MGA Compass: Your Blueprint to Building a Successful MGA

The rise of Managing General Agents (MGAs) has reshaped the insurance industry. In an era defined by speed, data, and specialization, MGAs are pushing innovation where traditional carriers often move slowly. They’re building niche programs, leveraging technology to underwrite more intelligently, and meeting customers where they are. For every MGA that is successful, however, there are many more that stall—not for lack of vision, but because the path from concept to carrier-ready operations is complex. 

Launching and scaling a successful MGA requires carrier alignment, a compliant and efficient operating model, and a modern technology foundation that can evolve as the business grows. Too often, founders find themselves juggling disjointed systems, navigating regulatory hurdles, and burning time and money on trial-and-error approaches. 

That’s where MGA Compass comes in: a program that is purpose-built to guide both startup MGAs and established MGAs from idea to execution with confidence. 

What Is MGA Compass? 

MGA Compass is an end-to-end enablement framework created by Sikich and KASE Insurex Consulting, two trusted industry leaders who understand what it takes to launch and scale successful MGAs. The program brings together business advisory expertise, insurance industry insight, and insurtech assessment and planning. Our standard engagement focuses on providing guidance and clarity, with additional technology implementation services available as required. 

“We are guiding MGAs from vision to reality by combining business advisory expertise with insurtech leadership, helping MGAs launch faster, operate smarter, and grow with confidence,” says Rahul Bhatia, Principal of Insurtech at Sikich.   

MGA Compass is designed to provide comprehensive advisory and consulting services, guiding you through blueprinting, carrier readiness, and technology assessment. Our team also supports vendor selection and technology implementation as additional services to the core MGA Compass offering.  

Who Is MGA Compass For? 

MGA Compass was designed for leaders who are building or evolving insurance programs and need clarity, structure, and momentum. Every MGA’s journey is unique, but the challenges are familiar: 

• How do we secure carrier partnerships? 
• What systems do we need to launch? 
• How do we scale operations without losing efficiency or compliance? 

MGA Compass addresses these pain points through a structured yet flexible engagement model that evolves with your business stage. 

For Startup MGAs 

Founders and executives preparing to launch their first programs often seek guidance on carrier relationships, operational design, and technology selection. 

If you’re building an MGA from the ground up, MGA Compass helps you: 

• Develop a business blueprint: from structure and underwriting appetite to compliance readiness 
• Establish carrier and reinsurer relationships: gain credibility and prepare for due diligence 
• Assess and plan your tech stack: CRM, quoting, policy admin, and data frameworks 
• Accelerate your go-to-market strategy: launch faster with proven templates and expert guidance 

For Established MGAs 

Established MGAs often have leadership teams who are ready to modernize their operations, streamline workflows, or strengthen their tech stack to scale profitably. 

If your MGA is already up and running but needs direction or optimization, MGA Compass provides: 

• Operational assessments to identify process inefficiencies and technology gaps 
• Tech modernization roadmaps to improve data flow, automation, and user experience 
• Growth planning to expand lines of business, distribution networks, and partnerships 
• Change management support to ensure teams adopt new tools and workflows effectively 

Though most MGA founders and leaders have many years of insurance experience—in underwriting, broking, or carrier roles—they may be new to building a business from scratch or managing and scaling digital operations.  MGA Compass fills that gap with the frameworks, playbooks, and expert support needed to execute with confidence. 

Why MGAs Need MGA Compass 

The MGA journey involves navigating a complex ecosystem of carriers, regulators, systems, and stakeholders. Our program is built around the pain points we hear most often: 

“We have a vision, but we don’t know where to start.” 

“We need a credible plan to secure carrier partnerships.” 

“Our technology isn’t keeping up with our growth.” 

“We’re spending more time managing workflows than building the business.” 

MGA Compass eliminates the guesswork with a step-by-step path from concept to scalable operations, helping MGAs launch faster and grow smarter.  

How the MGA Compass Program Works 

MGA Compass is structured around a practical, proven methodology designed to meet you where you are and take you where you need to go. 

