019: Rethinking the MGA: How Pine Walk Balances Freedom with Discipline with Rinku Patel

In this episode of MGAA Conversations, host Mike Keating speaks with Rinku Patel, CEO of Pine Walk Capital, about the firm's innovative platform model for MGAs. Founded in 2017 and backed by Fidelis, Pine Walk provides experienced underwriters with the infrastructure, support, and operational freedom to launch and scale underwriting businesses. Rinku discusses how Pine Walk blends entrepreneurial freedom with robust capital backing, their approach to governance and risk, and what sets their platform apart in the evolving MGA landscape.

Key Quotes

“We give entrepreneurs real freedom — underwriting freedom and operational support — but we do so in a way that’s disciplined and governed.”

“We’ve created a structure that’s not only attractive to underwriters but also gives confidence to capacity providers and regulators.”

“Our model is very different. We take real ownership of the businesses we back — they carry our name, our compliance standards, and our risk management culture.”

Resources

• Pine Walk Capital Website: https://www.pinewalkcapital.com/
• Fidelis Insurance Group – Pine Walk's strategic parent company Website: https://www.fidelisinsurance.com/

About the Guest

Rinku Patel is the CEO of Pine Walk Capital, an MGA platform launched in 2017 with backing from Fidelis Insurance. With a background in insurance, investment, and operations, Rinku leads Pine Walk’s mission to empower underwriters through a supportive, well-governed infrastructure that combines entrepreneurial freedom with institutional-grade standards.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rinkupatel

About the Host:

Mike's extensive expertise in the insurance sector has allowed him to witness and adapt to the dynamic shifts within the industry. Throughout his 40 year career, he has navigated the traditional realms of insurers, brokers, and MGAs (Managing General Agents) across both Commercial and Personal Lines markets.

He has held Executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently Insurtech start up Qlaims before becoming Chief Executive Officer at the MGAA in September 2020.

Mike is excited about the new MGAA podcast series, which aims to showcase key figures in the UK insurance industry and beyond, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities that the MGA industry encounters.

Mike's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-keating-230b8424/