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Published by Managing General Agents’ Association
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!
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Modern MGAs, brokers, and insurers face pressure from every side: softening rates, rising claims, regulatory scrutiny, and impatient investors. But as Xceedence’s Gavin Lillywhite shares, meeting these headwinds means embedding robust operational controls and strategic automation, including agentic AI and efficient, customer-first claims management. This isn’t hype: it’s how 350+ Excedence clients have found quick wins and long-term ROI, even as the competitive landscape shifts. Sharpen your knowledge of consolidation trends, embedded insurance, and the business case for digital transformation in today’s market. Key Quotes: “We’re here to solve problems. We don’t sell products; we sell solutions.” “It’s time to really automate and agentify your operations.” “Claims is your shop window.” “I think of AI as the underwriter in the pocket.” “Fortune favours the brave.” Resources: https://www.xceedance.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/xceedance About the Guest: Gavin Lillywhite Senior Vice President, Operating Leader, UKI and Europe Gavin is a chartered insurer with over 30 years global P&C and Specialty Insurance Underwriting and distribution experience, having spent seven years at Royal & Sun Alliance and 22 years at Allianz, and most recently, Axio, focusing on cyber risk assessment and quantification, working in both the company and Lloyd’s market. Throughout his career he has held a number of roles including Global Property & Casualty Underwriting, leading the Financial Institutions and Real Estate Underwriting portfolio verticals, Client Management and Head of Global Broker Management, latterly with a EUR4.2Bn portfolio under management with Aon and WTW in addition to previous work with Marsh, AJG, Howden, Lockton, McGill et al and numerous Broker Networks. Having spent more than half his career in global roles, he has expert knowledge of global insurance markets from the Americas to Asia Pacific and all territories in between across Property & Casualty, Specialty, Credit Solutions, Affinity, Asset Management and Life & Health. He holds a postgraduate diploma in advanced management from The European School of Management & Technology, Berlin, and in 2005 was also awarded the Burton Rowe Prize for Chartered Insurance Institute Best National Paper in Advanced Broking. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-lillywhite/
Insurance law is rarely front-page news until someone like Michael Peyton enters the room. In this energetic, wide-ranging conversation, Clyde & Co's long-standing chairman unpacks stories from the Shergar mystery and Piper Alpha, right through to the AI ‘hallucinations’ haunting today’s legal work. Expect sharp takes on AI’s real risks (for insurers and claimants), why regulation’s tougher stance might actually be paying off, and the secret to inspiring the next generation of industry talent. Whether you’re a claims leader, underwriter or future market shaper, don’t miss the insights (or the racing tips). Key Quotes: “The thing that strikes me most is what hasn't changed... the need to have trust and respect." "It is absolutely unforgivable for a lawyer to rely on what AI tells you without checking it yourself." "We've got great stories to tell... insurance is actually such an interesting career to have, as against banking." "People would ask what sort of law I did. I'd say, 'Insurance,' and they'd just turn and talk to someone else." "Insurance is so much more interesting than banking." Resources: https://www.clydeco.com/en https://www.linkedin.com/company/clydeco About the Guest: Michael Payton Michael is the Chairman of Clyde & Co, having served as the firm's Senior Partner for 30 years, during which period Clyde & Co progressed from a niche shipping firm of 20 Partners to a more broadly based, global world trade practice with approx. 300 Partners. Michael has acted for Underwriters and Insurers worldwide on most of the major international insurance problems of recent years. Michael helped to establish and was Chairman of the Solicitors Indemnity Mutual Insurance Association from 1986 until 2007. He has been Chairman of the British Maritime Law Association since 1996. He holds various Non-Executive Directorships, in the insurance industry. He is Chairman of the International Disputes Resolution Centre, in London. Michael was voted Senior Partner of the Year at the Legal Business Awards, 2004 and again at the British Legal Awards 2011. In Chambers 2007 he is recorded as 'a true leader of the insurance industry in London, Europe and Asia'. He was a member of the UK Judicial Delegation to India in 2008 for discussions with the President and Judges of the Indian Supreme Court. Michael was also listed as a leading individual in the 2009 Global Arbitration Review, in which the firm was ranked 11 out of the top 100 global arbitration practices. In 2011 Michael was awarded the title of Honorary QC.