1. Business Blueprint & Carrier Readiness 

Every successful MGA starts with a solid business plan. We work with you to define your strategy, structure, and success metrics, building a carrier-ready framework that aligns with your vision. You’ll gain the tools and insight to approach carriers with confidence, from underwriting appetite to reinsurer partnerships and compliance considerations.  

2. Operating Model & Workflow Design 

We translate your vision into a working operating model, mapping out every key process, from submissions and underwriting to bind, issuance, and renewals. We ensure your workflows are compliant, auditable, and scalable, giving you the backbone for sustainable operations.  

3. Technology Assessment and Planning 

Your technology stack shouldn’t be an afterthought; it’s the engine of your MGA. We help you assess and review technology options to ensure alignment with your company size, lines of business, and growth stage. That includes: 

• CRM and distribution management 
• Quoting and binding systems 
• Digital portals for agents and insureds 
• Policy administration, claims, and compliance solutions 
• Data, analytics, and AI frameworks that future-proof your operations 

With decades of experience modernizing insurance organizations with the right insurance technology, Sikich can support your success beyond the core MGA Compass program with a separate engagement for implementation, integration, or managed services.  

4. Go-to-Market Acceleration 

We help you get to market faster by aligning your business plan, technology, and distribution strategy. Our go-to-market framework ensures you launch with carrier confidence, producer readiness, and scalable digital workflows. 

5. Optimization and Growth 

As your MGA matures, we stay with you to refine processes, automate handoffs, expand distribution channels, and enhance data visibility. Our goal is to help you stay competitive, profitable, and compliant for the long haul.  

Why Sikich and KASE? 

Sikich brings decades of experience in digital modernization for the insurance industry, while KASE Insurex adds deep expertise in MGA formation, underwriting, and carrier strategy experience. 

Together, we bridge business strategy and technology leadership. You get a single team that understands both the operational realities of running an MGA and the digital capabilities needed to support it.  

“Our clients don’t need another consultant. They need a partner who understands the business and the tech, who can move quickly and execute with precision,” says Kevin Powers, Founder and CEO of KASE Insurex Consulting. 

Real-World Results: InsureMEP’s Journey 

When InsureMEP partnered with Sikich and KASE they were looking for structure, speed, and clarity. 

Through the MGA Compass program, InsureMEP refined its business model, established carrier relationships, and designed a scalable tech stack with measurable results.  

“The MGA Compass program has proven invaluable. Its combination of strategic advisory and Insurtech guidance has been instrumental in moving InsureMEP from concept to reality,” said Craig Caryl, Founder & CEO at InsureMEP. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How does MGA Compass help launch a new MGA? 

We guide you from concept to carrier-ready execution, including business planning, compliance frameworks, technology assessment and planning, and go-to-market strategy so you can launch faster with fewer risks. 

Can MGA Compass help an existing MGA modernize? 

Yes. For established MGAs, we assess current operations and technology, identify gaps, and deliver a modernization roadmap that improves efficiency, compliance, and scalability. 

How long does an MGA Compass engagement take? 

Each engagement is tailored to your goals and complexity, but most MGAs see measurable outcomes within 3–6 months. 

What makes MGA Compass different from other advisory services? 

MGA Compass brings together extensive insurance industry expertise and practical technology guidance. Our team also has the resources and expertise to implement and support solutions as part of future engagements, ensuring continuity and a deep understanding of your business. This means you benefit from consistent support and insight, all from a team that truly knows your goals and growth story. 

The Results You Can Expect 

When you partner with Sikich and KASE, you’re building a foundation for long-term success. 

With MGA Compass, MGAs achieve: 

• Faster speed-to-market and fewer delays in carrier approval 
• Operational efficiency and streamlined workflows 
• Stronger carrier and investor confidence 
• A scalable, future-ready technology roadmap 

Let’s Build Your MGA Together 

Every MGA journey starts with a vision. MGA Compass turns that vision into reality. 

Whether you’re preparing to launch or ready to scale, Sikich and KASE will help you design a business that’s efficient, compliant, and built to last. From your first carrier conversation to your next digital transformation, we’re your partners in growth. 

Contact us today to schedule your discovery session or for more information on the program.