Cavendish Venues, Minster Building, 21 Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7AG
This event is for: MGA's, insurers, brokers and InsTech Corporate Members only
From £100 to £250
About
Meet the ecosystem
Programme
Speakers
Sponsors
The bridge to the future of specialty insurance
InsTech’s new MGA half day event
Delegated underwriting originated in the UK and London is the leading specialty market in the world. Tech-enabled MGAs hold competitive advantages, particularly in high-volume, lower-premium segments, where there is an opportunity to redefine underwriting and distribution models. MGAs with modern digital platforms can underwrite more efficiently than insurers still reliant on legacy technology creating increased appetite from capacity providers for “digital underwriting as a service” models.
The combination of market leadership, human talent, new technology, data services and AI tools allows UK MGAs to launch faster, price more accurately, respond quicker and handle claims more efficiently than ever before. This potent mix means that the MGA model is increasingly exportable with significant opportunities emerging in mainland Europe and the US.
Yet challenges remain. Reliance on spreadsheets and high levels of manual intervention continue, despite greater product complexity and speed demands. MGAs operate within an increasingly demanding regulatory framework, complicated by post-Brexit variations requiring robust regulatory compliance and transparency practices. Rates are softening in many of the speciality classes.
This is a great time to be a specialty MGA. The technology is proven and better than it has ever been, there’s good access to both funding and capacity and there are quality “accelerators” on hand to provide services, support, regulatory needs to get new MGAs off to a quick and capital efficient start. Our conference agenda, shaped by a diverse set of sponsors, will touch on all these aspects of the future of the MGA ecosystem.
The full agenda is now live — with new speakers and sessions added.
✔ Insurer perspectives on delegated underwriting strategy
✔ MGA growth opportunities across Europe
✔ Live AI workflow and product build workshops
✔ Full-stack transitions: real-world lessons from MGA founders and investors
✔ Scaling AI in claims and operations
✔ What investors, brokers and capacity providers are looking for now
Confirmed speakers now include leaders from:Tokio Marine Kiln, Accelerant, Azur Technology, Carbon Underwriting, Acrisure Re, Parsyl, Zego, Envelop Risk, The Ardonagh Group, Reserv, Federato, Amiga Specialty, Bspoke Insurance Group, OneAdvent, PKF Littlejohn, and Sicsic Advisory.
Breakout Sessions: Select from four breakout sessions to plan your schedule.
Registrations include: AEGIS London, Anansi, Aspect, Augmented, Calibrant, Crux Underwriting, Gallagher Re, GMBC, Guy Carpenter, HW Kaufman, Insurity, Laka, Liberty Mutual, Marsh, Ocean Special Risks, PIB Group, QBE, Resilience, Torch Underwriting, VUW.ai Limited.
Key Themes for 2025
Launching and scaling MGAs: accelerators and new models
MGA accelerators and ready-built platforms are offering new routes to market, but they come with trade-offs. We will explore the practical benefits and limitations of using MGA-in-a-box solutions, how MGAs are accelerating product launches through flexible technology and what can be learned from those who have built and scaled operations recently.
Securing and managing capacity in a competitive market
Securing sustainable underwriting capacity is a key challenge for MGAs. This session will offer insights from capacity providers on current priorities, data expectations, and how MGAs can demonstrate underwriting discipline while building their portfolios. We will also explore different capacity models, and how to maintain flexibility in a changing environment.
Claims management: an operational and strategic priority
Claims management is increasingly recognised as a central part of the MGA business model. We will discuss the options for in-house and outsourced claims handling, the use of digital TPAs, and the impact of automation on customer service and operational performance. The session will also explore how claims data can support improvements in underwriting and product development.
Building better MGAs: technology that works
Technology is critical for modern MGAs, but decisions about what to adopt, and when, can be complex. This session will explore real experiences from MGAs selecting technology, managing vendor relationships, and balancing cost with operational flexibility. We will discuss practical approaches to API integration, data management and the role of AI in underwriting, distribution and claims handling.
