The structural shiftDespite AM Best’s pitch that its now officially launched Best’s PA will bring transparency to the delegated underwriting authority sector, the word is not one readily associated with the programs space that MGAs, MGUs and program administrators occupy.
Letter from Target Markets: back to deal-makingTwo years is a long time in the program market. And last week’s long-anticipated return of the Target Markets Program Administrators Association Summit brought a record attendance as well over 900 delegates descended on Scottsdale, Arizona thirsty for a return to large-scale face-to-face interaction.
Driving value in the $100mn MGA/programs marketAnother month has passed in the programs sector and there appears to be no let-up in activity as buoyant conditions continue to drive new program partnerships, growth investments and M&A.
Growth, growth and more growthFar from a summer lull, the last few weeks have seen a surge in activity spanning fundraising, M&A, program launches and platform building in the US program sector.
The US program sector – a growth storyFor those of you new to Program Manager, or to our parent title The Insurer, we launched a new platform in the midst of the pandemic restrictions called The Insurer TV.
Platforms for growthNew turnkey MGA platforms are emerging in the program sector looking to provide a home for underwriting teams and seek growth opportunities in a burgeoning marketplace…
Performance assessments: catalyst for further change?There are less than two weeks before the 3 May deadline for feedback on the methodology that will drive Best’s Performance Assessment for MGAs, MGUs, program administrators and other delegated underwriting authority enterprises (DUAEs).
Under the ratings agency spotlightNews this week that AM Best is introducing performance assessments – or Best’s PA – for MGAs, MGUs, program administrators and other so-called delegated underwriting authority enterprises (DUAEs) is likely to meet with a mixed response in the programs sector.
Fertile ground in the program sector draws fresh interestOpportunities to access specialty insurance business and potential fee income continue to attract the attention of capacity providers to the US program sector.
The MGA-carrier hybrid strategyNews this morning that Ambac has agreed a deal to buy MGU Xchange as part of its two-pillar fee-business and carrier platform strategy is the latest example of evolution in the US program sector as distribution players look to access stable sources of capacity.
Craving contact in a people businessThere is no denying that the program sector has continued to be vibrant and dynamic in 2020, despite the impact of Covid-19. But in a market that thrives on relationships, the craving for contact is palpable.
European giants look to seize US commercial risk opportunityOne of the most noteworthy aspects of Munich Re’s investor day commentary this week was the decision to further shift its business mix towards primary specialty growth.
E&S drive continuesWith the US Q3 reporting season now at an end, pricing conditions in the booming E&S market were a regular topic of discussion on earnings calls with management.
Access all areasIn a “normal” year it’d be about this time we’d be finalizing our schedules, putting the slacks and sports jackets into the cleaners and prepping up for Target Markets.
Growth engineJust as there has been a deluge of headlines about start-ups and scale-ups in the broader (re)insurance sector as investors target hard market opportunities, the world of Program Manager has seen plenty of positioning for growth by incumbents as well as new players.
Hard market timingStart-ups, M&A and fundraising have been targeting the program sector as well as the wider P&C market. But how long will the window of opportunity stay open?
A heftier addition…News broken by The Insurer that rehabilitated Ambac is lining up a live insurance platform that looks set to include a program fronting capability raises the prospect of a fresh addition to the already swollen ranks of vehicles that have rolled off the production line over the last few years.
Access to paper and alignment of interestsCementing access to paper and demonstrating alignment of interests with (re)insurers has become increasingly important for MGAs and program administrators.
Florida opportunity draws interestThe well-documented woes of the Florida homeowners market might not paint a picture of a burgeoning opportunity for new entrants, but a number of recent developments point to fresh interest in the Sunshine State.
Program Manager: no time like the presentWelcome to the first issue of Program Manager, the new monthly ezine brought to you by the publishers of The Insurer.