Where can you find Risk Capacity for your MGA? | A Resource Guide

MGA 101 is a series designed to break down key concepts around risk capacity for anyone looking to launch an MGA or gain a deeper understanding of the MGA model. 

In this second edition, insurance veterans Chris Lowell (Managing Director, InnSure) and Somil Jain (Principal & Senior Consulting Actuary, Lewis & Ellis) share their trusted recommendations for finding risk capacity and connecting with capacity providers.

1. In-Person Events (Target Markets, WSIA)

In-person events act somewhat like speed-dating instances for MGAs and risk capacity providers, providing a great opportunity to make personal connections with interested insurers, reinsurers and business development leaders at events such as Target Markets and WSIA. These events occur yearly and are heavily populated by capacity providers actively looking to put risk capital at work for MGAs. 

Target Markets, or TMPAA provides access to 80+ program carriers (including London Market participants), a carrier search portal, and summits attracting over 1,800 professionals, specifically facilitating capacity-matching and program development. It has an annual event in Scottsdale, Arizona and a Mid-year event that travels around. 

Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA) represents the excess & surplus (E&S) market, including MGAs, wholesalers, and E&S carriers. Through its massive WSIA Annual Marketplace and year-round initiatives, it enables MGAs to engage with capacity providers in both domestic and Lloyd’s markets. 

2. Publications (The Insurance Marketplace by Rough Notes) 

The Rough Notes Company is a premier American publishing and educational content provider for P&C insurance agents, offering magazines, directories, and digital tools to support their growth.  

The Insurance Marketplace, one of its core resources, is a printed directory of E&S and specialty lines carriers, and the lines and MGAs they support. Published continuously since 1963, it offers insight into capacity providers’ areas of interest, helping guide further research and targeted outreach. 

3. Digital Platforms (Stere.io)

Stere.io is built as a digital ecosystem that connects capacity seekers with risk capital providers through a capacity trading platform and APIs. It facilitates real-time capacity placement, automated matchmaking and API integration, bringing together insurers, fronting carriers, reinsurers, brokers, program consultants, and alternative capital like ILS/captives.  

4. Programs & MGA Incubators:

• Mission Underwriters is a program administrator and incubator enabling specialty MGAs across the US and UK. It equips underwriting teams with the infrastructure, regulatory support, technology, and long-term capacity to launch programs within 12 weeks. Through a partnership with Accelerant’s Risk Exchange, it secures long-term A-rated capacity with 5-year rolling commitments, offering long-term support and reliability for new MGAs.
• Starfish Specialty Insurance Company is a specialty program manager & MGA specializing in niche lines like builders' risk, community associations, aviation, and landlord protection. It partners with MGAs, program administrators, and tech-driven distributors to co-develop specialty insurance programs, issuing policies through admitted A-rated carriers. With fronting and reinsurance support, it enables partners to underwrite with full regulatory compliance and backed capacity.
• Tango Specialty is a managing general underwriter (MGU) with access to over 50 AM Best A-rated insurance and reinsurance partners across the U.S., Bermuda, and Lloyd’s. While its primary model focuses on offering capacity-backed specialty programs to wholesale brokers (particularly in areas like professional liability), MGAs developing similar lines of business may find strategic alignment or potential collaboration opportunities, especially in niche commercial segments.
• K2 insurance services is a specialty insurance holding company that owns and operates a portfolio of MGAs across multiple commercial and personal lines. MGAs can access risk capacity by partnering with or being acquired by K2, which offers delegated authority, infrastructure, and strong carrier and reinsurer relationships. Through its U.S. and international arms, including K2 International, it supports program development with built-in capacity and scalable operations.
• Boost is a full-stack, API-driven platform that helps MGAs, insurtechs, and embedded insurance providers launch and scale programs with built-in A-rated capacity. It offers white-labeled insurance products backed by leading reinsurers and carriers, and operates Boost Re, a captive-as-a-service model for risk-sharing and added reinsurance access. Boost simplifies program launches by handling compliance, infrastructure, and capacity through a unified platform. 

Conclusion

The search for risk capacity can feel stressful, especially for MGAs just starting out. It’s often unclear where to find capacity providers or how to identify the right ones to approach. This list offers MGAs a solid starting point to explore their options and connect with capacity providers that align with their vision.