The Rise of MGA, MGU, and Coverholder Groups: An Industry Evolution

Rapid Expansion and Strategic Acquisitions

The high growth trajectory of the MGA sector has spurred a flurry of activity, with numerous groups experiencing exponential revenue growth in 2022. Notable players such as Acrisure, bolstered by strategic acquisitions, have witnessed remarkable year-on-year expansion.

Cyber insurance specialists like Coalition, Envelop, and Resilience have also emerged as frontrunners, doubling their revenues in response to evolving market demands and heightened cybersecurity concerns.

Furthermore, the MGA landscape continues to witness a wave of acquisitions and consolidations, underscoring the strategic imperative for market players to expand their capabilities and enhance their competitive positioning. Key acquisitions include those of Envest by Ardonagh Group, BridgeForce by HUB, and Acquis Insurance Management by NSM Insurance Group, among others.

In Q3 2023, DOXA, an independent Diversified MGA platform, received support from Goldman-Sachs Asset Management, increasing their ability to capitalize on macro trends that are driving the broader MGA sector.

In the dynamic landscape of the insurance industry, Managing General Agents (MGAs), Managing General Underwriters (MGUs), and coverholder groups have emerged as key players, driving significant growth and innovation. A recent analysis by Insuramore sheds light on the remarkable expansion and evolving trends within this sector, revealing insights into the key players, market dynamics, and future outlook.

Unprecedented Growth and Market Dominance

The year 2022 marked a watershed moment for the MGA, MGU, and coverholder groups, with global revenues soaring to approximately $17.3 billion. This impressive figure represents a staggering 19% annual growth rate, outpacing the expansion of the insurance broking sector by a substantial margin.

Leading the pack is Brown & Brown, securing the top spot globally by becoming the first group to surpass $1 billion in annual revenues from this activity. Bolstering its position further, Brown & Brown announced its strategic acquisition of Kentro Capital, parent company of Nexus Underwriting, in 2023, solidifying its market dominance.

Trailing behind Brown & Brown are industry stalwarts such as Truist Insurance Holdings, Amwins, Ryan Specialty Group, DOXA, and Gallagher, collectively commanding nearly 20% of global MGA revenues.

Diverse Ownership and Global Presence

Ownership structures within the MGA landscape reflect a diverse mix, with broker-owned, insurer-owned, and independent groups vying for market share. Munich Re emerges as a key player among insurer-owned groups, while NSM Insurance Group leads the charge among independent entities.

Geographically, the United States emerges as a powerhouse, hosting the majority of MGA groups in the top 300, followed by the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, and Germany. The strength of the US dollar against other currencies further cements its position as a hub for MGA activity.

Rapid Expansion and Strategic Acquisitions

The high growth trajectory of the MGA sector has spurred a flurry of activity, with numerous groups experiencing exponential revenue growth in 2022. Notable players such as Acrisure, bolstered by strategic acquisitions, have witnessed remarkable year-on-year expansion.

Cyber insurance specialists like Coalition, Envelop, and Resilience have also emerged as frontrunners, doubling their revenues in response to evolving market demands and heightened cybersecurity concerns.

Furthermore, the MGA landscape continues to witness a wave of acquisitions and consolidations, underscoring the strategic imperative for market players to expand their capabilities and enhance their competitive positioning. Key acquisitions include those of Envest by Ardonagh Group, BridgeForce by HUB, and Acquis Insurance Management by NSM Insurance Group, among others.

In Q3 2023, DOXA, an independent Diversified MGA platform, received support from Goldman-Sachs Asset Management, increasing their ability to capitalize on macro trends that are driving the broader MGA sector.

Charting the Future Course

With over 2,500 enterprises engaged in MGA activity worldwide, and a steady influx of new launches and acquisitions, the landscape is ripe for continued growth and innovation. As the industry evolves, stakeholders must remain agile and adaptable, navigating regulatory complexities and technological advancements to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

The ascendancy of MGA, MGU, and coverholder groups signals a paradigm shift in the insurance ecosystem, characterized by unprecedented growth, strategic consolidation, and global expansion. As the sector continues to evolve, collaboration, innovation, and strategic foresight will be paramount in shaping its trajectory in the years to come.