Regulation, compliance and the transition to full-stack insurer
As MGAs look to grow, navigating regulation becomes a strategic priority. We will cover essential compliance requirements, what is involved in moving from an MGA to a full-stack insurer, and lessons from firms that have made the transition. The session will also consider regulatory developments across the UK and Europe, and how MGAs can prepare for growth in new markets.
Capital investment: understanding what investors are looking for
Investor expectations for MGAs are changing. This session will provide insights into what capital providers are prioritising, how MGAs can present themselves effectively to investors and the impact of current market conditions on fundraising. We will also discuss different sources of capital, and practical steps MGAs can take to improve investment readiness.
Meet Our Confirmed Speakers
We’ve brought together senior leaders from MGAs, insurers, capacity providers, investors and technology partners to explore what is working in delegated underwriting today and where new opportunities are emerging.
Launch, growth, capital and capacity
Helping MGAs launch, access capacity and scale efficiently with the right operational support.
MGA accelerators
Benefits, challenges and key considerations when working with MGA accelerator platforms. We will examine how leveraging ready-made regulatory approvals, technology stacks and distribution networks can fast-track market entry and what trade-offs MGAs should be aware of.
Launching new products
Speed is critical in competitive markets. We will explore how MGAs can launch new products quickly, drawing on lessons from past successes and failures, and using flexible, self-service configuration to minimise operational drag.
Attracting capital investment
Insights into how MGAs can position themselves to attract capital investment. We will discuss investor expectations, preferred business models, the impact of market conditions and practical steps MGAs can take to become more investment-ready.
Capacity providers’ perspectives
Understanding what carriers and syndicates look for when partnering with MGAs. This session will explore what matters most to capacity providers, including data quality, portfolio performance and maintaining underwriting discipline in a competitive environment.
Regulation, compliance and market entry
Expert advice and services to help MGAs and insurers navigate financial, audit and regulatory challenges.
Navigating regulatory compliance
Essential considerations for MGAs operating in today’s complex and evolving regulatory environment. This session will explore key compliance challenges, how to build robust frameworks and strategies to stay ahead of changing regulations across different markets.
Transitioning to full stack insurance
Practical insights for MGAs considering the move to a full-stack insurer model. We will discuss the regulatory, operational and capital requirements, drawing lessons from organisations that have successfully made the transition.
European MGA opportunities
An exploration of growth potential in less mature and emerging European markets. We will examine regulatory environments, market entry strategies and the practicalities of expanding beyond the UK and US.
Technology and innovation
Providing the digital infrastructure that powers modern MGAs and insurers.
Technology selection for MGAs
Effective strategies for selecting, implementing and managing technology platforms. How to address balancing cost with scalability, avoiding common vendor pitfalls and ensuring technology choices align with business objectives at different growth stages.
Data integration and APIs
Moving beyond reliance on spreadsheets to achieve seamless data flows. A review of the practical barriers to adopting APIs and integrated platforms, and provide real-world solutions for MGAs looking to enhance operational efficiency and data accuracy.
Generative and agentic AI
How MGAs can leverage emerging AI technologies, including generative and agentic models, to transform underwriting, claims, distribution and portfolio management. We will also consider how AI will reshape the operating models and workforce of the MGA of the future.
RiskOps and portfolio optimisation
Exploring the growing discipline of Risk Operations (RiskOps) and how data-driven tools are enhancing portfolio performance. Topics include improving underwriting discipline, managing emerging risks and embedding smarter risk decision-making across the MGA.
Claims management
Enhancing the claims process with digital-first solutions for MGAs and insurers.
Claims management strategies
Evaluating the pros and cons of in-house versus outsourced claims handling. We will also explore the impact of automation and the rise of digital TPAs, considering how claims management can drive customer experience, retention and operational efficiency.
