MGAA Conversations

Managing General Agents’ Association
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

Welcome to MGAA Conversations, the latest addition to the podcast world, hosted by Mike Keating, CEO of the Managing General Agents Association. In this exciting new series, we delve into all things related to the rapidly expanding MGA (Managing General Agent) landscape. With a diverse array of guests from within the insurance industry and beyond, our aim is to explore the challenges, opportunities, and personalities shaping the MGA community. Expect engaging discussions with prominent figures in the industry, including CEOs and innovators, offering first-hand insights into the dynamics of the MGA market. From the future of distribution strategies, such as partnerships with brokers, to the impact of insurtech and AI on the industry, no topic is off-limits. Regulation is another key focus, as we navigate the evolving landscape of compliance and its implications for MGAs. Through candid conversations and expert analysis, MGAA Conversations aims to provide listeners with valuable perspectives on current issues and future trends affecting the MGA community. But it’s not all serious business – expect lively conversations, off-the-wall guests, and a touch of humour to keep things entertaining. We invite you to join us on this journey, share your feedback, and suggest topics and guests for future episodes. Don’t forget to subscribe to MGAA Conversations on your preferred platform so you never miss an episode. Thanks for listening!

  1. 034: Inside BIBA: Why the Broker - MGA ecosystem is thriving in 2026 | MGAA Conversations with Daren Rudd, Emily Gough, Liz Latter, Simon Taylor & Susan Diemer

    7 HR AGO

    034: Inside BIBA: Why the Broker - MGA ecosystem is thriving in 2026 | MGAA Conversations with Daren Rudd, Emily Gough, Liz Latter, Simon Taylor & Susan Diemer

    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 their agile edge, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for insurers, brokers, and anyone invested in the future of distribution. Can community, smarter tech, and a focus on relationships keep the MGA sector ahead? Find out inside.   Key Quotes: “We’re there to listen as much as we’re there to talk and to sell our products. We want to hear where brokers are struggling in the market, where we can help them out, where there’s gaps… we’re not just building things for the sake of building things. We want to build products that actually make brokers’ lives easier.”   “What I do like about being at BIBA is you can really talk to people about what’s working well, what has worked, where are the struggles… and that allows us to shape our solutions to get the best out of the technology that’s on the table today.”    “The really interesting thing is to have so many conversations in such a short space of time… and having 75% of your customers and suppliers in the same postcode for three days is genuinely unique.”   “The broking community is so dynamic in the UK, and it’s always changing shape… we’ve seen huge amounts of consolidation, but in the last 18 months the AR community just seems to be exploding again… it’s constantly reinventing itself.”    “Yes, we are in a soft market, and yes, everyone is after the best possible competitive rate. But we find that where we win and we keep our brokers is by service… they know they can pick up the phone and speak to an underwriter who can make a decision.”   Resources: https://www.cgi.com/uk/en-gb  https://www.linkedin.com/company/cgi/    https://www.virtuunderwriting.co.uk/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtusolutions/    https://qlaims.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/qlaims-limited/   https://www.firstuw.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-underwriting-limited/   https://www.victorinsurance.com/uk/home.html https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoruk/    About the Guests: Daren Rudd - Head of Business and Technology Consulting |UK Insurance | Vice President – Consulting Expert  Daren is a Vice-President in CGI’s UK Insurance business, leading a consulting team working with clients to shape digital strategy, modernise business models, and apply emerging technologies to deliver measurable outcomes. With over 30 years’ experience in the London and General Insurance markets, Daren brings deep industry expertise alongside more than a decade in InsurTech, consulting and technolgytechnology delivery. He applies a pragmatic approach in the use of technology to make a difference for the business, focusing on a lean rapid approach to transformation and focused on the value it creates for people. Daren is passionate about approaching complex challenges differently and believes that traditional transformation does not meet the needs of modern business. He partners with senior business and technology leaders to bridge the gap between innovation and reality, to ensure solutions are focus on real value not technology hype.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daren-rudd/  Emily Gough - Property Owner Department Lead at Virtu Underwriting Emily Gough is an accomplished insurance professional with extensive experience across property and commercial underwriting. She currently serves as the Property Owner Department Lead at Virtu Underwriting, a position she has held since September 2023. In this role, Emily leads departmental strategy, oversees underwriting frameworks, and ensures the delivery of competitive, profitable, and customer-focused solutions for brokers and their clients. Before joining Virtu, Emily spent more than a decade developing deep technical and operational expertise. Her leadership has consistently centred on a strong blend of technical knowledge and practical leadership to the property insurance sector. https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-gough-acii-3a8a7687/    Liz Latter - CEO Qlaims Liz is a commercially driven insurance leader and CEO of Qlaims, a fast-growing specialist MGA providing Loss Recovery Insurance. With experience across brokers, software providers, and insurers, including leadership roles in start‑ups and mature organisations, she champions using technology to elevate, not replace, the empathy and clarity people need during challenging claims moments. https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-latter-70180b11/    Simon Taylor - Commercial Director, First Underwriting Simon Taylor is Commercial Director at First Underwriting – one of the UK’s leading specialist and scheme insurance MGAs. With over 30 years of experience, he’s held a wide range of senior leadership roles in the UK general insurance market with a track record of building businesses and profitable business growth. As Commercial Director at First Underwriting, he’s focused on enhancing and evolving its distribution and insurance solutions – further strengthening the organisation’s commitment to helping broker partners succeed. His favourite insurance story is being served a £4,500 bottle of wine by mistake several years back at a BIBA conference! https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-taylor-ab309b1b/    Susan Diemer - Head of Sales and Distribution at Victor Insurance  Susan Diemer is the Head of Sales and Distribution at Victor UK responsible for leading the UK sales team and developing the sales strategy for Victor in the UK. Susan has 25 years of experience in the industry; starting as a graduate at AXA, then working in strategy and proposition development positions at N*G, and most recently as Head of Strategic Partners at Markel. Through her time in insurance she has found her passion in developing good customer outcomes for brokers and end customers alike and loves being in front of brokers, supporting their growth. She is a Chartered Insurer with an Advanced Diploma from the Chartered Insurance Institute and holds a MA in Management Studies from St. Andrews University. https://www.linkedin.com/in/suz-diemer-acii-ma-32b4911b/

