Markel helps launch new boutique consultancy

A new a boutique consultancy offering niche expertise to help managing agents and coverholders build their businesses has been launched.

Called Certa Specialty, the firm provides tailored support across the delegated authority (DA) lifecycle – from oversight frameworks and MGA buildouts to branded capacity management, DA compliance and bespoke binding authority agreement drafting.

It is led by chief executive Dan Lott, who partnered with Markel International and Certa Insurance Partners to launch the business.

“Launching or scaling an MGA can feel overwhelming,” Lott said.

“Certa Specialty brings clarity to every step, building confidence within the MGA management team and allowing them to focus on underwriting and product development.

“We’re here to simplify the journey and provide the foundations for long-term success.”

Partner

This latest announcement follows Markel acquiring a 49% stake in Certa Insurance Partners and TLI Certa Europe GmbH in October 2023.

Markel International will partner with Certa Specialty on market DA strategy.

David Sawyer, managing director for professional and financial risks and cyber at Markel International, said: “Managing agents are under pressure to deliver proportionate, future-ready oversight frameworks. Certa Specialty will help cut through the complexity and build programmes that efficiently work for carriers and coverholders alike.”

Ed Beckwith, chief executive at Certa Insurance Partners, added: “Bringing Lott’s expertise to the Certa family is a fantastic addition and will enhance our brand of high-quality technical expertise and top talent.

“We see huge opportunity to service this very important, rapidly growing and complex segment of the specialty insurance market.”