Why this is a must-attend event
Education on themes that matter
You will have a chance to step back from your daily life and review a wide range of themes that impact you and your organisation directly or indirectly. Education and awareness is at the heart of this event and, consistent with our usual InsTech approach, we will ensure that you gain essential knowledge that is relevant whether you have many years of experience or are early in your career.
Four breakout tracks
Join us in one of four breakout tracks aligned to the core themes, in dedicated conference rooms. Select the topics that match your professional needs and interests to ensure you leave with insights and strategies that can be implemented immediately in your role.
Curated networking opportunities
With dedicated networking drinks at the end of day one plus regular breaks, every moment of the event is an opportunity to connect, collaborate and cultivate new business relationships. We know that this is not easy for everyone, so we will provide some help to expand your network during the event with a new networking app and other onsite support.
Exhibition of industry solutions
Meet the teams and products from over 7 of the leading technology providers. See the latest tools and platforms transforming the MGA industry.
Powered by InsTech: community and insights
As part of the InsTech community, this event is more than just a conference. It’s a chance to tap into our extensive network, gain insights from other expert members and maintain your learning and development throughout the year with our regular events, podcasts and webinars.
Meet the specialty delegated underwriting community
An InsTech community event
Bringing together those with an interest in risk and insurance, InsTech is a community that connects the insurance ecosystem. Our global network of over 30,000 senior insurance professionals and 150+ Corporate Members consists of large enterprises, early-stage start-ups and everything in between. We run over 100 live and digital events each year.
Cavendish Venues, The Minster Building, EC3R
A new event space in the City of London
Located in the heart of London’s vibrant financial district, The Minster Building offers a newly opened event space. Featuring expansive 5-metre floor-to-ceiling windows that let in ample natural light, the space includes a dedicated main stage, three breakout rooms for parallel sessions, and generous areas designed for seamless networking.
Helping MGAs launch, access capacity and scale efficiently with the right operational support.
Accelerant
Accelerant offers a comprehensive “MGA-in-a-box” solution, providing regulatory approvals, access to technology platforms, broker distribution networks and underwriting capacity. Designed for MGAs looking to launch and scale quickly, Accelerant is a trusted growth partner at every stage.
OneAdvent
OneAdvent supports MGAs with launch and operational infrastructure. Offering regulatory setup, underwriting support, and operational services, OneAdvent provides a UK-focused alternative for those seeking to get to market efficiently without building full internal teams.
Carbon Underwriting
Carbon Underwriting is a Lloyd’s syndicate that focuses exclusively on delegated underwriting. They act as a capacity provider for MGAs, blending innovative approaches to risk management with deep expertise in delegated authority models.
Regulation, compliance and market entry
Expert advice and services to help MGAs and insurers navigate financial, audit and regulatory challenges.
PKF Littlejohn
PKF Littlejohn is a leading firm of accountants with specialist expertise in the MGA and insurance sectors. They support businesses with audit services, regulatory navigation, financial structuring and guidance for MGAs moving towards full insurer status.
Technology providers
Providing the digital infrastructure that powers modern MGAs and insurers.
Azur Technology
Azur Tech provides affordable, scalable technology platforms designed specifically for MGAs. Perfect for startups and growing businesses, Azur’s solutions enable digital distribution, policy management and operational agility.
Federato
Fedarato delivers enterprise-grade technology platforms for MGAs that have achieved significant scale. Their solutions are tailored to complex businesses needing powerful, highly customised infrastructure.
Claims management
Enhancing the claims process with digital-first solutions for MGAs and insurers.
Reserv
Reserv is a technology-driven Third Party Administrator (TPA) focused on claims handling for MGAs and insurers. With an emphasis on digital processes, speed and client transparency, Reserv helps businesses deliver a superior claims experience.
The full programme is now available.
