Pro MGA Global Solutions’ launch of Orb Specialty has been part of the company’s plans since 2016, awaiting the desired scale to launch, CEO Danny Maleary tells GR.
Danny Maleary, chief executive of Pro MGA Global Solutions, spoke with GR at RVS 2025 in Monte Carlo about Orb Specialty, the new managing general underwriter (MGU) from Pro MGA Global Solutions.
Maleary said the Orb initiative, designed to connect capital with entrepreneurial underwriters, incubated within its platform, was conceived from the very beginning of the business, but only now has the scale to deliver.
“When we set up Pro MGA back in 2016, this was always on the roadmap,” he explained.
“Now in 2025 we’ve got critical mass, with more than 70 MGAs under management, and we’re seeing significant new opportunities every month.
“At the same time there is a girth of insurer capital that wants to support MGAs. Orb Specialty brings those together,” Maleary added.
He stressed the MGU was not designed to displace existing capacity providers.
“This isn’t about replacing insurers already backing our MGAs. It sits alongside them, giving additional stability and enabling growth,” he said.
“The vision is to give MGAs confidence around their risk capital structures while helping insurers allocate their capital more efficiently.”
Distinct distribution strategy
Maleary said Orb Specialty differs from other MGUs because of an inward distribution model, geared towards MGAs incubated within Pro.
“That means MGAs in our ecosystem get direct access to supportive markets, and insurers know they are dealing with businesses that are pre-vetted and governed properly. For the MGA it streamlines growth. For the insurer it creates comfort when committing capital,” he said.
The need for such a vehicle, he argued, reflects inefficiencies in the delegated authority market.
“Every time an MGA looks for capacity it often feels like reinventing the wheel. There’s duplication of effort and misaligned expectations. Orb Specialty provides one place to go, marrying risk appetite with the right MGA in a structured, measured way,” Maleary added.
Global ambitions
While Orb Specialty is UK and London market based, Maleary expects a measured expansion, with Germany one such growth market.
“Today it’s UK-focused, but in the months ahead you’ll see territorial growth,” he said. “We’ll move into Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Naturally we’ll expand where Pro MGA already has a presence.”
He highlighted recent discussions in Dubai that could accelerate plans.
“As a Lloyd’s coverholder, we can establish a branch in the DIFC within three months. That could fast-track our entrance into the Middle East and create a hub to reach Africa and Asia,” he said.
Maleary also noted insurer appetite for new capital structures. “Everyone seems to be creating sidecars at the moment, including in casualty. We’re seeing more interest in supporting MGAs through sidecar concepts, and Orb Specialty will play a role in enabling that.”
Looking ahead, Maleary underlined the wider significance of the launch. “For insurers, it provides a streamlined, compliant route into MGA distribution. For MGAs, it brings stability and confidence. At its heart Orb Specialty is about facilitating growth for entrepreneurial underwriters and capital providers alike,” he said.
No comments yet