Joel Baker has devoted his career to the insurance industry, gaining expertise as one of Canada’s leading authorities on insurance industry analytics. In 2004, he founded MSA Research, the renowned analytical research and financial publishing firm entrusted to provide independent, accurate research and analysis to all those who have a stake in the Canadian insurance industry. MSA Research’s clients include the overwhelming majority of Canada’s insurers, reinsurers, brokers, reinsurance brokerages, risk managers, industry associations, regulators, investment bankers and equity analysts.
Joel began his career in the insurance industry with the Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada, now part of RSA Canada and subsequently Intact. In 1994, recognition of his analytical capabilities resulted in him being offered the position of General Manager with the Canadian rating agency, TRAC Insurance Services Ltd., which he led until 1999. When the company was acquired by A.M. Best, he led A.M. Best Canada for four more years, during which time he was heavily involved in the rating process of property and casualty insurers, as well as life insurance companies.
Joel’s depth of understanding of the Canadian insurance industry makes him frequently called upon to comment on industry results. He is often quoted on his unique perspective of the industry. It was Joel’s commitment to the industry that prompted him to create a forum in which all of Canada’s insurance leaders could unite to share ideas, insights and initiatives that would strengthen the country’s property and casualty insurance industry. In 2007, he launched the National Insurance Conference of Canada (NICC), which quickly became the Canadian P&C industry’s pre-eminent leadership forum. After a hiatus due to COVID-19, the highly anticipated NICC will be held at the Halifax Convention Centre, September 18 – 20, 2022.
In 2014, Joel also founded Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ), delivering detailed analytical and meteorological information on Canadian natural and man-made catastrophes. Through its online subscription-based application, CatIQ combines comprehensive insured loss indices and other related information to better serve the risk management needs of the insurance and reinsurance industries. CatIQ was acquired by PERILS AG in 2019. In place of the annual conference, CatIQ Connect hosted a Quarterly Webinar Series throughout 2020, 2021 and 2022. They look forward to returning in-person February 7-8, 2023 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
In 2021, The Haliburton Post House was launched. The Post House is a lakeside luxury retreat in Ontario.