Bridging the Surety Gap: Chris Davies on Innovation, Regulation & Talent

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating, CEO of the MGAA, is joined by Chris Davies, Group Chief Executive Officer at DRS Bond, to explore the highly specialised world of surety bonds and the niche MGA market.

This candid discussion sheds light on how DRS is addressing the capacity gap in the UK construction and real estate sectors, and how wider macroeconomic and political uncertainties are shaping the industry. Chris also shares his perspective on why attracting and retaining mid-career talent is becoming an urgent priority across insurance.

• The bond capacity squeeze following COVID and the war in Ukraine
• The regulatory challenges MGAs must navigate
• The role of innovation, diversity, and stability in building a sustainable market

“Surety is a bit of an oddball in insurance — which suits me fine, because I am too.”

“We’re only going to deal with investment-grade providers — that’s now the bare minimum in surety.”

“The biggest burning issue at C-suite level right now is the shrinking talent pool between 30 and 49. We’re all fishing in the same, small pond.”

“Innovation doesn’t always mean reinventing the wheel — sometimes, it’s about doing things differently and better than anyone else.”

Resources
DRS Bond MGA

About the Guest

Chris Davies is the Group CEO of DRS Bond Management, a specialist surety bond MGA focused on construction and real estate SMEs in the UK. With decades of experience in financial services, insurance, and governance, Chris brings a strategic and disciplined approach to underwriting, regulation, and leadership. His career spans executive roles in compliance, corporate governance, and MGA formation.