New MGA launches with ex-Gallagher leader as head

A new specialist reinsurance managing general agent (MGA) has been launched by Connect Underwriting.

Called Brics UW, the MGA will provide capacity to emerging markets and help reinsurers, which do not have a presence in London, to access the city’s distribution and business.

The firm will be led by Ahsan Abdul Majid, who has been appointed as head of the new MGA.

Majid is currently the chief commercial officer at ConnectUW Holdings – before this, he was the executive vice president at Gallagher’s India arm.

He will be supported by various units within the Connect Group, with him having access to the underwriting resources at ConnectUW, Stability Risk and GBN Risk Solutions.

Growth plans

Brics UW will initially offer quota share reinsurance across several traditional lines of business, such as property and engineering.

It will additionally look to partner with internationally focused London markets to create cross-border distribution opportunities.

Jamil Elbahou, chief executive and chief underwriting officer at Connect Underwriting, said: “As the world’s geopolitical focus shifts dramatically to the east, now is the opportune time to bridge the gap between east and west.

“Brics UW is a diverse and versatile underwriting business that will give quality emerging reinsurance markets the ability to grow on the international stage and act as a much needed interface between London and international brokers and markets.”