Counterparty Risk: Why Smart MGAs Are Raising the Bar
20th April 2026
In this episode of MGAA Conversations, industry leaders Nathan Banfield (REG Technologies), Sonia Stanton (PRO Global), and Richard Marshall (Antares) come together to unpack one of the most critical – and fast‑evolving- issues facing MGAs and insurers today: counterparty risk.
As technology accelerates opportunity and exposure in equal measure, the panel explores why traditional, “set‑and‑forget” risk frameworks no longer hold up. From smarter onboarding and continuous monitoring to harnessing data and AI for better decision‑making, this conversation offers practical insight into how MGAs can strengthen resilience, meet rising regulatory expectations, and stay ahead of emerging threats.
Together, Mike, Nathan, Sonia, and Richard discuss:
- Why counterparty risk management must be a continuous, tech‑enabled process, not a one‑time exercise
- How stronger onboarding and data discipline are reshaping best practice across the MGA market
- The growing role of AI and analytics in underwriting, pricing, and operational decisions
- Why having a single source of truth is critical for actionable risk oversight
- How MGAs and insurers can future‑proof their due diligence in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape
Key insight from the conversation:
“The MGA model is maturing very quickly and I don’t really see it under threat. I see it more of an opportunity within the industry to strive.”
“The requirements are constantly changing. So what looks good today might not always remain that way.”
“The likelihood is that we’re going to see more focus around AI within our business, within our pricing, our decision‑making.”
“Having a single source of the truth and being able to actually make actionable decisions off the back of it is where software can really change outcomes.”
Resources
- Antares Group: https://antaresglobal.com/
- PRO Global – PRO MGA: https://pro-global.com/pro-mga/
- REG Technologies: https://reg.uk.com/
About the guests
Nathan Banfield
Nathan Banfield is Head of Customer Success at REG Technologies, where he partners with regulated firms across the insurance landscape to help them operate faster, smarter, and more securely. Acting as a trusted advisor, Nathan works closely with clients to understand their strategic goals and operational challenges, ensuring they extract maximum value from REG’s solutions.
With a strong customer‑first mindset, he is passionate about service excellence, long‑term partnerships, and embedding efficient, scalable risk and compliance frameworks that support sustainable growth.
Richard Marshall
Richard Marshall began his underwriting career in 1990 with SCOR, later joining Munich Re in a variety of reinsurance underwriting roles in the UK and internationally. In 2008, he moved into delegated insurance underwriting within the Munich Re Group and has specialised in the sector ever since.
With extensive experience working alongside MGAs and capacity providers, Richard has led delegated underwriting operations across multiple lines of business, with a strong focus on improving underwriting performance through enhanced data, analytics, and operational processes.
In March 2024, Richard joined Antares Group as Chief Underwriting Officer for Antares Insurance Company Limited, a delegated‑only insurance platform launched in January 2024.
Sonia Stanton
Sonia Stanton is an accomplished insurance and compliance professional with over 20 years of experience across the finance and insurance sectors. She brings deep expertise in global legislative and regulatory requirements spanning underwriting, risk management, legal compliance, auditing, analytics, and loss adjusting.
A Chartered Insurer holding an Advanced Diploma in Insurance, Sonia is currently pursuing the prestigious FCII qualification. She is widely recognised for her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and champion high standards of compliant insurance practice.
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-stanton-acii-chartered-insurer-a4867160