Plenary
12:45 pm – 3:45 pm
12:45 pm - 1:30 pm
Arrival and registration
Minster Forum
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm
MGAs - the Bridge to the Future?
We will be starting the day by getting a panel of carriers to provide their thoughts on the Delegated Underwriting market including:
Where does Delegated Underwriting fit into insurers overall strategy?
Where do they see the best growth opportunities?
Are MGAs still a good source of innovation?
The trends that will influence the evolution of the MGA model.
What makes an MGA an attractive proposition for carriers?
Hosted by Robin Merttens, Executive Chairman, InsTech
Rob Jarvis, Head of Innovation Underwriting, Tokio Marine Kiln
Hugo Style, Portfolio Manager, QBE Portfolio Solutions
Henry Sanderson, Senior Vice President, Cyber & Insurtech, Guy Carpenter
Neil Kempston, Head of Incubation Underwriting, Beazley
Minster Forum
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm
The opportunities in the European market
While the Delegated Underwriting model is mature in the UK and US, it is less established in mainland Europe. We will be joined by Gabriella Engstrand, a leading authority on European markets to discuss:
The structural nuances that shape the various markets.
The levels of market maturity across the continent.
Where the most promising growth areas lie over the next five years.
Insights and advice for anyone looking to expand or deepen their presence in Europe.
Hosted by Robin Merttens, Executive Chairman, InsTech
Gabriella Engstrand, Head of Distribution Europe, Accelerant
Minster Forum
2:20 pm - 2:40 pm
Beyond the buzzwords: launching your MGA in the AI age
MGA veteran and Azur Technology CEO Charlie Blackburn will be talking about the current technology landscape for MGAs. In this session he will:
Look at the developments in modern technology that have dramatically lowered costs and barriers to entry for MGAs.
Show how it is possible for new MGAs to become operational in weeks instead of months or years.
Explore both practical and impractical applications of AI specifically for MGAs.
Provide real-world examples of success stories and pitfalls to avoid when selecting and building your MGA tech stack.
Hosted by Robin Merttens, Executive Chairman, InsTech
Charlie Blackburn, CEO, Azur Technology
Minster Forum
2:40 pm - 3:00 pm
Underwriting MGAs with (data-driven) confidence
Join Carbon’s Co-Founder Ben Laidlaw, and Acrisure’s Katie Rudd, Partner, Head of UK Analytics at Acrisure for a capacity providers perspective on the importance and influence of data quality. They will discuss:
The art of Delegated Underwriting.
Do you actually need high-quality data to build exceptional portfolios?
What carriers do with MGA data.
How improved insights can drive long-term capacity stability.
How data quality enhances the MGA to capacity feedback loop to elevate portfolio performance.
Ben Laidlaw, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Carbon Underwriting
Katie Rudd, Partner, Head of UK Analytics,Acrisure Re
3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
Networking break
Breakout sessions
3:45 pm – 4:25 pm
With four dedicated rooms, you will be able to select one track for the breakout session.
Fenchurch Suite
B1 - MGAs and data: moving on from spreadsheets?
Everyone is talking about AI, but the reality is that spreadsheets are still the foundational toolset that the insurance world depends on. In this session, Robert Hooley leads a conversation about:
Where the data power lies – which data provides the key to value and insight.
Where the data pitfalls lie.
The importance of transparency between counter-parties.
The hidden costs of opacity.
How to cut through the noise around AI.
Robert Hooley, Head of Machine Learning,Accelerant
Minster Forum
B2 - From MGA to full stack insurer - whether, when and how
The path from MGA to full stack insurer is becoming an increasingly attractive route for many managing general agents looking to take greater control over underwriting, capital and long-term growth. In this session, a panel of MGA founders who have navigated or are navigating this transition will share their experiences alongside a capital provider offering an investor’s perspective.
Their thoughts and experiences on becoming a full stack insurer.
The advice they would give to those following in their footsteps.
Insight into what investors look for when investing in prospective insurers.
