When we first began trading in Asia almost 13 years ago, the MGA model was a relatively unfamiliar concept. Progress was slow at first and levels of understanding varied widely. Over time, MGAs have gained real traction in the region and are now recognised as a credible, competitive model for delivering specialist underwriting. They have also become an attractive option for underwriters who are looking for a fresh start and the ability to be in charge of their own destiny, run their books of business and be financially incentivised along the way.
We’ve become a market leader in the specialty lines that we operate in and, with the backing of the Optio Group, we’ve entered an exciting new phase. We are now actively looking to expand into other sectors aligned with the region’s broader economic growth, such as liability, financial lines, marine, specialty property, engineering, construction, and trade credit. We are particularly keen to partner with underwriters who bring deep expertise in their chosen field and who are looking for a platform capable of scaling their ambition.
"With Optio Group’s backing, we’ve gained access to product and expertise capabilities that are driving our APAC ambitions”
Tommy Elliot, CUO, Circles Group
As a tech-enabled underwriting business, innovation and agility lie at the centre of our operations. We are able to move fast and effectively without being encumbered by legacy systems. We’ve found this advantage particularly useful in APAC, paired with our structure’s inherent ability to syndicate capacity from multiple capital providers, which has proved especially valuable when supporting complex or higher‑value risks. The breadth of our, and Optio’s, capacity relationships strengthens the proposition for brokers, clients and underwriters alike.
“Circles Group has spent more than a decade building a respected and well‑recognised brand across APAC, and we’re pleased to support them as they add new specialisms and deepen their long‑term commitment to the region”
Deepak Soni, CEO, Optio Group
Setting up a new MGA — or even launching a single new binder — can be as low, expensive and operationally heavy undertaking. Our platform removes that friction entirely as we provide a fully built, fully operational “plug‑and‑play” environment, with licensing, offices, governance, operational support, systems and A‑rated capacity all ready to go. Underwriters can focus on underwriting, distribution and long‑term strategy while we handle everything that works behind the scenes. We’ve done this repeatedly over the past decade, launching multiple products and specialty lines quickly, efficiently and successfully.
The MGA market in Asia Pacific is evolving quickly, and the most successful ventures of the next decade will come from those who choose the right foundation. If you’re an ambitious underwriter exploring new opportunities, we’d be delighted to speak with you. Your expertise, combined with our platform, creates an opportunity to build something genuinely impactful for the region.