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!
Episodes
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
In this episode, Mike Keating sits down with Andy Hurrell, Founder of Corin Underwriting, to discuss the critical role of claims investment in sustainable insurance models. They explore why claims management must remain a priority regardless of market conditions, how MGAs can maintain strong relationships with third-party capital, and strategies for attracting the next generation of underwriting talent. Andy also shares insights on Corin Underwriting’s plans for 2025, including expansion into Europe and steady, strategic growth.
Key Quotes:
"We have to invest in claims. It’s ultimately what policyholders rely on."
"MGAs cannot exist without third-party capital, and that capital expects a return on investment."
"Attracting next-gen talent is a challenge—we need to make insurance more engaging and accessible."
"We want to champion the virtual insurer model while ensuring safe, steady growth."
Resources:
Corin Underwriting - https://corin.com
About the Guest:
Andy Hurrell is the Founder of Corin Underwriting, a specialist MGA focused on innovative and sustainable underwriting solutions. With extensive experience in underwriting and claims management, Andy is passionate about driving innovation in the insurance sector and fostering the next generation of industry professionals.
Andy Hurrell LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-hurrell-60701627/
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/
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Mike Keating, CEO of MGAA and Simon McGinn, CEO of DUAL UK, delve into the shifting dynamics of the insurance market, addressing key challenges like rate adequacy, regulatory changes, and risk management strategies for 2025. They also explore the importance of attracting and nurturing the next generation of talent in the insurance industry. Listen in as they discuss the critical role of innovation, claims management, and branding in ensuring long-term success and customer satisfaction.
Key Quotes
"As the tide goes out, it’s only then you find out who’s got good swimming costumes on."
"We are the problem solvers for the UK economy—helping businesses grow by allowing them to focus on operations rather than risks."
"The industry is far more innovative than it gets credit for; it’s about time we start showing, not just telling."
"It’s easy to write business; the real test is delivering to the customer when it matters most."
Resources Mentioned
DUAL UK - http://www.dualgroup.com/
DUAL UK LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/dual-uk/
About the Guest
Simon McGinn, CEO of DUAL UK, brings over 30 years of diverse industry experience in UK general insurance across commercial, personal, and specialty lines. Previously CEO of Allianz Commercial and a member of the UK PLC Board, he now drives ambitious growth at Dual UK by providing strategic direction and fostering a collaborative, people-first culture. Simon’s expertise spans negotiation, business planning, management, and risk, making him a prominent leader in the insurance industry.
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/
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
In this episode of MGAA Conversations, we sit down with Nadine Kearney, Chief Underwriting Officer at Rokstone Underwriting and an inspiring leader in the insurance industry. Nadine shares her journey from studying international insurance to spearheading innovative projects and winning the Women in Insurance Award for MGA Professional of the Year. We delve into her career milestones, her passion for fostering collaboration between claims and underwriting, and her commitment to empowering women and attracting next-generation talent to the sector.
Whether you’re an industry professional or just curious about the world of insurance, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiring stories.
Key Quotes:
“Breaking down silos between claims and underwriting is essential for driving portfolio performance and innovation. It’s about bringing everyone on the journey.”
“I don’t want a job because I’m a woman; I want it because I’ve earned it. But equally, I shouldn’t miss out because I am one.”
“We need to show young professionals the exciting opportunities in insurance—career progression, innovation, and the chance to make real impact.”
Resources:
Insurance Supper Club: A community supporting women in insurance. Explore more here - https://www.isc-group.co/en-gb/home
Learn about Rokstone Underwriting and their innovative work here - https://rokstoneuw.com/
About the Guest:
Nadine Kearney is an accomplished leader in the insurance industry with over 15 years of experience. Currently serving as the Chief Underwriting Officer for the Specialty Division at Rokstone Underwriting, Nadine has an extensive background in claims, risk, underwriting, and portfolio management. A graduate of the University of Limerick with a degree in International Insurance and European Studies, Nadine has worked with industry leaders like RSA before joining Rockstar Underwriting.
Her accolades include winning the Women in Insurance Award for Professional of the Year, and she is a passionate advocate for diversity, innovation, and the empowerment of women in the insurance sector. Nadine is also an active member of the Insurance Supper Club, mentoring and networking to support the next generation of leaders.
