Delegated Authority Manager Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Most Delegated Authority Manager interviews in the UK follow a pattern, and knowing it beats guessing. Below are eight questions from our bank of 12, each with a note on what the interviewer is really after.

Eight Delegated Authority Manager interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. What does a delegated authority manager do, and what qualities does the role demand?

Why they ask: They want to see that you understand the balance between supporting partners and controlling the risk of giving away underwriting authority.

2. What due diligence would you carry out before granting a binding authority to a new MGA or coverholder?

Why they ask: Onboarding is where most delegated authority problems are prevented, so they test your thoroughness.

3. What are the key terms you would expect to see in a binding authority agreement, and why do they matter?

Why they ask: They want to see you can define the limits of authority, as these are what you will police.

4. How do you use bordereaux and management information to monitor a binder, and what would worry you?

Why they ask: They want to see that you can turn data into early warnings.

5. How would you structure a coverholder audit, and what happens after it?

Why they ask: They are checking that you can run a risk-based oversight programme that leads to real improvements.

6. How do the Consumer Duty and product governance rules apply when business is distributed through an MGA?

Why they ask: Retail business through delegated authority carries regulatory risk, so they want to see you understand where responsibility sits.

7. A binder's loss ratio has deteriorated sharply midway through the year, but the MGA says it is just bad luck and wants to keep writing at full volume. What would you do?

Why they ask: They want to see data-led judgement and the ability to hold a partner accountable.

8. Tell me about a time you onboarded a new delegated authority partner or launched a new binder.

Why they ask: They want evidence that you can run a structured process and balance speed with control.

A sample answer to question 1

What does a delegated authority manager do, and what qualities does the role demand?

I am responsible for the relationships and controls around the business we write through MGAs and coverholders under binding authority agreements. That covers onboarding and due diligence, agreeing the terms of authority, monitoring performance through bordereaux and management information, running or commissioning audits, and escalating or terminating when standards slip. A normal week might involve a review call with an MGA about loss ratios, checking a coverholder's monthly bordereau for data quality, meeting our claims team about delegated claims authority, and reporting concerns to the underwriting committee. The challenge is that we are accountable to the regulator and, at Lloyd's, to the Corporation for business written in our name, yet we do not control each risk. I think the role needs commercial awareness, firmness, strong analytical skills and credibility with both underwriters and partners. Good delegated authority managers are collaborative but willing to say no, because trust has to be backed with evidence.

Common mistake to avoid: Treating it as an admin function; ignoring accountability to regulators and Lloyd's

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 12 questions are on the Delegated Authority Manager interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.