MGAA Conversations
MGAA Conversations
Managing General Agents’ Association
032: Counterparty Risk: Why Smart MGAs Are Raising the Bar with Nathan Banfield, Sonia Stanton & Richard Marshall
41 minutes Posted Apr 21, 2026 at 6:00 am.
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Show notes
Insurers and MGAs face unprecedented complexity in managing counterparty risk, especially as technology amplifies both opportunity and exposure. In this MGA Conversations episode, sector leaders unpack how onboarding, data harnessing, and relentless monitoring are reshaping best practices. Discover why ‘set-and-forget’ risk frameworks are obsolete, how to future-proof your due diligence with tech, and which emerging threats could catch even the nimblest firms off guard. Essential perspective for anyone seeking resilience and regulatory readiness in today’s dynamic market—and for challengers eager to get ahead of the next compliance wave.
 
Key Quotes:
“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:
https://antaresglobal.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/antares
 
https://pro-global.com/pro-mga/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pro-global
 
https://reg.uk.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/reg-uk/
About the Guests:
Nathan Banfield is Head of Customer Success at REG Technologies, where he leads with a clear focus on helping clients run their businesses faster, smarter and safer. Acting as a trusted advisor to regulated firms across the insurance landscape, Nathan goes beyond implementation and partners closely with clients to understand their strategic objectives and operational challenges. 
With a customer-first mindset, he is passionate about delivering exceptional service and building long-term relationships rooted in trust, transparency and measurable value. Nathan works alongside firms to ensure they maximise the impact of REG’s solutions, embedding stronger, more efficient risk and compliance processes that support sustainable growth. Known for his proactive approach and commitment to continuous improvement, he champions service excellence at every stage of the customer journey.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-banfield
Richard started his underwriting career in 1990 with SCOR and later Munich Re in a variety of reinsurance underwriting roles, both in the UK and overseas. In 2008 he transferred to delegated insurance underwriting within the Munich Re Group and has specialised in this sector ever since. Working with both MGA’s and capacity suppliers, Richard has extensive experience in managing delegated underwriting operations across multiple lines of business. In recent years he has focused on improving underwriting efficiencies and performance through enhanced data, analytics, and processes.
Most recently Richard worked with HDI Speciality joining Antares Group in March 2024 as Chief Underwriting Officer for Antares Insurance Company Limited, a delegated only insurance platform which launched in January 2024. 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-marshall-b0b6a165/
 
Sonia is an accomplished insurance and compliance expert with over 20 years of experience in the finance and insurance sectors. She possesses extensive technical knowledge of global legislative and regulatory requirements across various insurance operations, including underwriting, risk management, legal compliance, auditing, analytics, and loss assessing.
As a chartered insurer with an advanced diploma in insurance, Sonia has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development and excellence in compliant insurance practices. She is currently pursuing the prestigious FCII accreditation. Her expertise includes adeptly navigating complex regulatory landscapes and promoting high standards in insurance compliance.
https://www.linkedin.com/in