    25 min
  2. 033: Inside BIBA: What’s Next for Ambitious MGAs and Brokers? with David Plummer, Richard Ellis, John Needham & Andy Hurrell

    6 DAYS AGO

    033: Inside BIBA: What’s Next for Ambitious MGAs and Brokers? with David Plummer, Richard Ellis, John Needham & Andy Hurrell

    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 harnessing MGAA community advantages to the next-gen talent push, this episode spotlights strategies, pitfalls, and the soft truths the sector can’t ignore. Get ahead or get left behind; don't miss these crucial insights.   Key Quotes: “We try and champion a sort of virtual insurer model. We love the virtual insurer MGA model. What does that mean for us? Really, it's keeping all those key functions in-house, trying to operate, trade and think like an insurer.” “What BIBA represents to us is a fantastic pool of innovators and entrepreneurs. MGAs continue to be a developing and growing space, and I think whilst we've had some mention of the soft market, we don't see that as a barrier.” “Provided the broker sector continues innovating, then I think to a certain extent, without wishing to paraphrase a famous movie, if the broker sector continues to build these offers, then the capacity will follow because the investment opportunity is there.” “I think what's interesting at BIBA is that we know there's an industry where there's been a lot of M&A. We know that it's still a relationship business, and what we like at BIBA is you get a lot of different account execs, a lot of people that you might not generally talk to day in, day out because we are all behind systems.” “There definitely seems to be continuing interest in funding new projects, which is an indicator of the health of the sector. It's relative health or the absolute health of the sector. It's still really positive from that point of view.” Resources: https://www.amwins.com/solutions/underwriting/unicorn https://www.linkedin.com/company/unicorn-underwriting-limited/   https://www.bluefriars.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluefriars-group/   https://www.pkf.co.uk/sectors/insurance/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/littlejohn/    https://corin.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/corin-underwriting/ About the Guests: Richard Ellis, Business Development Director Unicorn Underwriting Richard has worked in the Commercial Insurance sector in the UK and overseas for over 35 years, including senior pricing roles at RSA and LV=. He joined Unicorn Underwriting in 2018 to help set up the SME division and is now their Business Development Director https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-ellis-372a329/ Andy Hurrell, Founder and CEO Corin  With over 23 years of industry experience, Andy founded Corin in 2016 and is the current CEO responsible for all company strategy and planning as well as overseeing all aspects of the day-to-day business and operational matters. In addition, he is Head of Underwriting for both the UK and Irish liability binders. https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-hurrell-60701627/ John Needham, Partner PKF John Needham is a Partner in PKF’s Financial Services team. He has a particular focus on insurance distribution covering brokers and MGAs as well as working with businesses that include underwriting vehicles in their group. John advises businesses on a range of issues from emerging technology through to strategy. His approach is always hands on, spending significant time with people to get a real understanding of the issues at hand. John has worked with the FCA and ICAEW on the development of the client money regulations and auditing standards. He has also been involved in regulatory investigations, working for firms and on behalf of the FCA. John is a regular speaker on industry-related topics, both for PKF and on behalf of industry bodies such as the MGAA and Insurtech UK, and a frequent commentator on current issues in the insurance press. John works with many of our private equity clients, advising and supporting them on their transactions in the financial services sector. https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-needham-4853527/ David Plummer, Group CEO Bluefriars David has been working in the Lloyd’s market since 1987 and has been a specialist consultant and trainer for over 20 years. David draws on both his commercial experience looking after Fortune 500 and FTSE 250 companies, as well as his specialist compliance experience working as Head of Compliance and Head of Financial Crime Prevention for both national and multinational firms. David has worked with retail and investment banks, stockbrokers, asset managers, IFAs, insurers and insurance brokers in both retail and wholesale environments, dealing at all levels - including at c-suite level.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidplummeruk/

