Canadian regulators are introducing tighter controls and reinforcing professional standards as managing general agents (MGAs) and managing general underwriters (MGUs) gain greater underwriting authority, according to Anthony Slimowicz, executive vice president and chief operating officer of MGA and specialty risk at Amynta Group.
Speaking with AM Best TV at the 2025 Mid-Year Meeting of the Target Markets Program Administrators Association in Dallas, Slimowicz said regulatory scrutiny in Canada is intensifying in response to the expanding role of MGAs in the insurance value chain.
“A lot of regulators are being much more focused on what controls and professionalism is in place in many of these spaces,” he said.
Slimowicz pointed to a broader trend across the program business: the renewed focus on specialty products. He noted that the market is seeing an influx of talent, which is helping MGAs develop and deliver a wider range of offerings. The ability to support multiple products, he said, is contributing to structural changes across the distribution landscape.
Technology is another area influencing how MGAs operate. Slimowicz said customer expectations are driving the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics to provide faster, more targeted responses.
The shift toward digital tools and real-time service models is allowing MGAs to adapt more quickly to client needs. He said the adoption of technology is not simply operational—it is becoming central to how MGAs define their value in the market.
When asked about factors influencing carrier participation in new programs, Slimowicz pointed to talent as the central issue. He said insurers are paying close attention to the teams behind MGAs and MGUs, particularly their experience and execution capability.
“It’s harder for carriers to find quality people and it's the reputation of teams and the people that are ending up in these MGUs,” he said.
Slimowicz also commented on the growing role of private equity in the sector. He said MGAs are evaluating different forms of capital support, including investment to scale operations and strategic partnerships to broaden their offerings. The choice, he said, often depends on whether the goal is growth or alignment with partners that can help serve clients more effectively.
