How new tech and an evolving workforce are reshaping MGAs in 2026, Vertafore

Rising reinsurance costs, talent shortages and heightened carrier and agent expectations are further pushing MGAs to reach "operational excellence"  according to Vertafore's study.

"Securing the MGA Future: The 2026 Workforce and Technology Report." The study, based on responses from about 200 MGA leaders, managers and frontline professionals in the United States, reveals that 58% of respondents said their organization is actively recruiting for new talent. However, just over half of respondents, 53%, also described attracting new talent as at least "somewhat challenging" and 16% reported it as "extremely challenging."

"The next generation of leading MGAs won't be defined only by how fast they grow premiums, but also by how well they run their business," said Emily McGinn, general manager of MGA and wholesale at Vertafore, in a press release statement. "Our findings show a clear shift toward operational excellence as a primary growth strategy for MGAs."

Insurance also faces an aging workforce. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that the number of insurance professionals aged 55 years and older increased about 74% between 2010 and 2020. The BLS estimated that throughout the next decade, half of the insurance workforce will retire and leave over 400,000 unfilled positions. Less than a quarter of the industry is under 35 years old. 

In Vertafore's study, 67% of MGA professional respondents were 44 years of age or older and only 4% were under 28 years old. Now, succession planning and knowledge transfer are primary strategic priorities for MGAs.

"The next chapter of MGA leadership is being written now," said McGinn. "MGAs that invest in resilient teams, clean data foundations and connected operations are better positioned to meet rising expectations and compete effectively in 2026 and beyond."

According to the study, MGAs are prioritizing talent strategies, incorporating AI to drive sustainable growth and optimizing data and core systems. MGAs are using data not just to transact, but also to inform their strategies, Vertafore finds, with 72% of respondents reporting that their organization uses data for risk analysis. More than half, 58%, use data to support pricing development and 62% use data to identify new market opportunities.

When it comes to incorporating AI, most MGAs have been generally more cautious with their approach, waiting for proven use cases in underwriting, claims and customer service. The Vertafore study reveals, however, that interest in AI technology is finally moving more from curiosity and towards implementation. Twenty-one percent of survey respondents are currently using AI, and 50% said they plan to adopt AI soon. Only 7% say they have no plans to use AI, and 20% are unsure of their AI plans. Most use cases include automating repetitive tasks such as document management, providing underwriting decision support, analyzing data and identifying trends.