MSA Research

Independent analytics and financial data for the Canadian property and casualty insurance industry

Data & Analytics Established Acquired

Overview

MSA Research is a Canadian-owned, independent analytical research firm exclusively focused on the Canadian property and casualty insurance industry. Founded in 2003 by Joel Baker and commencing operations in March 2004, MSA Research has become the dominant provider of financial data and analytical software for the Canadian insurance sector, serving over 95% of Canadian P&C insurers and related industry professionals.

The firm delivers comprehensive financial data, advanced analytics, and benchmarking tools that help insurance professionals make informed business decisions. Through its cloud-based MSA Researcher platform, subscribers access decades of standardized financial metrics, peer benchmarking, and trend analysis across the Canadian market.

In November 2023, MSA Research was acquired by Valani Global, a leading actuarial modeling and financial reporting firm with 38 actuarial professionals across Canada and the United States. MSA Research continues to operate as an independent brand under Valani Global ownership.

Products & Services

MSA Researcher Platform

Cloud-based analytical software platform available in two editions:

Key Features

MSA Researcher P&C - Property and casualty financial data and analytics
MSA Researcher Life/Health - Life and health benchmarking and analysis
Historical financial data archives (20+ years)
Peer benchmarking across 40+ P&C metrics
IFRS 17 financial metrics
OSFI PC5 data (Unpaid Claims and Loss Ratio Analysis)
Real-time industry performance indicators

Target Users: Insurers, reinsurers, actuarial firms, investment analysts, regulators

MSA Quarterly Outlook Report

Periodic P&C and Life/Health industry analysis and benchmarking reports published quarterly. Reports include comprehensive financial data, market performance indicators, and forward-looking commentary. Q3-2025 reports are available to current subscribers.

Target Users: Insurance executives, actuaries, equity analysts, regulators

Professional & Advisory Services

Key Features

Custom Reports & Consulting - Tailored research and due-diligence support for specific business needs
Rating Agency Advisory - Helps insurers manage rating agency relationships
Advisory Services - Strategic insights into market entry/exit and book-of-business analysis
Training Programs - Education for industry professionals on financial data and analytics

Industry Events & Conferences

MSA Research organizes and co-hosts premier industry events for the Canadian insurance sector:

Key Features

National Insurance Conference of Canada (NICC) - Premier annual P&C industry event (next: September 27-29, 2026)
InsurTech North - Annual insurance technology innovation conference, launched 2018
International Cyber Risk Management Conference (ICRMC) - Specialized cyber risk conference
CatIQ Connect - Annual catastrophe risk conference; MSA co-founded Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ) in 2014

At a Glance

Founded: 2003
Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Employees: 1-10
Funding: Acquired

Category & Focus

Category: Data & Analytics
Subcategories: Insurance financial data Industry benchmarking Market research
Insurance Verticals: P&C Commercial P&C Personal Reinsurance
Target Customers: Carriers, Brokers, Reinsurers, TPAs