Ryan Specialty has completed the acquisition of JM Wilson, a Michigan-based MGA and surplus lines broker.

Transparency and strong relationships are essential for successful capacity deals, according to industry experts speaking at the Program Manager Conference in New York.

The fundamental drivers that have driven the MGA and programs market’s growth in recent years remain in place, with the fast-evolving risk landscape set to spur further expansion in the segment, a panel of industry experts has suggested.

Euclid Cyber is launching on March 1 with backing from fronting company Spinnaker, bringing to market an excess cyber product that offers insureds with $1 billion or more in revenue up to $5 million in limit that attaches at $75 million and above.

Beyond Risk’s Origin Specialty Underwriters Agency has partnered with its sister company GPW & Associates to launch Origin Captive Solutions, aimed at providing middle-market companies with expanded risk management solutions.

Ryan Specialty has agreed to acquire property cat-focused MGA Velocity Risk Underwriters from private equity sponsor Oaktree Capital Management in a $525mn cash deal, with property mutual giant FM acquiring Velocity Specialty Insurance Company (VSIC).

Arden Insurance Services has secured a significant growth capital investment from private equity firm FTV Capital, Program Manager can reveal.

Ryan Specialty is in final discussions to buy London-based MGU incubator platform Innovisk Capital Partners from investors that include funds managed by private equity firms BHMS Investments and Abry Partners in the latest example of strong demand from strategic buyers for assets in the sector.

Starwind Specialty Insurance Services has brought in Kirk Conrad as CUO, with the recruit making the move after this publication revealed in August he had left BMS amid links to the TIH Underwriting division.

Ryan Specialty has completed its previously announced acquisitions of US Assure and Greenhill Underwriting Insurance Services, deals which will significantly bolster the firm's MGU operations.

There were no signs of a slowdown in the fronting market in 2023 as the sector’s premium volume hit north of $15bn, with the 27 percent growth rate supported by underlying MGA trends, demand for capacity, and continued expansion of the E&S segment, according to Conning.

Novatae Risk Group, the wholesale operations of World Insurance Associates, has acquired the assets of Denali Speacialty Group, a St. Louis, Missouri-based full-service intermediary founded in 2019.

Long-serving Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) veteran Ray Scotto is transitioning to a new senior executive position.

Aon has closed its $13.0bn takeover deal for middle-market specialist NFP, sealing one of the biggest insurance broking M&A deals in history.

SiriusPoint has partnered with specialty program manager NIP Group to launch a new E&S program underwriting platform.