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MGAA Conversations

MGAA Conversations

Written by: Managing General Agents’ Association
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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!Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • 029: MGAs, Market Cycles and Lloyd’s: A View from Market Performance with Rachel Turk
    Jan 19 2026

    In this episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating is joined by Rachel Turk, Chief of Market Performance at Lloyd’s of London, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving Lloyd’s market and its growing appeal to MGAs and cover holders.

    Rachel explains her role overseeing underwriting performance, delegated authority, exposure management, reinsurance, and claims across the Lloyd’s market. The conversation explores why Lloyd’s has become increasingly attractive to MGAs, how efficiency improvements are narrowing the gap with the company market, and why delegated authority is viewed as a key growth engine.

    The episode also covers market cycle expectations, portfolio solutions and facilities, claims inflation, regulatory reform in the UK, and the realities of digital transformation and Blueprint Two. Rachel shares candid insights on why claims are a strategic lever for profitability, why portfolio solutions are a structural shift rather than a passing trend, and what success for Lloyd’s will look like by 2026.

    A must-listen for MGA leaders, capacity providers, and anyone involved in the delegated authority ecosystem.

    Key Quotes

    • “Cover holders are valuable because they provide unrivalled access to niche risks and distribution – our job at Lloyd’s is to get out of the way and make that as efficient as possible.”
    • “The quality of underwriting in the MGA space is the highest I’ve ever seen it.”
    • “Claims is the only area that can actually add margin back – everything else just slows erosion.”
    • “Portfolio solutions are a structural change in the market, not a cyclical trend.”
    • “I want Lloyd’s to be judged by what we’ve delivered, not what we’ve said.”

    Resources

    • https://www.lloyds.com/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lloyd's-of-london/posts/?feedView=all

    About the Guest

    Rachel Turk is Chief of Market Performance at Lloyd’s of London, responsible for overseeing underwriting performance across the Lloyd’s market, including delegated authority, exposure management, reinsurance, and claims. Her remit focuses on protecting the strength of the Lloyd’s balance sheet, maintaining capital ratings, and ensuring sustainable performance across the insurance cycle. Rachel is widely recognised for her market insight, pragmatic approach to regulation and efficiency, and her strong advocacy for the strategic importance of claims and delegated authority within the global insurance ecosystem.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-turk-4330046/

    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/

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    30 mins
  • 028: Why Insurance Matters More Than Ever: A Deep-Dive with The ABI
    Jan 5 2026

    In this episode of MGAA Conversations, MGAA CEO Mike Keating sits down with Hannah Gurga, Director General of the Association of British Insurers (ABI), for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of the UK insurance market in 2025. They explore the industry’s resilience in the face of extreme weather and cyber incidents, regulatory cost pressures, changes arising from the latest Government Budget, the importance of improving claims handling, and the future of talent in the sector. Hannah also shares ABI initiatives supporting diversity, skills development, and leadership — and highlights the value MGAs gain from being part of the ABI ecosystem.

    Key Quotes

    • “Risk is our business. Insurance has a critical role in strengthening the UK’s resilience.”
    • “Claims are where the promise of insurance is tested.”
    • “We need smart regulation — not deregulation — to deliver better outcomes for consumers and firms.”
    • “Purpose runs through the DNA of the insurance industry.”
    • “There are very few careers that offer more meaning than insurance.”
    • “Ad hoc data requests may be a small cost on paper, but they are hugely disruptive for firms.”

    Resources

    • The ABI - Home | ABI
    • MGAA - Managing General Agents' Association - MGAA

    About the Guest

    Hannah Gurga leads the ABI, representing the UK’s general insurance and long-term savings industry. Under her leadership, the ABI champions regulatory reform, supports market resilience, drives progress in diversity and inclusion, and promotes innovation across the sector. With experience across Government, financial services and global policy roles, Hannah is a respected voice on insurance market dynamics, regulation, consumer outcomes, and the future skills the industry needs. She is also passionate about purpose-driven careers and broadening entry pathways into insurance.

    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/

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    30 mins
  • 027: Championing the Next Generation: Building Talent, Visibility & Engagement in the MGA Market
    Dec 8 2025

    In this special episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating sits down with Jack Harding—Underwriter at Tokio Marine Kiln and Chair of the MGAA Next Generation Committee—to explore how the next wave of talent is shaping the MGA market and wider insurance industry.

    Jack reflects on the committee’s evolution, the importance of refreshing membership to keep perspectives current, and the role that MGA leaders and sponsors play in enabling Next Gen initiatives. He also explores how the insurance industry can improve its attractiveness to young talent, shifting the perception from “falling into insurance” to actively choosing a future in it.

    Jack offers a first look at plans for 2026, including growth of the mentoring programme, learning and development events, industry collaboration, outreach to schools and universities, and support for early-career professionals in areas like leadership, wellbeing, personal branding and technical knowledge.

    Key Quotes

    “Our mission is to represent and empower the voices of the next generation across the MGA market.”

    “I'd love for insurance to become an industry that people hope to get into — not one they simply fall into.”

    “Engagement, development and visibility are the pillars we build everything on.”

    “We want people to feel proud to say, ‘I work in insurance,’ and excited about the opportunities ahead.”

    “Engagement is the key — don’t hesitate to show up, get involved and reach out.”

    Resources

    MGAA Next Generation - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mgaa-next-gen/posts/?feedView=all

    MGAA website – https://mgaa.co.uk/committees/next-gen/

    Mental Health in Business – https://mhib.co.uk/

    About the Guest

    Jack Harding is an Underwriter at Tokio Marine Kiln and the Chair of the MGAA Next Generation Committee. With more than a decade of industry experience, Jack is a passionate advocate for empowering early-career professionals and promoting insurance as an exciting and rewarding career path. Through his leadership, the Next Gen Committee continues to expand learning, collaboration and engagement opportunities for emerging talent across the MGA market.

    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/

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    24 mins
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