ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.
Listen "026: London Market Group CEO Caroline Wagstaff on Insurance Growth, Regulation & Young Talent"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode of MGAA Conversations, Mike Keating is joined by Caroline Wagstaff, CEO of the London Market Group (LMG), for a wide-ranging discussion on the health, competitiveness, and future of the London insurance market.
Caroline explains how the LMG acts as the collective voice of brokers, insurers, and Lloyd’s businesses, working with government and regulators to promote the market’s global strength. She reflects on the market’s robust performance, continued international growth, and the importance of maintaining the UK’s competitiveness amid global competition.
A passionate advocate for new talent, Caroline highlights the LMG’s pioneering initiatives to make specialty insurance a destination career for young people. She shares the success of the Lime Street Festival, a vibrant event designed to showcase the industry’s opportunities, and outlines plans to expand entry-level hiring through shared talent pools and apprenticeship programmes.
The conversation also touches on the LMG’s ongoing engagement with regulators to improve proportionality in oversight and the introduction of a new UK captive regime — all part of ensuring that the London Market remains innovative, competitive, and fit for the future.
“Our role is to speak up for the London Market — to make sure we’re fit for the future and recognised for our global contribution.”
“We can’t rest on our laurels. There are people out there who’d like a bit of our lunch.”
“Every year there’s a new generation of 17-year-olds who’ve never heard of insurance — so we have to keep telling our story.”
“You can’t make short-term decisions without understanding the long-term consequences. Hiring young people is an investment in our future.”
Resources
London Market Group (LMG): www.londonmarketgroup.co.uk
London Insurance Life: www.londoninsurancelife-lmg.com
MGAA (Managing General Agents’ Association): www.mgaa.co.uk
Follow LMG on LinkedIn
Follow MGAA on LinkedIn and X (Twitter)
About the Guest
Caroline Wagstaff is the Chief Executive Officer of the London Market Group (LMG), which represents the combined interests of brokers, insurers, and Lloyd’s market participants.
A seasoned communicator and industry leader, Caroline is known for her strategic advocacy work on behalf of the London Market — from regulatory engagement and government relations to championing initiatives that attract new and diverse talent into the sector.
She is particularly passionate about positioning the insurance industry as a force for social good and an exciting, long-term career destination for young professionals.
About the Host:
Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets.
He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020.
Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters.
Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/
Caroline explains how the LMG acts as the collective voice of brokers, insurers, and Lloyd’s businesses, working with government and regulators to promote the market’s global strength. She reflects on the market’s robust performance, continued international growth, and the importance of maintaining the UK’s competitiveness amid global competition.
A passionate advocate for new talent, Caroline highlights the LMG’s pioneering initiatives to make specialty insurance a destination career for young people. She shares the success of the Lime Street Festival, a vibrant event designed to showcase the industry’s opportunities, and outlines plans to expand entry-level hiring through shared talent pools and apprenticeship programmes.
The conversation also touches on the LMG’s ongoing engagement with regulators to improve proportionality in oversight and the introduction of a new UK captive regime — all part of ensuring that the London Market remains innovative, competitive, and fit for the future.
“Our role is to speak up for the London Market — to make sure we’re fit for the future and recognised for our global contribution.”
“We can’t rest on our laurels. There are people out there who’d like a bit of our lunch.”
“Every year there’s a new generation of 17-year-olds who’ve never heard of insurance — so we have to keep telling our story.”
“You can’t make short-term decisions without understanding the long-term consequences. Hiring young people is an investment in our future.”
Resources
London Market Group (LMG): www.londonmarketgroup.co.uk
London Insurance Life: www.londoninsurancelife-lmg.com
MGAA (Managing General Agents’ Association): www.mgaa.co.uk
Follow LMG on LinkedIn
Follow MGAA on LinkedIn and X (Twitter)
About the Guest
Caroline Wagstaff is the Chief Executive Officer of the London Market Group (LMG), which represents the combined interests of brokers, insurers, and Lloyd’s market participants.
A seasoned communicator and industry leader, Caroline is known for her strategic advocacy work on behalf of the London Market — from regulatory engagement and government relations to championing initiatives that attract new and diverse talent into the sector.
She is particularly passionate about positioning the insurance industry as a force for social good and an exciting, long-term career destination for young professionals.
About the Host:
Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets.
He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020.
Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters.
Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/
In God we trust