Entries to this flagship category will be MGAs, MGUs and program administrators in the US P&C marketplace, including those operating on larger platforms as well as independent players. Candidates must demonstrate a strong track record of delivering for their (re)insurance capacity providers in 2025 as well bringing specialty solutions to their distribution partners. Judges will consider evidence of premium growth and underwriting performance metrics where they can be provided (these will be treated as confidential information unless entries specify otherwise). The judging panel will also assess the impact of candidates on the sector through bringing new product, access to new markets for carrier partners, and providing a platform for entrepreneurial underwriting talent.

This category is open to platforms that house multiple MGAs, MGUs and program administrators, including established underwriting divisions of large intermediaries, start-up MGA platforms and incubator or infrastructure as a service platforms. The judging panel will assess the track record of candidates during the evaluation period (2025) in bringing new programs/MGAs to market, delivering consistent product and capacity to distribution partners, and providing a home for entrepreneurial underwriting talent. Judges will assess speed to market, infrastructure efficiencies, and for those platforms that are part of large intermediaries will evaluate the strategic role they play in their respective organizations. Judges will also consider any financial/underwriting performance metrics where they can be provided (these will be treated as confidential information unless entries specify otherwise).

This category is open to all insurance companies writing program business in the US P&C sector as a traditional carrier. Successful candidates will be those that can demonstrate their commitment to the sector, the strategic importance of program business within their portfolios, strong underwriting performance and the provision of outstanding service to their distribution partners in the past year. They will also be assessed on their ability to innovate and develop unique specialty solutions that are the cornerstone of the US programs sector. Judges will consider any financial/underwriting performance metrics where they can be provided (these will be treated as confidential information unless entries specify otherwise).

This category is open to pure fronting carriers and the growing number of hybrid fronting carriers operating in the sector. Candidates must demonstrate the value they bring to their reinsurance panels and MGA partners and must be able to clearly articulate what differentiates them in a crowded marketplace. They will be assessed on their ability to show that their growth and onboarding of programs is based on tight underwriting controls and due diligence, as well as the processes that provide their reinsurance partners with transparency around the performance of the programs they support. The winning candidate will be able to show that it is a long-term strategic partner that has the best interests of the health of the program sector at its core. Judges will consider any financial/underwriting performance metrics where they can be provided (these will be treated as confidential information unless entries specify otherwise).

This category is open to insurtechs underwriting in the program sector that can demonstrate their use of new technology to bring product to the market. This can include the application of technological innovation to underwriting processes as well as distribution processes. Candidates must be able to show that the technology is at the core of their operating model and strategy and that its use is enabling programs to be written or distributed more efficiently and effectively, or to bring innovative new products to clients. They must also show traction and take-up in the market.

This category is open to any new program launched in 2025. Candidates will be expected to articulate the unmet need their new program is designed to meet, the specialty aspect of it, any innovation involved bringing it to market, support from insurance and reinsurance capacity providers and take-up in the market post-launch. The winner will be the candidate that can best demonstrate the positive impact their new program has had on the marketplace and the specialty expertise and innovation behind it.

After another year of active M&A, fundraising and start-up activity in the US programs

space, this category will award the advisory firm that made the most impact on the sector. Candidates will be expected to highlight the transactions they have been involved in and their role in bringing a successful outcome for all parties. The judges will not only look at the quantity and size of deals, but also their significance to the marketplace.

This category is open to all companies operating within the delegated underwriting authority market, such as program administrators, MGAs, MGA platforms and carriers. While the market welcomed a host of start-ups in 2025, there was also considerable consolidation within the space as existing players sought to strengthen their positions through acquisitions. This award recognizes an M&A transaction – big or small - that stood out and made the market take notice, possibly for its game-changing nature or for its innovation. Judges will assess what the transaction meant for the companies involved, and its impact on the wider market. Any supporting information will be treated confidentially.

This category aims to celebrate a deal that caught the market’s attention in 2025 – maybe a capacity partnership, a capital injection or other innovative transaction. It is open to any transaction, other than an M&A deal, involving program administrators, MGAs, MGA platforms and carriers. Judges will consider what the transaction meant for the company involved – did it strengthen them, position them for the future, or showcase some innovation in the market – and how does it impact the broader sector. Specific details provided as supporting materials in a submission will be treated confidentially.

Reinsurance brokers are key to the process of launching programs and keeping them going by structuring reinsurance support and advising on almost all facets of the business. The category is open to all reinsurance intermediaries active in the US programs sector. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate the role they have played in securing capacity and structuring deals for new and established programs. The judging panel will also assess the scope of the practices of reinsurance brokers with a presence in the space, their investment in services to support the sector and their involvement in bringing innovative product to the marketplace.

This broad category is open to any participant in the US programs sector that can demonstrate they brought true innovation in 2025. Innovation could be in the form of product at the front end, providing infrastructure to rapidly launch programs, or new structures and sources of underwriting capacity from alternative capital providers. Candidates must articulate why their innovation was needed and the impact they expect it to have on the market. Judges will assess the level of innovation, the way it has been brought to market and the amount of traction it has gained in the market.

Talent is at the very core of the future success of the US programs sector. This category is intended to recognize the best up-and-coming talent at MGAs, MGUs, program administrators, program carriers and other participants in the sector that will form the next generation of leaders. Companies operating in the sector may nominate rising stars from within their organization or at counterparties and will be expected to detail the skills and achievements of their colleagues that warrant their inclusion in this category. To be eligible for nomination, candidates must be 35 or under on the day of the awards.

This award celebrates an individual who has had an exceptional impact at their organization or in the wider industry over the past year. They have demonstrated remarkable dedication, innovation, and influence in their field, going above and beyond to drive progress, elevate standards, and contribute meaningfully to shared goals. Their achievements over the last year - whether it be at the company level or their broader impact on the sector - highlight them as a standout contributor among their peers.

Official nominations for this category will not be accepted. The judging panel will independently select the recipient, though suggestions are welcome.

This award honours an individual whose long-term commitment, leadership, and sustained contributions have left a lasting legacy. Over many years, they have made a profound impact on the organisations they’ve worked for, as well as the sector, through their vision, dedication, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. This nominee stands out for their enduring influence, consistent achievements, and exceptional service.

Official nominations for this category will not be accepted. The judging panel will independently select the recipient, though suggestions are welcome.