Barbados is emerging as a great opportunity for the development of managing general agents (MGA), mainly due to its specialised regulatory framework and efficient business climate, according to Active Re’s COO Robert Ali.
Speaking at the Barbados Risk & Insurance Management Conference (BRIM), Ali noted that the island’s risk-based capital framework, efficient licensing timelines, and favourable tax environment, make it a competitive jurisdiction, positioning it strongly against other traditional domiciles.
He explained that the MGA sector has evolved into a structural pillar of the industry, with the global market now exceeding USD 104 billion.
Maintaining consistent double-digit growth, the MGA model prioritises specialised expertise, agility, and the ability to scale intelligently.
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,” Ali commented.
He continued: “I am convinced that the future of the market lies in smarter structures, where technology and specialization 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.”