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/
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
In this episode, MGAA CEO Mike Keating and COO Julia Coakley are joined by guest host Joe Malone to examine the association’s successes throughout 2024, and outline their resolutions for the next year and beyond. Both affirm that, as a non-profit organisation, the MGAA’s most fervent priority is to maintain the satisfaction of its current and new membership, by continually enhancing its proposition through the collation and implementation of member feedback.
This year, Julia reflects, the MGAA has achieved this through the creation of its DNI program and Mental Health in Business program, both of which were borne out of member suggestions. Beyond this, the MGAA remains committed to attending to the issues most important to members, namely assisting with the introduction of new regulatory measures. Given its healthy relationship with the FCA, Mike notes that the MGAA is well-positioned to directly communicate the concerns and interests of its members to policymakers. This ensures that regulation remains proportionate and can facilitate, rather than hinder, positive customer outcomes.
Mike and Julia also reflect on the MGAA’s highly successful events in 2024. Both our flagship conference and the London Broker Exchange exceeded our expectations in terms of footfall. As with every other aspect of the association, Julia notes that we will continue to improve our events through the feedback delivered by our members. The association’s priorities for 2025 and beyond are not hinged upon any arbitrary implementation of change simply for the sake of doing so. Even as MGAA membership continues to expand, Mike and Julia assure listeners that their decision-making will always remain underpinned by comprehensive research into members’ interests and needs, both individually and collectively as a market.
Quote:
“We’re not, as an association, solely looking at ‘we have to grow by 20, 30, 40 or 50 [members in the next year]’, because it's just as important that we deliver a service and a proposition for our existing members, as well as attracting new ones. We'll never lose sight, ever, of our existing core 400+ members who we provide a service to and a membership benefit proposition to, as well as inviting new members to come on board.”
“Everybody embraces and accepts that regulation is the right thing. It's the right thing for customer outcomes. It's the right thing that there's regulation across all our industry, both to serve the consumer and to protect the consumer. The key challenge and the key question is around proportionality. Is that proportionality at the right level, ensuring that it's not stifling innovation? Is it stifling the introduction of new products into the market, because the bar is the bar is too high? Number two, is the expense for increasing regulation a burden on the industry? Both ourselves and BIBA have commented around the increase in regulation, and how that can impact innovation and impact business models. So, I think, one of the good things the Association has got on behalf of members is an excellent relationship with the FCA.”
Resources:
About the Guest:
Julia Coakley is the Chief Operating Officer of the MGAA.
Julia has built a career centered on exceptional customer service and strong business relationships. With 23 years in broking and underwriting, she brings deep expertise to the insurance industry.
As Senior Customer Relationship Manager at the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, Julia has spent the last five years delivering high-profile events and shaping a high-performing CRM team across key industry services like the Motor Insurance Database and Insurance Fraud Bureau.
A dedicated West Ham United fan, Julia enjoys walking her dog, Ted, along Southend-on-Sea’s seafront, balancing life’s challenges with brisk exercise.
Julia’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliacoakley/
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/
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
In this episode of MGAA Conversations, we welcome Gary Humphreys, co-founder and Group Underwriting Director at Markerstudy Group. Following the recently approved merger between Markerstudy and Atlanta, alongside a very successful year of M&A activity for the group, we spoke to Gary about the current progress of integration in the newly united company. He notes the importance of establishing a harmony of culture and customer journeys within the group, and a full-scale unification of systems and data. Gary argues that the personal lines market has stabilised and become healthily competitive following a period of turbulence in 2022-23, noting that MGAs will play an increasingly crucial role in speciality areas.
The key to this process will be data, and the establishment of sophisticated pricing models. To this end, Gary highlights that AI and machine learning are set to revolutionise personal lines, and the industry in its entirety. Given that the capabilities of AI modelling hugely outweigh the capacity of our best actuarial brains, it could easily consume vast swathes of insurance decision-making. Gary warns that while this technology can facilitate considerable efficiency, an overreliance upon it may sacrifice the very principle of insurance. Due to the lack of human element in its innerworkings, AI models may refuse to insure certain customers for any price. Thus, as we begin to collectively dip our toes into the murky water of AI implementation, there must be human oversight at every step. The regulator will undoubtedly keep a close eye on this process over the next few years. Yet, regulatory pressures are often accompanied by an inverse problem – protecting the human element with subjective, interpretable guidelines. Gary suggests that the industry needs broader collaboration to establish consistent regulatory standards and a collective understanding of the rules underpinning them.
