#158 - Interest Rates and Agency M&A in 2026 w/ Scott Freiday & Keith Mangini
Tue Feb 03 2026
In this episode of Business Refocused, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Scott Freiday and Keith Mangini from InsurBanc for a timely, straight-talk conversation about interest rates, lending strategy, and what agency owners should actually be doing in 2026.
From rate expectations and market timing myths to acquisition readiness and creditworthiness, Scott and Keith break down how lenders really think about agency deals. They explain why waiting for the “perfect rate” can cost buyers real opportunities, how preparedness impacts both speed and pricing, and why clean financials often matter more than agents realize. The discussion also covers refinancing, structuring debt more efficiently, and why working with an industry-specific lender changes the entire experience.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why trying to time interest rate cuts can hurt acquisition and growth plansHow short-term vs long-term rates actually impact agency loansWhat a realistic acquisition timeline looks like and how to shorten itHow creditworthiness, financial reporting, and owner behavior affect loan termsWhy waiting for lower rates can increase competition and valuationsHow refinancing and restructuring existing debt can free up cash flowWhy industry lenders understand agency value differently than local banksWhat agency owners should prioritize now to be ready for opportunities in 2026Sponsored by AgencyPoint
This episode is brought to you by AgencyPoint, your full-service partner for Accounting, Tax, Legal, and HR solutions built specifically for insurance agencies. AgencyPoint helps independent agencies streamline operations, stay compliant, and make confident financial decisions. Learn more at https://www.myagencypoint.com/partners/insurancerefocused
Connect with us:
Follow AgencyFocus for more conversations that help agency owners build clarity, confidence, and long-term value. Learn more at https://agency-focus.com/
Show previously named Insurance Refocused
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In this episode of Business Refocused, Lindsay and Carey sit down with Scott Freiday and Keith Mangini from InsurBanc for a timely, straight-talk conversation about interest rates, lending strategy, and what agency owners should actually be doing in 2026. From rate expectations and market timing myths to acquisition readiness and creditworthiness, Scott and Keith break down how lenders really think about agency deals. They explain why waiting for the “perfect rate” can cost buyers real opportunities, how preparedness impacts both speed and pricing, and why clean financials often matter more than agents realize. The discussion also covers refinancing, structuring debt more efficiently, and why working with an industry-specific lender changes the entire experience. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why trying to time interest rate cuts can hurt acquisition and growth plansHow short-term vs long-term rates actually impact agency loansWhat a realistic acquisition timeline looks like and how to shorten itHow creditworthiness, financial reporting, and owner behavior affect loan termsWhy waiting for lower rates can increase competition and valuationsHow refinancing and restructuring existing debt can free up cash flowWhy industry lenders understand agency value differently than local banksWhat agency owners should prioritize now to be ready for opportunities in 2026Sponsored by AgencyPoint This episode is brought to you by AgencyPoint, your full-service partner for Accounting, Tax, Legal, and HR solutions built specifically for insurance agencies. AgencyPoint helps independent agencies streamline operations, stay compliant, and make confident financial decisions. Learn more at https://www.myagencypoint.com/partners/insurancerefocused Connect with us: Follow AgencyFocus for more conversations that help agency owners build clarity, confidence, and long-term value. Learn more at https://agency-focus.com/ Show previously named Insurance Refocused