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 trust. Plus: why speed (not just size) is rapidly becoming the only advantage, and how the industry’s digital arms race is moving from talk to tangible action. Essential insights for MGAs, brokers, carriers and anyone shaping the next chapter of UK specialty insurance. Key Quotes: "Speed, not size, is rapidly becoming the only sustainable advantage in specialty insurance." "The industry's digital arms race has moved beyond discussion and into tangible action." "As client risks evolve, insurers are rethinking scale, distribution, and trust from the ground up." "The real competitive edge may no longer be technology alone, but the combination of portfolio agility and meaningful partnerships." "From niche monoline specialists to diversified portfolios, every player is reassessing where value is created." Resources: https://www.geounderwriting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/geo-underwriting/ https://www.genasystech.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/genasystech/ https://www.axa.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/axa-uk/ About the Guests: Graham Clarke (Geo) Graham Clark is Commercial Director at Geo, where he is responsible for driving the strategic growth of the MGA, alongside leading acquisition and integration activity. He previously led Navigators & General, the specialist marine insurer acquired by Geo in 2024. Graham brings extensive experience from his time at Zurich, across both the UK retail insurance market and global specialty lines. https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-clark-4960345a/ Gavin Peters Gavin Peters is Chief Growth Officer at Genasys, responsible the company's sales and marketing function. He joined in 2022 as VP of Marketing, became Chief Marketing Officer in 2023 and stepped into his current role in early 2025. Before moving into B2B SaaS he spent more than a decade in marketing agencies, including senior strategy roles at Havas Sports & Entertainment and Pitch Marketing Group, and was Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at the hospitality fintech Onvi. His agency work covered global campaigns and commercial consultancy for brands including Barclays, Coca-Cola, LVMH and O2. He has a research background and specialises in customer-centric, insight-based strategy across product marketing, digital and social, advertising, PR, events and inbound lead generation. Genasys is a cloud-based insurance software platform used by insurers, MGAs and brokers. Its policy administration system gives carriers and intermediaries a single core to run the policy lifecycle, and the company operates across the UK, South Africa and Australia. For MGAs in particular, the platform handles policy, billing and claims in one place, which is the kind of operational backbone the MGAA audience will recognise. Gavin's focus at Genasys is connecting that product capability to the growth strategy, bringing an agency-trained marketing approach into the insurance technology market. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-peters-marketing/ Joel Markham (AXA) Joel Markham is the Director of Schemes and Delegated Authorities at AXA UK. A passionate insurance advocate, Joel leads efforts to create long-term, trusted partnerships in the MGA space. With a background in underwriting and leadership, he champions innovation, talent development, and diversity, all while ensuring AXA continues to be a reliable and future-ready capacity provider. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-markham-67083711/
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 NIG, 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/
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/
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/
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/
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/
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/
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/
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/
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 global strength. She reflects on the market’s robust performance, continued international growth, and the importance of maintaining the UK’s competitiveness amid global competition. A passionate advocate for new talent, Caroline highlights the LMG’s pioneering initiatives to make specialty insurance a destination career for young people. She shares the success of the Lime Street Festival, a vibrant event designed to showcase the industry’s opportunities, and outlines plans to expand entry-level hiring through shared talent pools and apprenticeship programmes. The conversation also touches on the LMG’s ongoing engagement with regulators to improve proportionality in oversight and the introduction of a new UK captive regime — all part of ensuring that the London Market remains innovative, competitive, and fit for the future. “Our role is to speak up for the London Market — to make sure we’re fit for the future and recognised for our global contribution.” “We can’t rest on our laurels. There are people out there who’d like a bit of our lunch.” “Every year there’s a new generation of 17-year-olds who’ve never heard of insurance — so we have to keep telling our story.” “You can’t make short-term decisions without understanding the long-term consequences. Hiring young people is an investment in our future.” Resources London Market Group (LMG): www.londonmarketgroup.co.uk London Insurance Life: www.londoninsurancelife-lmg.com MGAA (Managing General Agents’ Association): www.mgaa.co.uk Follow LMG on LinkedIn Follow MGAA on LinkedIn and X (Twitter) About the Guest Caroline Wagstaff is the Chief Executive Officer of the London Market Group (LMG), which represents the combined interests of brokers, insurers, and Lloyd’s market participants. A seasoned communicator and industry leader, Caroline is known for her strategic advocacy work on behalf of the London Market — from regulatory engagement and government relations to championing initiatives that attract new and diverse talent into the sector. She is particularly passionate about positioning the insurance industry as a force for social good and an exciting, long-term career destination for young professionals. 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/
