Keating, CEO of the MGAA, speaks with Joel Markham, Director of Schemes and Delegated Authorities at AXA UK. The conversation explores AXA’s forward-thinking approach to talent development, its commitment to collaboration, and how it's leveraging technology to meet evolving industry needs. Joel shares insights on cultivating new talent, investing in long-term partner...

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating speaks with Rinku Patel, CEO of Pine Walk Capital, about the firm's innovative platform model for MGAs. Founded in 2017 and backed by Fidelis, Pine Walk provides experienced underwriters with the infrastructure, support, and operational freedom to launch and scale underwriting businesses. Rinku discusses how Pine Walk blends entrepreneurial...

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating, CEO of the MGAA, sits down with Amit Tiwari, Co-founder and President of Xceedance, to discuss the transformational forces reshaping the insurance industry. From legacy system overhauls to the critical reinvention of claims and talent pipelines, Amit shares actionable insights on how technology – particularly large language models – can unl...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Radke, CEO and co-founder of Accelerant, to explore how the company is revolutionizing the specialty insurance industry from the inside out. Jeff shares his personal journey, from growing up around family-owned businesses to navigating the complexities of the insurance ecosystem. We talk about the inefficiencies plaguing traditional models, the challenges of...

In this episode, Mike Keating sits down with Andy Hurrell, Founder of Corin Underwriting, to discuss the critical role of claims investment in sustainable insurance models. They explore why claims management must remain a priority regardless of market conditions, how MGAs can maintain strong relationships with third-party capital, and strategies for attracting the next generation of underwriting t...

In this engaging conversation, Mike Keating, CEO of MGAA and Simon McGinn, CEO of DUAL UK, delve into the shifting dynamics of the insurance market, addressing key challenges like rate adequacy, regulatory changes, and risk management strategies for 2025. They also explore the importance of attracting and nurturing the next generation of talent in the insurance industry. Listen in as they discuss...

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, we sit down with Nadine Kearney, Chief Underwriting Officer at Rokstone Underwriting and an inspiring leader in the insurance industry. Nadine shares her journey from studying international insurance to spearheading innovative projects and winning the Women in Insurance Award for MGA Professional of the Year. We delve into her career milestones, her passion f...

In this episode, MGAA CEO Mike Keating and COO Julia Coakley are joined by guest host Joe Malone to examine the association’s successes throughout 2024, and outline their resolutions for the next year and beyond. Both affirm that, as a non-profit organisation, the MGAA’s most fervent priority is to maintain the satisfaction of its current and new membership, by continually enhancing its propositio...

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, we welcome Gary Humphreys, co-founder and Group Underwriting Director at Markerstudy Group. Following the recently approved merger between Markerstudy and Atlanta, alongside a very successful year of M&A activity for the group, we spoke to Gary about the current progress of integration in the newly united company. He notes the importance of establishing a...

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, we are privileged to be speaking with Tara Foley, CEO at AXA UK and Ireland, our first Platinum annual sponsor. Tara notes the importance and mutually beneficial nature of our partnership, such as AXA’s climate training initiative which is available to all MGAA members. Indeed, she suggests that such training will become increasingly crucial as our industry n...