Their recommendations on how to make your MGA insurer ready.
Hosted by John Needham, Partner, PKF Littlejohn
Simon Coles, Head of Capital, Parsyl
Rachael Ridgwell, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Zego
Jonathan Spry, Co-founder & CEO, Envelop Risk
Monument Suite
B3 - Higher profits, faster quotes, lower expenses: how MGAs can get the best from Agentic AI
For MGAs, agentic AI has the potential to deliver huge speed, productivity, and performance gains, at a significant cost savings vs traditional IT projects. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn about the capabilities of agentic AI and how they can serve insurers, then get hands-on with Orchestrate, Federato’s powerful AI workflow composer, to build intelligent, agent-driven solutions with no coding required. We’ll build real workflows live from participant feedback – so bring your biggest ideas, and watch Orchestrate make them a reality.
William Steenbergen, CTO & Co-Founder, Federato
Lombard Suite
B4 - Build your MGA: interactive product workshop
Tired of slide show presentations? Want to take the driving seat and build some MGA tech? If so, roll up your sleeves and join this interactive workshop in which product experts from Azur, Salesforce and mea platform for some hands-on experience building real MGA capabilities in real time. You will be put to work and see:
Just how much you can accomplish in mere minutes.
New capabilities come to life before your eyes through AI-powered development tools.
How modern technology can streamline product launches and get you up and running in no time at all.
Hosted by Ravi Morjaria, Product Manager, Azur Technology
Tom Bradley, Managing Director (US), Azur Technology
Plenary
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Minster Forum
4:30 pm - 4:50 pm
Ask the experts - what lies ahead for MGAs in 2025/6 and how to prepare for it
Leadership from a large MGA will share details of their 2025/6 trading plans and the things that keep them awake at night with a panel of experts on regulatory, tax and accounting matters from PKFLittlejohn and Sicsic Advisory. The panel will answer their questions on a variety of topics with a view to:
Understanding the potential bumps in the road for MGAs in 2025/6.
Providing guidance on how best to prepare and plan to meet any challenges.
Highlighting the opportunities that arise for those equipped to trade in a challenging tax and regulatory environment.
Alleviating any concerns on the regulatory, tax and accounting front.
Tom Golding, Corporate Tax Partner, PKF Littlejohn
The Long Tail: how Agentic AI enables deeper strategies
Agentic AI is dominating the conversation, but how do you actually put it to work? If you’re worried you don’t have the technical skillset to take advantage of this transformative technology, this session will:
Explain how agentic AI is taking automation in insurance to the next level.
Show how you can use natural language to build intelligent, automated workflows, without writing a single line of code.
Provide a practical vision of how to bring AI to life across your organisation.
William Steenbergen, CTO & Co-Founder, Federato
Minster Forum
5:10 pm - 5:30 pm
Using AI at scale to transform claims - a view into the potential of human change vs tech transformation
In a world that involves perpetual tech transformation, how do you ensure that you achieve meaningful change and realise the full benefit after new technology is in place? CJ Przybl shares his views on and why success hinges as much on people as technology including:
What is the real opportunity for the digitally savvy now?
How to ensure that humans transform too by rethinking how teams will actually use AI (rather than releasing it without intention).
Why scaling AI is hard (think data chaos, broken processes, and change fatigue).
How human adoption becomes the edge as AI shifts from innovation to commodity.
CJ Przybyl, Founder and CEO, Reserv
Minster Forum
5:30 pm - 5:50 pm
Recipe for success: the key ingredients for a winning MGA
Join OneAdvent and a panel of experts to identify the top criteria that investors, brokers and capacity providers look for when backing MGAs. The discussion will cover:
The must haves vs the nice to havesand the pitfalls to avoid.
The importance of understanding market trends, how they change industry dynamics and influence stakeholder decision-making.
The building blocks that MGAsneed to have in place from the outset to unlock big exit multiples in the future.
