The Managing General Agents' Association (MGAA) has set out its priorities for 2026 and confirmed a series of board changes.
The Association said it will focus on expanding member value, enhancing its technical training programme and strengthening delegated underwriting across the UK and Ireland. It also plans to continue to support, influence and shape FASE, the newly established European MGA vehicle, reflecting the cross-border nature of delegated authority business across the continent.
MGAs remain one of the fastest-growing segments of the UK P&C market, with trade bodies and analysts highlighting their role in driving distribution innovation and niche underwriting expertise.
Delegated authority: how the model works
Delegated authority is a structure under which an insurer of a Lloyd's syndicate gives another party the authority to underwrite risks and handle claims on its behalf. The programme has become a core part of how risks are placed in the UK and Irish non-life markets, particularly in commercial SME, schemes and specialty lines.
At Lloyd's, delegated business now accounts for "just under 40% of all business," and is growing faster than open-market placements, especially on property binder portfolios.
Unveiling 2026 priorities
Looking at the year ahead, the MGAA plans to complete and publish new market research later in 2026 and to relaunch POLI, its member programme of learning and insights. The Association also intends to strengthen its collaboration with the newly launched Fédération des Agences de Souscription Européennes (FASE), which was created to provide a pan-European voice for MGAs and underwriting agencies.
The MGAA also said all of its flagship events will return this year as it continues to use in-person and virtual platforms to engage MGAs, brokers, insurers and suppliers. Two Broker Exchanges are being planned -- the Broker Exchange London on March 12, and the Broker Exchange Regional on Oct. 15. The MGAA Annual Conference is set to take place on July 7, the Association said.
The MGAA will also enhance member communications through The Voice, the Broker Bulletin and its newsletters. A new programme of membership benefits webinars will also be introduced. Furthermore, the Capacity Exchange will also be rebranded as the Portfolio Solutions Exchange, signalling a broader focus on connecting MGAs and capacity providers around end‑to‑end portfolio solutions rather than individual binders.
Meanwhile, at the Association's annual general meeting, members have approved a series of changes to the MGAA board. Three new elected directors joined the board: Gary Head, chief underwriting officer at Optio Group; Tim Smyth, deputy chair of Bspoke Insurance Group; and Laura Hancock, managing director of Yutree Underwriting.
In addition, four new appointed directors were 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.
'Relentless focus' on member value and voice
Commenting on the 2026 plans and governance changes, MGAA CEO Michael Keating said the Association will continue to strenghten the MGA sector's voice with regulators, brokers and capacity providers.
"As we look ahead to 2026, our relentless focus is firmly on delivering relevant forward thinking value for members," Keating said. "MGAs remain one of the most dynamic and entrepreneurial parts of the insurance market, but that growth brings increased scrutiny and responsibility."