    32 min
  3. 032: Counterparty Risk: Why Smart MGAs Are Raising the Bar with Nathan Banfield, Sonia Stanton & Richard Marshall

    21 APR

    032: Counterparty Risk: Why Smart MGAs Are Raising the Bar with Nathan Banfield, Sonia Stanton & Richard Marshall

    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, and which emerging threats could catch even the nimblest firms off guard. Essential perspective for anyone seeking resilience and regulatory readiness in today’s dynamic market—and for challengers eager to get ahead of the next compliance wave.   Key Quotes: “The MGA model is maturing very quickly, and I don't really see it under threat. I see it more of an opportunity within the industry to strive.” “The requirements are constantly changing. So what looks good today might not always remain that way." “The likelihood is that we're going to see more focus around AI within our business, within our pricing, our decision-making.” “Having a single source of the truth and being able to actually make actionable decisions off the back of it is where software can really change outcomes.”   Resources: https://antaresglobal.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/antares   https://pro-global.com/pro-mga/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/pro-global   https://reg.uk.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/reg-uk/ About the Guests: Nathan Banfield is Head of Customer Success at REG Technologies, where he leads with a clear focus on helping clients run their businesses faster, smarter and safer. Acting as a trusted advisor to regulated firms across the insurance landscape, Nathan goes beyond implementation and partners closely with clients to understand their strategic objectives and operational challenges.  With a customer-first mindset, he is passionate about delivering exceptional service and building long-term relationships rooted in trust, transparency and measurable value. Nathan works alongside firms to ensure they maximise the impact of REG’s solutions, embedding stronger, more efficient risk and compliance processes that support sustainable growth. Known for his proactive approach and commitment to continuous improvement, he champions service excellence at every stage of the customer journey.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-banfield Richard started his underwriting career in 1990 with SCOR and later Munich Re in a variety of reinsurance underwriting roles, both in the UK and overseas. In 2008 he transferred to delegated insurance underwriting within the Munich Re Group and has specialised in this sector ever since. Working with both MGA’s and capacity suppliers, Richard has extensive experience in managing delegated underwriting operations across multiple lines of business. In recent years he has focused on improving underwriting efficiencies and performance through enhanced data, analytics, and processes. Most recently Richard worked with HDI Speciality joining Antares Group in March 2024 as Chief Underwriting Officer for Antares Insurance Company Limited, a delegated only insurance platform which launched in January 2024.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-marshall-b0b6a165/   Sonia is an accomplished insurance and compliance expert with over 20 years of experience in the finance and insurance sectors. She possesses extensive technical knowledge of global legislative and regulatory requirements across various insurance operations, including underwriting, risk management, legal compliance, auditing, analytics, and loss assessing. As a chartered insurer with an advanced diploma in insurance, Sonia has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development and excellence in compliant insurance practices. She is currently pursuing the prestigious FCII accreditation. Her expertise includes adeptly navigating complex regulatory landscapes and promoting high standards in insurance compliance. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-stanton-acii-chartered-insurer-a4867160/

    41 min
  4. 031: AI in Insurance: What Leaders Get Wrong About Automation with Sasha Haco, Unitary

    23 FEB

    031: AI in Insurance: What Leaders Get Wrong About Automation with Sasha Haco, Unitary

