Comment
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 spotlight
News 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 interest
Opportunities 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 strategy
News 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 business
There 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 opportunity
One 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 continues
With 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 areas
In 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 engine
Just 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 timing
Start-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 interests
Cementing access to paper and demonstrating alignment of interests with (re)insurers has become increasingly important for MGAs and program administrators.
Florida opportunity draws interest
The 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 present
Welcome to the first issue of Program Manager, the new monthly ezine brought to you by the publishers of The Insurer.
Hippo-Spinnaker deal brings paper guarantee
Rumours that Hippo and Spinnaker were in talks over a potential transaction had been circulating in the program fronting space for a number of months.
Setting targets is brave but shows R&Q confidence…
2019 feels a long time ago which might explain why there was a sense of a history lesson with R&Q’s strong FY results published this morning (share price up 13 percent by midday).