Quote:
“I think [regulation is] probably the biggest single challenge for anyone operating in the insurance industry at the moment… as an industry, we need people like the ABI and BIBA and the FCA to work together to try and get as much commonality around the application of the rules as we can, so that you can have a consistent standard that people can report to.”
“It could be quite scary if you end up in a black box world where AI and machine learning is effectively doing all the decision making in the background. As we all know, the capabilities of the modelling are way beyond the capacity of our best actuarial brains. So, it's important that that's controlled, and it's not left to effectively turn into the decision maker in isolation. It's not beyond [AI’s] ability now to effectively price every individual separately, but that doesn't necessarily give good customer outcomes and fair value across a broad spectrum. The right technical price isn't always necessarily the best value or the right value for the customer. So, I think that's really going to focus the mind over the next couple of years as to how we harness the technology.”
Resources:
Markerstudy Insurance Services - https://www.markerstudy.com/
New Motor Insurance Taskforce - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ministers-bring-together-industry-experts-and-consumer-champions-to-tackle-spiralling-costs-for-drivers
About the Guest:
Gary Humphreys is the co-founder and Group Underwriting Director at Markerstudy Group, the UK’s largest MGA, where he has worked across various departments for the last 24 years.
Gary’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-humphreys-0404296/
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/
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
In this episode of MGAA Conversations, we are privileged to be speaking with Tara Foley, CEO at AXA UK and Ireland, our first Platinum annual sponsor.
Tara notes the importance and mutually beneficial nature of our partnership, such as AXA’s climate training initiative which is available to all MGAA members. Indeed, she suggests that such training will become increasingly crucial as our industry navigates the major challenges facing the world today: climate change, AI and cybercrime. Tara argues that such training, amongst other initiatives, will be key to attracting and retaining new talent. To more confidently wage the war for talent, we must also highlight how universal and purposeful our industry is.
A career in insurance promises to be fulfilling and purposeful, contrary to the grey, stuffy image which our industry continues to project to the uninitiated. As we strive to recruit future industry leaders, we must first confront and dismantle this presiding collective preconception.
Furthermore, individual organisations must consider how they can become ‘destination workplaces’, by curating new training opportunities, alongside additional benefits to meet the expectations that new generations of workers expect of their employers. Tara also dissects emerging fears that Gen AI will soon replace many insurance careers. She suggests that it will be deployed as an enabler rather than an end in itself, automating bureaucratic tasks and enabling the workforce to strengthen service capacities and maintain or grow their business partnerships.
Quote:
“We're all concerned with what forces shape the nature of the risks that we're looking at today: climate change, AI, cyber. All of the big issues that society is facing, are issues that we need people to be actively involved with. And the endgame of all of this is we show up for people when they really need us, when they’re vulnerable. So, to me, [insurance is] an industry that offers a very empathetic career path. It's got the full spectrum. If you want to be challenged intellectually, there's plenty of that. If you want to be very people-focused, there's plenty of that. I just think we've got to get better at how we explain that.”
“We [AXA UK and Ireland] can't be specialists in everything, and we don't want to be. We get a lot of capability by partnering with members of the MGAA organization. We've got long and successful histories of that. I think we learn from each other. We can provide things to members of your organization that you don't have and, and vice versa. So, it's a very complementary, symbiotic relationship that we have.”
Resources:
AXA UK – https://www.axa.co.uk/
AXA Climate School – https://axaclimateschool.com/
About the Guest:
Tara Foley is the Chief Executive Officer of AXA UK and Ireland, appointed in September 2023. She has previously worked in managerial roles at Lloyds Banking Group and Deutsche Bank.
Tara’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-foley-56327212/
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/
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Welcome to the latest episode of MGAA Conversations, in which we are delighted to be speaking with Rob Gibbs, President and CEO of SiriusPoint International.
Rob offers a glowing overview of the current state of the MGA market. He is highly confident that its current vibrancy and buoyancy will continue, as firms invest in new technologies and reap the benefits of new talent and expertise entering the market.