    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 ripe for change and how to unlock quick wins. Plus, Sasha shares hard-won advice for women building careers in tech-driven insurance. In a world buzzing with AI hype, get clear-eyed guidance on what works, what doesn’t, and why the human element still matters most. The urgency? Competitive advantage is compounding; don’t get left behind.   Key Quotes: “AI is not the right tool for the job in every situation... most businesses wouldn't tolerate a 40% accurate process, which means that AI isn't the right solution the whole way." "The businesses that really embrace automation and change and AI are going to be able to scale in a way they've never seen before, and without having to scale their headcount." "We're an AI company and use AI every single day, but I think AI is not the right tool always for the job... there's definitely a place for people. We're not going to replace them." "I think people need to be careful about confusing automation with AI because actually AI... these models are inherently probabilistic. They're basically making a guess—and a good guess, usually—at every step."   Resources: www.unitary.ai https://uk.linkedin.com/company/unitaryai   About the Guest: Sasha Haco is the co-founder and CEO of Unitary. Unitary automates repetitive manual work with Virtual Agents: robust AI workers that handle complex tasks for operations teams directly in their tools. They support MGAs, brokers and carriers to achieve rapid ROI with 50% cost savings in just a few weeks. Before founding Unitary, Sasha completed a PhD where she worked with Stephen Hawking in Cambridge to solve the ‘information paradox’ of black holes. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sashahaco   About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40-year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start-up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020.  Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters. Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/

    24 min
  5. 030: Rewriting the Rules: Inside the Evolution of Accident & Health with Kieran Morrin, HDI UK & Ireland

    10 FEB

    030: Rewriting the Rules: Inside the Evolution of Accident & Health with Kieran Morrin, HDI UK & Ireland

    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 frictional costs, and why nurturing talent now is business-critical. Whether you’re navigating soft markets or wrestling with outdated processes, this conversation offers sharp insights and honest takes for anyone committed to staying ahead in specialty insurance. Key quotes: "MGAs have played a real crucial part in that growth. Probably half our portfolio within the UK comes through MGA partners." We're a very data-driven organisation. So that's the sort of MGA partner that we seek... one that's also receptive and collaborative... with regards to data initiatives." "We see it as a partner in transformation... simplifying processes, making those processes more efficient to ultimately give us a better customer experience." "It's better than doing it and then having further iterations and updates and re-winding perhaps further down the track. Do it once and do it right." "It feels more real than perhaps some lines of business. You're dealing with people; it's accidents, it's travel, it's medical situations." Resources: HDi homepage: https://www.hdi.global/about-us/locations-contacts/europe/united-kingdom/contacts-specialty/ About the Guest: Kieran Morrin is Head of Accident & Health at HDI Global UK & Ireland, where he leads the insurer’s A&H proposition across the UK market. He has played a key role in building and developing HDI’s A&H offering and was previously Director of Accident & Health at the business. Kieran brings extensive London market experience in specialty underwriting and portfolio development. LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kieranmoran About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020. Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters. Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/

    22 min
  6. 029: MGAs, Market Cycles and Lloyd’s: A View from Market Performance with Rachel Turk

    19 JAN

    029: MGAs, Market Cycles and Lloyd’s: A View from Market Performance with Rachel Turk

    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 conversation explores why Lloyd’s has become increasingly attractive to MGAs, how efficiency improvements are narrowing the gap with the company market, and why delegated authority is viewed as a key growth engine. The episode also covers market cycle expectations, portfolio solutions and facilities, claims inflation, regulatory reform in the UK, and the realities of digital transformation and Blueprint Two. Rachel shares candid insights on why claims are a strategic lever for profitability, why portfolio solutions are a structural shift rather than a passing trend, and what success for Lloyd’s will look like by 2026. A must-listen for MGA leaders, capacity providers, and anyone involved in the delegated authority ecosystem.   Key Quotes “Cover holders are valuable because they provide unrivalled access to niche risks and distribution – our job at Lloyd’s is to get out of the way and make that as efficient as possible.” “The quality of underwriting in the MGA space is the highest I’ve ever seen it.” “Claims is the only area that can actually add margin back – everything else just slows erosion.” “Portfolio solutions are a structural change in the market, not a cyclical trend.” “I want Lloyd’s to be judged by what we’ve delivered, not what we’ve said.”   Resources https://www.lloyds.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lloyd's-of-london/posts/?feedView=all   About the Guest Rachel Turk is Chief of Market Performance at Lloyd’s of London, responsible for overseeing underwriting performance across the Lloyd’s market, including delegated authority, exposure management, reinsurance, and claims. Her remit focuses on protecting the strength of the Lloyd’s balance sheet, maintaining capital ratings, and ensuring sustainable performance across the insurance cycle. Rachel is widely recognised for her market insight, pragmatic approach to regulation and efficiency, and her strong advocacy for the strategic importance of claims and delegated authority within the global insurance ecosystem. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-turk-4330046/   About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020.  Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters. Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/