Whether a common MGA framework would streamline business or stifle innovation.
Hosted by Tim Quayle, Chief Executive Officer, OneAdvent
Adam Kembrooke, Founder and Managing Director, Amiga Specialty
Jacqui Ferrier, CEO, Carbon Underwriting
Tomos Ashfield, Chief Development Officer, The Ardonagh Group
5:50 pm - 7:00 pm
Networking reception & canapes
Speakers
Gabriella Engstrand
Head of Distribution Europe
Katie Rudd
Partner, Head of UK Analytics
Jacqui Ferrier
CEO
Nadege Genetay
Partner
Rachael Ridgwell
Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs
Henry Sanderson
Senior Vice President, Cyber & Insurtech
CJ Przybyl
Founder and CEO
John Needham
Partner
Tim Quayle
Chief Executive Officer
Charlie Blackburn
CEO
William Steenbergen
CTO & Co-Founder
Ben Laidlaw
Managing Director
Tomos Ashfield
Chief Development Officer
Simon Coles
Head of Capital
Robert Hooley
Head of Machine Learning
Rob Jarvis
Head of Innovation Underwriting
Adam Kembrooke
Founder and Managing Director
Tom Golding
Corporate Tax Partner
Tim Smyth
CEO
Hugo Style
Portfolio Manager
Satya Beekarry
Financial Services Partner
Neil Kempston
Head of Incubation Underwriting
Jonathan Spry
Co-founder & CEO
Ravi Morjaria
Product Manager
Tom Bradley
Managing Director (US)
Gold Sponsors
PKF Littlejohn
PKF Littlejohn is a leading firm of accountants with specialist expertise in the MGA and insurance sectors. They support businesses with audit services, regulatory navigation, financial structuring and guidance for MGAs moving towards full insurer status.
Accelerant offers a comprehensive “MGA-in-a-box” solution, providing regulatory approvals, access to technology platforms, broker distribution networks and underwriting capacity. Designed for MGAs looking to launch and scale quickly, Accelerant is a trusted growth partner at every stage.
MGA Connect by Azur Technology transforms how MGAs operate. We offer an end-to-end digital platform that streamline commercial speciality underwriting, policy administration, and distribution processes. Our technology, based on Salesforce, combines deep insurance expertise with cutting-edge capabilities, enabling MGAs to enhance efficiency, make data-driven decisions, and scale their operations effectively. We help MGA use low code and AI tools to automate and provide seamless digital broker experiences.
Federato’s industry-first RiskOps platform for P&C and Specialty insurance aligns portfolio strategy with underwriting action. Designed by underwriters for underwriters, the solution drives better underwriting decisions, productivity, and results by operationalising underutilised data investments to surface real-time risk and portfolio insights.
OneAdvent helps launch and scale MGA businesses by offering a breadth of bespoke services that fill crucial capability gaps. Our solutions provide the core infrastructure and processes needed to establish and run a regulated insurance business, enabling our clients to focus on product innovation and distribution.
Carbon combines underwriting expertise with innovative technology to deliver tailored capacity solutions for our delegated partners. We set out in 2018 with a mission to transform underwriting by combining deep industry expertise with cutting edge technology. We empower brokers, cover holders and reinsurers with smart, data-driven solutions that streamline processes and drive growth. This is administered through our market leading analytics platform, Graphene, which shares real time portfolio insights, enabling quick, confident decisions. Carbon Underwriting Limited (Carbon) operates as Syndicate CBN 4747 at Lloyd’s.
Reserv is a technology-driven Third Party Administrator (TPA) focused on claims handling for MGAs and insurers. With an emphasis on digital processes, speed and client transparency, Reserv helps businesses deliver a superior claims experience.
Building better MGAs: technology that works
MGA accelerators
Launching new products
Attracting capital investment
Data integration and APIs
Education on themes that matter
Four breakout tracks
Powered by InsTech: community and insights
