MGAs play a vital role in the insurance supply chain - with 86% of brokers stating that they form a strategic part of their placement strategy (Newsquest, 2023/2024). They act as specialist hubs for innovation, agility, and responsiveness. This forms part of their DNA and is what makes the MGA model so attractive to brokers. Their technical focus on underwriting, pricing, and risk acceptance, enables MGAs to utilise expert resources to improve their models and propositions.

e-Zee operates by the same values of innovation, agility, and responsiveness. It has worked with MGAs since 2008, building detailed knowledge and experience of the model. To emphasise its commitment to MGAs it joined the Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) in 2025 as a supplier member.

Director Eloise Hibberd explains: “e-Zee has enjoyed long-term relationships with a number of MGAs over the years, and they are a core element of our strategy. Having the opportunity to develop that part of the business even further by working with their own trade body was hugely attractive.”

Product Development

MGAs often rely on their underwriters to create product specifications, and with good cause as it was probably their idea! However, alongside the day job it can be a real burden. It’s essential that MGAs retain their ‘edge’ when it comes to product development. The process doesn’t just need to be quick, it must be accurate, compliant, and cost-effective. An experienced analyst developer (AD) understands what the underwriter wants to achieve with that product. They consider the options, recommend the best approach, and then build it. e-Zee can help to develop and support product propositions for its customers, offering structured, agile solutions tailored to its customers’ requirements.

Right Product – Right Time

e-Zee’s Jeremy Foster recalls a project for an MGA that needed to launch a new specialist motor trade product while consolidating platforms: “We needed to get to market fast. There were many ‘moving parts’ so plenty of scope for error! Thanks to my industry experience, I understood the impacts of their ongoing consolidation work. I built a brand-new product that could work effectively across platforms to accommodate their changing environment.”

Multi-faceted approach

There are multiple ways to approach a product build, and the key is to get it right on day one. For example, it might be assumed that cloning a product is the most cost-effective option, but the resulting ongoing maintenance can mean it’s a false economy.

Experienced AD’s take ‘directional shifts’ in their stride. Plans (and budgets) change. It’s essential to navigate through the ‘white water’ with the minimum of fuss and disruption.

Kris Lee, Chief Underwriting Officer for Arkel Underwriting explains how essential it was for them to get the right resources on their recent project: “Arkel has been working with e-Zee for a number of years. Having worked with them previously, they were one of the first calls I made when we required Polaris development. I have always found them very easy to work with, they deliver things in a timely and professional way and are always prepared to go the extra mile to help you achieve tight deadlines. e-Zee is a great addition to the MGAA, and I would recommend anyone to use them for their Polaris developments.”

Product Governance

As we all know, building a new product is only the start. Ongoing testing and maintenance are key areas where MGAs benefit from working in partnership with experts. For example, e-Zee’s unique testing tool can handle the entire process leaving the MGA to write business and help clients.

As MGAs continue to enjoy their well-earned status as specialists, efficient product maintenance is an essential pillar of the operational plan.

Sharing is Caring

The most impactful thing that MGAs can do to future-proof their business is to share their plans with their trusted partners. We know from experience that if we know the plan we can protect MGAs from the unnecessary expense of duplication and over-complicating the build.

Working with a trusted partner to alleviate the burden can reap rewards over the longer term - particularly when operating across multiple distribution channels.

Michael Keating, CEO of the MGAA, commented: "The collaboration between e-Zee and Arkel is a fantastic example of the value that can be created when two MGAA members work together. Their collaboration and knowledge sharing, by combining underwriting expertise with specialist digital development support, is demonstrating how trusted partnerships can accelerate innovation and deliver real operational advantages. The MGAA is central in fostering exactly this kind of collaboration across our community - these are partnerships that enhance capabilities, drive efficiency, and ultimately benefit the end customer."