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 outlines his 12-month vision as CEO — aiming to cement Bspoke as the UK’s leading niche and specialist MGA while empowering his team to thrive. Key Quotes “Independent but connected — that’s how we’ll run under NFP.” “We will not chase prices down. Discipline is critical through the cycle.” “Diversification isn’t accidental — we built Bspoke that way by design.” “A lot of what people call AI is actually just automation. We’re taking a measured, sustainable approach.” “AI should remove the noise so our people can focus on higher-value work.” Resources Bspoke Group — https://bspokegroup.com MGAA — https://www.mgaa.co.uk NFP — https://www.nfp.com About the Guest — Ryan Gill Ryan Gill is the CEO of Bspoke Group, a specialist MGA platform operating across niche and non-standard insurance sectors. Appointed following Bspoke’s acquisition by NFP, Ryan leads the group’s strategy of disciplined diversification, market agility, and people-focused innovation. With a commitment to speed, service, and solutions, he is steering Bspoke to become the UK’s leading niche and specialty MGA. 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/
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, and the opportunities for MGAs to innovate and diversify. Key Quotes “The culture and passion within AXA are what really set it apart – that’s hard to replicate.” “We’re playing for the long term. It’s about choosing the right business, with the right partners, who share our ambitions.” “If you compromise on price and quality, you get into a mess very quickly.” “AI is already helping us reduce friction in processes, but in claims we must protect the human touch.” “Diversification is key – the MGA portfolio should complement, not duplicate, the core business.” “Strong partnerships aren’t just about transferring responsibility. It’s also about us becoming a better, more efficient partner.” Resources MGAA – Managing General Agents' Association - MGAA AXA UK - AXA Insurance Quotes and Claims | AXA UK About the Guest Mike Crane is the SME & Specialty Director at AXA UK, responsible for delegated authority, financial lines, specialty, and SME portfolios. With a career spanning senior roles across the insurance industry, Mike brings deep experience in underwriting, strategy, and leadership. His focus is on building strong, long-term partnerships, maintaining underwriting discipline, and leveraging technology to improve both operational efficiency and customer outcomes. 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/
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 the industry. Kelly shares her leadership perspective on adapting to ongoing market shifts, innovating for customer needs, and empowering the next generation of women in insurance. Key Quotes “We can't rest on our laurels—we’ve got to be looking for the next innovation.” Kelly Ogley “Scale matters, but it’s not everything. Brokers with a real USP and client focus can thrive.” Kelly Ogley “Clients want choice. Not everyone wants a fully digital experience.” Kelly Ogley “It's okay to be yourself but be your best self with practice. Be authentic and build your network.” Kelly Ogley “We’ve got more to do on gender diversity, but the progress and conversations we’re having today wouldn’t have happened when I started.” Kelly Ogley Resources and References Howden Group: www.howdengroup.com About the Guest – Kelly Ogley Kelly Ogley is the Chief Executive Officer of Howden Consumer and Local Commercial. She leads a wide-ranging portfolio that includes Howden’s personal lines, private client services, and its commercial business via a 117-branch network across the UK. With nearly four decades of experience in insurance, Kelly has held leadership roles across M&A, operations, and strategic transformation. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Kelly actively mentors young talent and supports initiatives to increase female representation in the industry. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-ogley-135a99107/ 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/
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 industry, and why attracting mid-career talent is becoming an urgent issue across insurance. From the post-COVID and Ukraine-war bond capacity squeeze to the regulatory challenges facing MGAs, Chris delivers both strategic insight and actionable commentary. The conversation also touches on the importance of innovation, diversity, and stability as critical ingredients for shaping a bright future for the MGA and surety communities. Key Quotes “Surety is a bit of an oddball in insurance — which suits me fine, because I am too.” — Chris Davies “We're only going to deal with investment-grade providers — that's now the bare minimum in surety.” — Chris Davies “The biggest burning issue at C-suite level right now is the shrinking talent pool between 30 and 49. We’re all fishing in the same, small pond.” — Chris Davies “Innovation doesn’t always mean reinventing the wheel — sometimes, it’s about doing things differently and better than anyone else.” — Chris Davies Resources & Mentions DRS Bond - www.drsbonds.co.uk MGAA – www.mgaa.co.uk About the Guest: Chris Davies Chris Davies is the Group CEO of DRS Bond Management, a specialist surety bond MGA focused on construction and real estate SMEs in the UK. With decades of experience in financial services, insurance, and governance, Chris brings a strategic and disciplined approach to underwriting, regulation, and leadership. His career spans executive roles in compliance, corporate governance, and MGA formation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/drschrisdavies/ 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/