    30 min
  7. 028: Why Insurance Matters More Than Ever: A Deep-Dive with The ABI

    5 JAN

    028: Why Insurance Matters More Than Ever: A Deep-Dive with The ABI

    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, the importance of improving claims handling, and the future of talent in the sector. Hannah also shares ABI initiatives supporting diversity, skills development, and leadership — and highlights the value MGAs gain from being part of the ABI ecosystem.   Key Quotes “Risk is our business. Insurance has a critical role in strengthening the UK’s resilience.” “Claims are where the promise of insurance is tested.” “We need smart regulation — not deregulation — to deliver better outcomes for consumers and firms.” “Purpose runs through the DNA of the insurance industry.” “There are very few careers that offer more meaning than insurance.” “Ad hoc data requests may be a small cost on paper, but they are hugely disruptive for firms.”   Resources The ABI - Home | ABI MGAA  - Managing General Agents' Association - MGAA   About the Guest Hannah Gurga leads the ABI, representing the UK’s general insurance and long-term savings industry. Under her leadership, the ABI champions regulatory reform, supports market resilience, drives progress in diversity and inclusion, and promotes innovation across the sector. With experience across Government, financial services and global policy roles, Hannah is a respected voice on insurance market dynamics, regulation, consumer outcomes, and the future skills the industry needs. She is also passionate about purpose-driven careers and broadening entry pathways into insurance. About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020.  Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters. Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/

    30 min
  8. 027: Championing the Next Generation: Building Talent, Visibility & Engagement in the MGA Market

    08/12/2025

    027: Championing the Next Generation: Building Talent, Visibility & Engagement in the MGA Market

    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 MGA leaders and sponsors play in enabling Next Gen initiatives. He also explores how the insurance industry can improve its attractiveness to young talent, shifting the perception from “falling into insurance” to actively choosing a future in it. Jack offers a first look at plans for 2026, including growth of the mentoring programme, learning and development events, industry collaboration, outreach to schools and universities, and support for early-career professionals in areas like leadership, wellbeing, personal branding and technical knowledge.   Key Quotes “Our mission is to represent and empower the voices of the next generation across the MGA market.” “I'd love for insurance to become an industry that people hope to get into — not one they simply fall into.” “Engagement, development and visibility are the pillars we build everything on.” “We want people to feel proud to say, ‘I work in insurance,’ and excited about the opportunities ahead.” “Engagement is the key — don’t hesitate to show up, get involved and reach out.”   Resources MGAA Next Generation  - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mgaa-next-gen/posts/?feedView=all MGAA website – https://mgaa.co.uk/committees/next-gen/ Mental Health in Business – https://mhib.co.uk/   About the Guest Jack Harding is an Underwriter at Tokio Marine Kiln and the Chair of the MGAA Next Generation Committee. With more than a decade of industry experience, Jack is a passionate advocate for empowering early-career professionals and promoting insurance as an exciting and rewarding career path. Through his leadership, the Next Gen Committee continues to expand learning, collaboration and engagement opportunities for emerging talent across the MGA market.   About the Host: Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets. He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020.  Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters. Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to MGAA Conversations, the latest addition to the podcast world, hosted by Mike Keating, CEO of the Managing General Agents Association. In this exciting new series, we delve into all things related to the rapidly expanding MGA (Managing General Agent) landscape. With a diverse array of guests from within the insurance industry and beyond, our aim is to explore the challenges, opportunities, and personalities shaping the MGA community. Expect engaging discussions with prominent figures in the industry, including CEOs and innovators, offering first-hand insights into the dynamics of the MGA market. From the future of distribution strategies, such as partnerships with brokers, to the impact of insurtech and AI on the industry, no topic is off-limits. Regulation is another key focus, as we navigate the evolving landscape of compliance and its implications for MGAs. Through candid conversations and expert analysis, MGAA Conversations aims to provide listeners with valuable perspectives on current issues and future trends affecting the MGA community. But it’s not all serious business – expect lively conversations, off-the-wall guests, and a touch of humour to keep things entertaining. We invite you to join us on this journey, share your feedback, and suggest topics and guests for future episodes. Don’t forget to subscribe to MGAA Conversations on your preferred platform so you never miss an episode. Thanks for listening!

Information

  • Creator
    Managing General Agents’ Association
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    MGAA Conversations

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