Barbados and the Evolution of the MGA Model
By Robert Ali, COO at Active Re
ARTICLE
The sustained growth of the Managing General Agent (MGA) model is reshaping how risk is structured and distributed globally, creating new opportunities for jurisdictions that can offer efficiency, regulatory strength, and operational agility.
In this context, I shared at the Barbados Risk & Insurance Management Conference (BRIM) a clear vision: Barbados has the necessary elements to position itself as one of the leading domiciles for MGAs in the coming years.
The MGA model responds to a real market need: specialisation, agility, and the ability to scale intelligently. It is not a passing trend; it is a structural evolution of the business.
With a global market exceeding USD 104 billion and maintaining double-digit growth rates ,MGAs have become key players within the insurance and reinsurance value chain.
From my perspective, Barbados is emerging as a competitive jurisdiction thanks to:
· Its risk-based capital framework
· Efficient licensing timelines
· A favorable tax environment
These factors position it strongly against other traditional domiciles.
Additionally, the development of the MGA ecosystem is closely linked to trends such as digitalisation, the use of artificial intelligence, and specialisation in emerging lines, from cyber to parametric risks and digital assets.
For us at Active Re, the growth of the MGA model represents not only a business opportunity but also a way to strengthen the connection between capacity, distribution, and technical expertise in increasingly segmented markets.
I am convinced that the future of the market lies in smarter structures, where technology and specialisation enable growth without losing technical discipline.
For market participants, the priority now is clear: align capabilities, embrace specialisation, and operate within jurisdictions that combine efficiency with regulatory strength. Barbados has the potential to be a central part of that evolution.
About Active Re:
Active Re is a Barbados-based reinsurer established in 2007. The company comprises 91 professionals located in 17 cities across 15 countries around the world, maintains a diversified geographic business presence in 129 countries across Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia Pacific, and focuses its underwriting efforts on short-term, non-catastrophic risks.
For more information about Active Re: www.active-re.com. For the latest AM Best's Credit Rating, access www.ambest.com.