At SiriusPoint, Rob is keen to ‘redefine the rules of partnership’ with MGAs, asserting that a deep and broad partnership beyond pure underwriting, which provides individualised support and control to firms, will soon become the model that all successful carriers will move towards. To this end, he has created ‘centres of excellence’ in both the UK and Stockholm to serve the international MGA space. He notes that, due to value proposition coming to the forefront of MGA activities, and new talent joining the market, the general professionalism of the sector has never been higher. While some raise concerns regarding the (dis)proportionate nature of regulatory pressures, Rob suggests that the FCA’s standards are unlikely to continue rising at the rate of the past decade. Furthermore, he argues that if MGAs continue to invest in new technology and data analysis, they will more comfortably be able to satisfy customer needs in accordance with the FCA’s demands, which, too, are transitioning to a data-led approach.
Quote:
“I think [MGAs now are] less about volume and more about value. A lot of the research that I've done says that customers in the international space are less focused on brand. They're more focused on proposition and value of that proposition.”
“I think we've got this unique mix of value proposition coming to the fore, talent joining the MGA market and [new] trends around investment, which means that I think the sector will continue to grow and continue to deliver.”
Resources:
Clyde & Co MGA Opinion Report 2023 – https://www.clydeco.com/en/reports/2023/07/mga-opinion-report-2023
SiriusPoint International – https://www.siriuspt.com/
About the Guest:
Rob Gibbs is the President and CEO of SiriusPoint International, having joined the company in December 2022. He previously worked in various underwriting and management positions with RSA.
Rob’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-gibbs-2658a92a/
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/
Monday Sep 30, 2024
Monday Sep 30, 2024
In this episode, we are very pleased to be speaking with Claire Russell, founder of Mental Health in Business, about the importance of implementing wellbeing initiatives to positively reshape workplace culture.
Whilst in recent years, the proliferation of awareness regarding the need for mental health support has undoubtedly had a positive impact on businesses, there remains a risk that it could become merely a box-ticking exercise. Claire argues that it is crucial for businesses to foster an environment in which employees would genuinely feel comfortable raising their hand and asking for support when they need it. The challenge regarding the need for a change in the conversation is amplified by the contrasting attitudes toward mental health across generations. Amongst some older industry professionals there is often an attitude that personal problems should be left at the door. This conflicts with the expectations and interests of younger industry professionals who consider the need for mental health support as urgent and fundamental. Bridging this generational gap is key, and can only occur if the discussion about mental health support in the workplace is embraced and reinforced from the top down.
There is also a powerful business case for such initiatives. In the UK, the cost of poor mental health by headcount for businesses is £3.5-4k per person per year; and in the insurance industry, the number is closer to £4.5k. As such, by investing wisely into meaningful mental health initiatives, businesses can achieve a significant return on investment, in addition to fostering a more supportive and encouraging work environment.
To this end, the MGAA is delighted to be partnering with the MHIB to provide an array of tools and resources to members. This includes regional courses and workshops running throughout the year, and four quarterly webinars examining current issues relating to mental health. These provisions will be expanded in accordance with member demand.
Quote:
“Six years ago, when we started this business, in a lot of the conversations that I was having with leaders of businesses, I was really having to make a business case for them to invest in workplace mental health and wellbeing. The conversation has changed a little bit now. It's not so much that business owners or leaders in the main need to be persuaded of that. It's more that they really need to look at what they're doing and make sure that that what they're doing is wise, and that they're putting in place initiatives and programs that are really meaningful.”
“There are attitudes and beliefs that are held by [certain] people that we should be able to be resilient, and dust ourselves off, and leave our problems outside of the door. I understand where those attitudes come from. That's the attitude that I was surrounded by when I was in the early stages of my career. So I get it. But then if you look at the younger people who are coming into the industry now, our future industry leaders, they are bringing a very different perspective. They have very different requirements [and] views around mental health. So, there can exist something of a generation gap.”
Resources:
MGAA - https://www.mgaa.co.uk/
Mental Health in Business - https://mhib.co.uk/
About the Guest:
Claire Russell is the Founder of Mental Health in Business, which she launched 6 years ago. Having previously worked in a number of insurance brokerages, after undergoing a mental health crisis Claire became interested in driving change around wellbeing support in the workplace.
Claire’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-russell-business/
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/