The new unit will cater to managing general agents (MGAs) in the UK, with a focus on assisting speciality commercial lines programmes. Credit: lovelyday12/Shutterstock.

US-based speciality property and casualty insurer State National Companies is foraying into the UK market, starting 1 January 2024.

A subsidiary of speciality insurer Markel, State National is collaborating with Markel International Insurance Company to set up a programme services division.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The new unit will cater to MGAs in the UK, with a focus on assisting speciality commercial lines programmes.

Markel said the new division will benefit from Markel International Insurance Company’s robust balance sheet, current regulatory framework and operational controls, in addition to State National’s experience in the programme services industry.

Following regulatory approval, Rob Whitt, a 28-year veteran of Markel, will oversee the new division as the executive director of State National Global.

State National Companies president and CEO Matt Freeman said: “There is a meaningful growth opportunity supporting the creation of a programme services platform in the UK that will address strong demand associated with local MGAs and more broadly across the globe.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“The UK MGA market is underserved, and we are intent on building a leading programme services division in the UK.”

Markel International president Simon Wilson said: “When complete, we believe Markel launching a division focused on programme services will bring much-needed capabilities to the market and help us better support the MGAs in the UK.

“It has been tremendous learning from State National’s skill and experience in programme services. We are excited about taking this offering to the UK MGA market.”

Last month, Markel acquired a 49% stake in UK-based tax MGA Certa for an undisclosed sum.

At the time, the US insurer said the investment in Certa would provide further access to long-term growth opportunities in a speciality line of business.