Active Re COO says Barbados poised to lead as MGA domicile

Managing General Agents (MGAs) have evolved well beyond their niche origins, and Active Re COO Robert Ali said Barbados is emerging as a leading domicile for future expansion, supported by its regulatory efficiency, tax advantages and risk-based framework.

Speaking at the Barbados Risk and Insurance Management Conference (BRIM) Robert Ali told attendees that “Barbados has the necessary elements to position itself as one of the leading domiciles for MGAs in the coming years”.

He went on to say that MGAs have “reshaped how risk is structured and distributed globally,” and have established themselves as key players in the industry with a global market exceeding $104 billion and a maintained double-digit growth rate. He cited this as having created “new opportunities for jurisdictions that can offer efficiency, regulatory strength, and operational agility.”

He bookmarks Barbados owing to its risk-based capital framework, efficient licensing timelines and favourable tax environment, commenting on its strong position compared to traditional domiciles. 

Ali stressed the importance of MGA’s amid emerging risk trends, particularly digitalisation, AI and cyber. 

“For us at Active Re, the growth of the MGA model represents not only a business opportunity but also a way to strengthen the connection between capacity, distribution, and technical expertise in increasingly segmented markets. I am convinced that the future of the market lies in smarter structures, where technology and specialisation enable growth without losing technical discipline,” Ali said.

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