The Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) has outlined its strategic priorities for 2026 and announced updates to its Board at its Annual General Meeting (AGM).
For 2026, the MGAA will focus on expanding member value, enhancing its technical training programme, deepening market engagement and strengthening the voice of delegated underwriting. The association will also continue to support and influence FASE, the newly established European MGA vehicle.
The MGAA plans to publish new market research later in the year, relaunch POLI – its member programme of learning and insights – and enhance collaboration with the Fédération des Agences de Souscription Européennes (FASE), where MGAA CEO Mike Keating serves on the Advisory Board.
The association’s full events calendar for 2026 includes two Broker Exchanges – Broker Exchange London on 12 March and Broker Exchange Regional on 15 October in Leeds – as well as the MGAA Annual Conference on 7 July, which will take place at the Business Design Centre, London.
The Capacity Exchange will be rebranded as the Portfolio Solutions Exchange. Member communications will be enhanced through The Voice, the Broker Bulletin, and MGAA newsletters, including the Supplier Showcase and Compliance Newsletter. A new series of membership benefits webinars will also be introduced across all membership tiers.
The MGAA confirmed several changes to its Board, including three new Elected Directors: Gary Head, Chief Underwriting Officer at Optio Group; Tim Smyth, Deputy Chair of Bspoke Insurance Group; and Laura Hancock, Managing Director of Yutree Underwriting.
Four new Appointed Directors were also confirmed: Callum Alexander, Director of Delegated Authority at Lloyd’s; Michelle Taylor, Broker Distribution Director at Aviva; Lyndsey Thompson, Operations Director at IIGL; and Marco del Carlo, Director at XS Assure.
The association extended its thanks to Jade Wilcox, Director at HDI Global, and Sharon Brown, Founder and CEO of The Pet and Equine Insurance Association, who are stepping down from the Board.
The MGAA represents around 460 members, including over 250 MGAs, collectively underwriting more than £18.5bn in gross written premium across 300 product classes. Approximately 50% of MGA members operate as Lloyd’s coverholders, over 90% distribute via brokers, and more than 90% outsource claims to third-party administrators.
Membership growth continues in the Incubator MGA segment, reflecting market entry and innovation. The membership mix is roughly 85% commercial lines and 15% personal lines. The MGAA actively engages with regulators, including the FCA, to ensure the MGA perspective is represented as regulatory expectations evolve.
Michael Keating, CEO of the MGAA, said, “As we look ahead to 2026, our relentless focus is firmly on delivering relevant forward-thinking value for members while continuing to strengthen the MGA sector’s voice with regulators, brokers and capacity providers. MGAs remain one of the most dynamic and entrepreneurial parts of the insurance market, but that growth brings increased scrutiny and responsibility. I am delighted to welcome our new Board members, whose breadth of experience across underwriting, distribution and leadership will be invaluable as the Association continues to evolve. I would also like to thank those stepping down from the Board for their commitment, insight and service to the MGAA and its members. The MGAA exists to represent and support the whole delegated authority ecosystem – MGAs, suppliers, insurers and brokers – and we are grateful for the continued engagement and support of our membership.”
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