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 to managing change and avoiding friction during onboarding, David and Clive offer a masterclass in collaboration between insurer and MGA. The episode also reflects on moments of tension, transparency in problem-solving, and the importance of mutual understanding during acquisitions and contractual transitions. Listeners will walk away with practical advice and a clearer view of how capacity relationships can be built—and sustained—for the long haul. Key Quotes Clive Nathan, Brown & Brown "You can't have a healthy relationship without some really healthy tension in it—it makes both sides better." "We've used the Zurich model as a template for others... it’s a discipline that pays off." "This isn't about 20 lawyers sitting in a room. It's about how you and I move forward." David Nichols, Zurich "If I wanted to play hardball, I could have stood behind the contract... but the relationship is more important." "Even with a great onboarding process, there’s always a risk of overburdening oversight—you have to be alert to it." "We need to protect what the MGA does well and not erode that with misapplied controls." Resources Zurich Insurance UK Brown & Brown Europe Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) About the Guests David Nichols David is Head of Retail at Zurich Insurance UK, with extensive experience in underwriting, claims, and distribution leadership. He is known for his measured, collaborative approach to MGA relationships and strategic oversight. Clive Nathan Clive leads Brown & Brown UK and Ireland, bringing decades of leadership in broking and MGA businesses. Under his direction, Brown & Brown has expanded significantly through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. 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/
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 partnerships, building a culture of inclusion, and how AXA is positioning itself to lead in areas like cyber, specialty, and cross-selling. Listeners will get a candid look at what makes AXA’s approach to delegated authority both strategic and deeply human. Key Quotes “We undersell the breadth of careers that you can have in the insurance industry.” “We want people to say, ‘I wouldn't have expected AXA to do that.’ That’s the kind of innovation we’re aiming for.” “Diversity of thought is just as critical as any other kind of diversity in building the future of our sector.” “We're still investing in talent, even when market cycles change—that's a strategic commitment, not a trend.” “The fuel for our industry is human connection—we just need to be brave enough to open the door.” Resources MGAA – Managing General Agents' Association AXA UK AXA Initiatives Mentioned: Data and AI Academy Prevent and Protect (MLP product) Apprenticeship and Talent Development Programs Group for Autism, Insurance & Neurodiversity (GAIN) About the Guest: Joel Markham is the Director of Schemes and Delegated Authorities at AXA UK. A passionate insurance advocate, Joel leads efforts to create long-term, trusted partnerships in the MGA space. With a background in underwriting and leadership, he champions innovation, talent development, and diversity, all while ensuring AXA continues to be a reliable and future-ready capacity provider. Joel Markham | LinkedIn 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/
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 freedom with robust capital backing, their approach to governance and risk, and what sets their platform apart in the evolving MGA landscape. Key Quotes “We give entrepreneurs real freedom — underwriting freedom and operational support — but we do so in a way that’s disciplined and governed.” “We’ve created a structure that’s not only attractive to underwriters but also gives confidence to capacity providers and regulators.” “Our model is very different. We take real ownership of the businesses we back — they carry our name, our compliance standards, and our risk management culture.” Resources Pine Walk Capital Website: https://www.pinewalkcapital.com/ Fidelis Insurance Group – Pine Walk's strategic parent company Website: https://www.fidelisinsurance.com/ About the Guest Rinku Patel is the CEO of Pine Walk Capital, an MGA platform launched in 2017 with backing from Fidelis Insurance. With a background in insurance, investment, and operations, Rinku leads Pine Walk’s mission to empower underwriters through a supportive, well-governed infrastructure that combines entrepreneurial freedom with institutional-grade standards. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rinkupatel 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/
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 unlock long-standing bottlenecks in operations. The conversation also dives into what it will take for the industry to truly attract and retain Gen Z talent and foster a culture that values innovation over tradition. Key Quotes “We don’t create enough awareness or partnership with academia to show the true impact of insurance on the economy.” — Amit Tiwari “Claims have long been underinvested in, but they are the real ‘moment of truth’ for customers.” — Mike Keating “The biggest challenge is understanding what’s under the hood of 20-year-old systems – and that’s where AI is now changing the game.” — Amit Tiwari “To attract Gen Z, we need to be agile, socially aware, and allow room for disruption without fear.” — Amit Tiwari Resources Xceedance – Insurance Solutions & Services MGAA – Managing General Agents' Association About the Guest Amit Tiwari is the Co-founder and President of Xceedance, a global provider of strategic insurance operations support, technology, and data services. Amit leads transformational initiatives across markets and specializes in claims operations, technology innovation, and global expansion strategies. He is a passionate advocate for reshaping legacy thinking and building the next generation of insurance leaders. Amit Tiwari | LinkedIn 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/
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