CAMGA taps former regulatory exec to advise on MGA regulation

After retiring in June as CEO of Ontario’s self-regulating body for brokers, Patrick Ballaytne has resurfaced as a central figure in discussions about the regulation of managing general agents (MGAs).    

Canadian Association of Managing General Agents (CAMGA) announced today it has appointed Ballantyne as a consultant to advise on MGA-specific regulatory discussions.

Ballantyne previously served as CEO of the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) for a decade, in addition to a decade as its general counsel. Also, he is a past chair at the Canadian Insurance Services Regulatory Organizations (CISRO).

His work for CAMGA will include advising on standards of conduct and financial requirements for MGAs, contributing to CAMGA’s jurisdictional review, and assisting in creating a white paper that supports discussions with regulators across Canada, CAMGA announced.

“This initiative reflects CAMGA’s commitment to leadership that strengthens the MGA sector,” CAMGA president Pete Tessier commented in a news release. “Patrick brings extensive regulatory and policy expertise, and CAMGA is proud to support efforts that will create greater consistency and confidence across the industry.”

Discussions about MGA regulation emerged after TruStar launched a civil lawsuit last December against its former CEO Daniel Moses, whom it accuses of siphoning premiums into his own personal bank accounts for private use. TruStar is currently in receivership.

No criminal charges have been laid, and the allegations contained in TruStar’s statement of claim have not been proven in court. The former CEO’s legal representatives have not responded to Canadian Underwriter‘s request for comment.

The lawsuit led to the P&C industry banding together to make sure brokerage clients received coverage for which they had paid. The incident led to regulators reviewing how MGAs are regulated, since they are intermediaries that fall between brokerages and carriers.

Related: TruStar aftermath sees P&C industry focus on due diligence, governance

In a conversation with CU, CAMGA’s new chief executive officer, Brett Boadway, said the association’s priorities for 2026 include a national discussion with Canadian insurance and broker regulators about the best way forward.

“One thing I’ve noticed over the first month of my time here at CAMGA is that there’s a lot of alignment throughout the entire industry about what people want from this association,” Boadway said in November interview. “I’ve seen firsthand that the industry shares a common goal: developing a consistent, identifiable standard for MGAs.

“CAMGA is working closely with industry stakeholders to help build that clear, reliable framework. The question isn’t whether it should be done, but the question is how it should be done.

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She says CAMGA will strike a regulatory oversight committee. “We’re going to make sure we’re building strong relationships with every regulatory body across the country. We’re ready to collaborate, provide data, develop education, and provide a communication forum for all interested parties.”

CAMGA described its initiative as “a major step forward” in leading and contributing to regulatory discussions for MGAs nationwide.

“I’m pleased to be working with CAMGA on a project that is both timely and meaningful for the future of the MGA channel in Canada,” Ballantyne said of his appointment. “I look forward to collaborating with CAMGA and its members as we advance this important work.”

David Gambrill

David has twice served as Canadian Underwriter’s senior editor, both from 2005 to 2012, and again from 2017 to the present.