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
7 days ago
7 days ago
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
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/
Monday Jun 09, 2025
Monday Jun 09, 2025
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.
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/
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
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/
Monday May 12, 2025
Monday May 12, 2025
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
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.
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 Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Radke, CEO and co-founder of Accelerant, to explore how the company is revolutionizing the specialty insurance industry from the inside out. Jeff shares his personal journey, from growing up around family-owned businesses to navigating the complexities of the insurance ecosystem. We talk about the inefficiencies plaguing traditional models, the challenges of raising capital with discipline, and how Accelerant is creating a modern infrastructure to empower MGAs.
From rebuilding the value chain to reshaping relationships in the insurance world, Jeff offers a candid, thoughtful look at what it means to grind out meaningful change — not with flashy slogans, but with quiet determination, humility, and deep domain expertise.
Key Quotes
"We’re not trying to be clever — we’re trying to be better."
– Jeff Radke, on Accelerant’s mission
"The product that gets delivered is the product that the underwriter creates. We believe underwriting is the hero of the story."
"We’re trying to change everything — but only what’s broken."
"This is a long game. It's not a 5-year vision. It’s 10 or 20 years. And we're patient."
"I wanted to work with people that I respect and trust, to build something we believe in."
"It’s hard to build quietly, but it’s the right thing to do."
Resources
- Learn more about Accelerant
- Read about Accelerant's recognition on the Forbes Fintech 50
- Book Jeff mentioned: Good to Great by Jim Collins
About the Guest
Jeff Radke is the CEO and co-founder of Accelerant, an insurance platform built to empower underwriters and transform the way specialty insurance is underwritten, distributed, and serviced. A veteran of the insurance industry, Jeff previously held leadership roles at Argo Group and was CEO of Ariel Re, part of the Goldman Sachs group. Known for his calm, disciplined approach and belief in long-term thinking, Jeff is on a mission to build a better insurance experience — one that values trust, expertise, and alignment above all.
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 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/