In the latest episode of MGAA Conversations, MGAA CEO Mike Keating and COO Julia Coakley are joined by guest host Joe Malone to reflect on the Association’s achievements in 2024 and outline plans for 2025 and beyond. The discussion highlights the MGAA’s unwavering commitment to enhancing member satisfaction through feedback-driven initiatives, advocacy, and a focus on delivering tangible value to its growing membership base.
A Year of Member-Centric Success
Both Mike and Julia emphasize that the MGAA’s primary goal is to serve its members—existing and new. This commitment has been the driving force behind several key initiatives introduced in 2024, including:
- Diversity and Inclusion Program: Born out of member feedback, this program aims to foster a more inclusive environment within the MGA community.
- Mental Health in Business Program: Another member-inspired initiative, designed to provide support and raise awareness of mental health challenges in the workplace.
Mike and Julia also highlight the MGAA’s proactive efforts in addressing regulatory challenges. With a strong relationship with the FCA, the Association has played a pivotal role in ensuring that new regulatory measures remain proportionate, fostering innovation and maintaining positive customer outcomes.
Advocacy and Regulatory Collaboration
Regulation remains a key focus for the MGAA, with the Association advocating for proportionate and practical regulatory frameworks that enable innovation while protecting consumers. Mike underscores the importance of collaboration with bodies like the FCA and BIBA to address shared concerns about the rising costs and complexity of compliance.
“Everybody embraces and accepts that regulation is the right thing for customer outcomes and industry standards. The key question is around proportionality. Is it stifling innovation? Is the cost burdening the industry? One of the MGAA’s strengths is its excellent relationship with the FCA, which helps us advocate effectively on behalf of our members.”
Delivering Exceptional Events
Reflecting on the MGAA’s 2024 events, Julia notes that the London Broker Exchange and the flagship MGAA Annual Conference exceeded expectations in both attendance and engagement. The success of these events stems from the Association’s ongoing efforts to integrate member feedback into their planning and execution, ensuring that each event delivers maximum value.
Priorities for 2025 and Beyond
As the MGAA continues to expand its membership base, Mike and Julia stress that growth is not pursued for its own sake. Instead, the focus remains on delivering exceptional value to current members while inviting new ones to join. Key priorities for 2025 include:
- Further enhancing the MGAA’s member proposition.
- Deepening advocacy efforts to address regulatory challenges.
- Continuously improving events and programs based on member feedback.
Mike reiterates:
“We’re not solely focused on growing membership numbers. It’s just as important to deliver a service and proposition that benefits our existing 400+ members, ensuring their needs are met while welcoming new members to the Association.”
About the Speakers
Mike Keating As CEO of the MGAA since 2020, Mike has brought decades of industry experience to his role, having held senior positions at AXA, Midas, UK General, and Qlaims. His expertise spans both Commercial and Personal Lines markets, and his leadership continues to shape the MGAA’s strategic direction.
Julia Coakley The COO of the MGAA, Julia has over 20 years of experience in broking and underwriting, with a focus on delivering exceptional customer service. She has been instrumental in implementing initiatives like the D&I and Mental Health in Business programs, ensuring the MGAA remains member-focused.
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn
Connect with Julia on LinkedIn
📻 How to Listen
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💻 How to Watch
Watch the full conversation on the MGAA YouTube channel.
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