One Year On: Emily Lewis Reflects on Her Journey with Pro MGA Global Solutions 

What initially motivated you to transition into the MGA space, and what opportunities did you see in this market? 

Emily: “I was drawn to the MGA sector because of its innovation, entrepreneurship, and the passion of the people within it. MGAs solve real market needs, often driven by founders with personal experience of the challenges they are looking to address. 

One of the key attractions was the ability to work with multiple stakeholders across the insurance value chain – brokers, insurers, reinsurers, investors, technology firms, and MGA owners. This breadth of interaction provides a unique perspective on the industry as a whole. Additionally, MGAs operate across multiple lines of business and territories, meaning no two days are ever the same. 
 

A major advantage of MGAs is their ability to bring niche and specialist products to market. I saw an opportunity to contribute by helping these innovative solutions gain traction and supporting MGAs in their growth. The sector itself is one of the fastest-growing within insurance, as highlighted at the recent MGAA AGM, reinforcing the scale of opportunity available. The combination of pace, growth, and purpose made it a compelling career move.” 
 

How has your role as a Business Development Representative evolved in response to the changing dynamics of the MGA market? 

Emily: “My role has evolved in step with market trends, reflecting the growing appetite for expansion across classes, products, and geographies. MGAs are no longer solely the domain of startups; we are increasingly seeing larger insurers and reinsurers adopting the MGA model as part of a broader strategy, sometimes operating multiple MGAs within their portfolios. 
 

Regulatory changes and international growth have also required us to adapt. As new markets open up, we need to expand our knowledge base, stay ahead of compliance developments, and support our clients in navigating new landscapes, particularly in the US and European markets. 
 

Beyond business development, an important part of our role is raising the bar in best practices across the MGA sector. We don’t just help launch MGAs; we incubate them, ensuring they are structured for long-term success. This involves a rigorous assessment process – discovery, design, and setup – to validate conceptual ideas and transform them into sustainable businesses. Seeing these ideas take off has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.” 

What key trends or developments in the MGA sector have stood out to you during your first year at Pro MGA? 

Emily: “Several key trends have emerged over the past year, and they vary depending on the stakeholder perspective: 
 

• Brokers are increasingly using MGAs as a distribution mechanism, either to access new products or to facilitate risk placement through algorithmic underwriting. 

• Insurers are leveraging the MGA model to drive growth, often creating their own suite of MGAs to access niche markets and specialist underwriting expertise. 

• Investors are showing greater interest in high-quality MGAs, particularly those offering innovative products, strong underwriting discipline, and a clear path to profitability. 

• Technology is playing an ever-growing role, particularly in underwriting, pricing, and placement efficiency, streamlining processes and enhancing data-driven decision-making. I felt the Lloyd’s Market Association’s recent report on algorithmic underwriting was a clear signal of the pace of development we are seeing, for instance. 

These trends are shaping the future of the MGA space, and I anticipate continued evolution as stakeholders refine their strategies and seek new opportunities.” 
 

What have been the most rewarding aspects of your work over the past year, both personally and in terms of contributing to the MGA market’s growth? 

Emily: “The most rewarding part of my role has been seeing businesses go live—helping turn an initial idea into a fully operational MGA. There are now a number of clients I’ve worked closely with from the early stages whose businesses are either live or in the final stages of launch, which is incredibly exciting. 
 

Our incubation model allows us to support talented individuals in bringing their expertise to market, introducing new products that benefit both businesses and consumers. We also play a facilitation role, helping MGAs navigate the placement process efficiently, which ultimately leads to better pricing and improved market alignment. 
 

On a personal level, working with such a diverse range of individuals, from industry veterans with established reputations to ambitious entrepreneurs, has been inspiring. The energy, ideas, and expertise they bring to the table make every day engaging and dynamic.” 
 

Looking ahead to 2025, how do you see the MGA market evolving, and what role do you hope to play in driving innovation and growth within the sector? 

Emily: “The MGA market is set for continued expansion, with an increasing number of opportunities emerging. Key stakeholders, including brokers, insurers, and investors, are actively using the MGA model as a preferred route to market. 
 

I expect to see further advancements in underwriting solutions designed to simplify placement, drive efficiency, and enhance pricing strategies. There is also a growing focus on international expansion, particularly in Europe. The Insurer’s upcoming EU MGA Summit in Amsterdam in June 2025 highlights the momentum in this region and the untapped potential it presents. While we have been active in Europe – particularly in Germany – there is clear scope for further growth. 

My role in this evolving landscape is to be a visible, proactive presence in the market, attracting new businesses to Pro MGA and helping them achieve their goals. Now that I’ve firmly established myself in the role, I’m excited to take on a more outward-facing position, engaging with new clients and helping shape the future of the MGA sector. 
 

Final Thoughts 

Emily: “One of the most significant milestones in an MGA’s journey is its eventual independence – when it outgrows the incubation phase and is ready to stand on its own. This is an essential part of our purpose at Pro MGA, and I’m looking forward to experiencing this process firsthand with the businesses I’ve supported. Seeing an MGA transition from a startup to a fully-fledged entity is the ultimate validation of the work we do, and I can’t wait to be part of that success story.”