Technology

Big names in adviser tech are making headlines again. Aberdeen, Intelliflo and ZeroKey recently announced a new partnership, aimed at streamlining adviser technology and tackling inefficiencies across the sector (Money Marketing). Add to that the Carlyle Group’s acquisition of Intelliflo (Carlyle release), and it feels like adviser tech is consolidating faster than some advice firms.

But behind the M&A noise, one theme keeps coming up in our conversations with advisers and paraplanners: data openness. Because the reality is that slick partnerships mean very little if the data still doesn’t flow properly.

Why advisers are frustrated with data

According to NextWealth’s Data Openness report, most advisers see inconsistent and poorly structured data as one of their biggest operational headaches. Platforms and providers all have their own formats, delivery methods, and quirks. For smaller firms it’s annoying. For consolidators it’s a nightmare.

Here’s what we’re hearing:

• Data doesn’t flow cleanly between CRMs, platforms and back-office systems.
• Transfers drag on because information is incomplete or locked in PDFs. (Platforms Association)
• Advisers spend hours rekeying – which means less time with clients, and more chance of errors.

One consolidator quoted in the research summed it up bluntly: “Clients would be horrified if they knew what a shambles it is from different providers.”

The drivers for change

So why might this finally shift? Four main forces are pushing providers to get serious about data quality and accessibility:

1. Regulation & Consumer Duty – The FCA expects firms to prove ongoing suitability, not just tick boxes once a year. You can’t do that without reliable, consistent data.
2. Client expectations – Life doesn’t happen on an annual review cycle. Clients want real-time updates, not a paper pack once a year.
3. Private equity ownership – With investors like Carlyle putting significant capital behind platforms, the pressure is on to show scalable, data-driven infrastructure.
4. AI – Whether it’s report drafting, admin automation, or client portals, AI is only as good as the data it ingests. Garbage in, garbage out.

Where the innovation is happening

Across the market, we’re seeing a wave of new solutions designed to cut down on wasted admin and smooth advice workflows.

• AI-driven Letters of Authority tools are reducing the chaos of provider packs, extracting structured data and cutting turnaround times.
• Client portals are giving households access to valuations, tools and resources in real time – but only if the underlying data is clean.
• AI meeting assistants are helping capture, transcribe and summarise client conversations, turning them into ready-to-use notes and draft suitability reports.

The common thread? All of them depend on clean, structured, open data.

No matter how smart the AI, if it’s working with half-finished fact-finds, locked PDFs, and missing product histories, it can’t deliver the outcomes advisers and clients expect.

Practical steps for advice firms

If you’re sitting in an ops or compliance seat at an advice firm, here are some practical questions to put on your agenda:

• Ask your platforms: What data standards do you support? Can you provide structured feeds rather than PDFs?
• Challenge delays: If transfer times are holding back client outcomes, escalate it. The Platforms Association is already putting pressure on providers – firms adding their voice will speed things up.
• Audit your own systems: Are your back-office and CRM actually set up to receive and store structured data? Or are you still relying on manual workarounds?
• Think beyond today: If you’re experimenting with AI (drafting reports, summarising calls, or using portals), remember: the investment only pays off if the underlying data is trustworthy.

Why this matters for advice culture

This isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about trust.

We’ve argued in our Advice Integrity white papers that retrospective file checking is a broken model. Real-time, evidenced advice is the only way to satisfy the FCA, reassure insurers, and build public confidence. Data openness is the bedrock of that shift.

If advisers can’t rely on their data, they can’t prove their advice integrity. And if clients can’t get clear, consistent information, they won’t trust the advice profession to deliver.

The takeaway

Tech partnerships, private equity deals, and shiny AI demos will keep making headlines. But the firms that win in the next five years will be the ones that get their data house in order – demanding openness from providers, aligning systems internally, and using that foundation to power real-time suitability and client confidence.

If this resonates with what you’re seeing in your own firm, we’d love to hear from you.

There’s a quiet but important shift happening across adviser tech, and if you blink, you might miss it. We’re not talking about a shiny new CRM or another data dashboard. We’re talking about what’s going on under the hood: integrations, partnerships, and AI pipelines that are shaping how advice gets built and delivered.

This month alone, we’ve seen:

• FNZ team up with Microsoft to explore AI-powered advice tooling
• Twenty7tec roll out a planning module with new CRM and cashflow integrations
• City AM select Third Financial as a new platform partner

That’s three signals in one month pointing to a bigger trend: the advice tech stack is maturing, and integrations are becoming non-negotiable. But what does that really mean for financial planners and paraplanners? And where does it leave firms trying to deliver good advice, not just good systems?

Let’s dig in.

From Tools to Ecosystems

We’ve all worked with ‘tech’ that made life harder, not easier. A platform login that doesn’t speak to the CRM. A client risk score stuck in a PDF. Rekeying data into suitability reports (again). It’s no surprise that some advice firms have been slow to adopt new tools—they’ve been burned before.

But the nature of tech is changing. What we’re seeing now isn’t just more tools, but better connectivity between them.

Take the Twenty7tec update as a prime example. Their new integration layer links to iPipeline, Genovo, Timeline, and more, bridging the gap between planning, risk, and suitability workflows. According to CEO James Tucker, “the focus is now on connecting, not just creating”.

This shift matters. Because disconnected tools don’t just slow teams down—they create advice risk. When data gets re-entered or misaligned between systems, the integrity of the advice narrative suffers. And under Consumer Duty, ‘close enough’ just isn’t enough.

Enter AI: Assistant or Risk?

Then there’s AI. The FNZ–Microsoft announcement highlights a growing appetite to embed large language models (LLMs) into advice tooling—think summarisation, pattern detection, and even recommendation support.

On paper, this sounds great. But here’s the catch: if AI is reading client files, assessing risk, or suggesting actions, the need for human oversight skyrockets.

As we often say: AI can enhance, but not excuse. You still need a clear, defensible logic path. You still need to evidence why a recommendation was made, not just what the tool produced. And unless that AI is aligned to current FCA rulesets, it’s not a shortcut—it’s a liability.

For now, AI is best seen as a co-pilot. A speed enhancer. A second set of eyes. But the judgment? That still sits squarely with the adviser, and ideally, a structured suitability consultant process.

What Firms Can Do Right Now

If you’re reviewing your own tech stack or planning for 2026, here are three practical questions to ask:

1. Are your systems talking to each other? Look at the points of friction: duplicate data entry, non-integrated risk tools, or manual report generation. These are not just time drains—they’re risk triggers.
2. Do your tools support your people? If automation is creating more rework or generating documents that need constant editing, it’s not really helping. The best tools simplify, not complicate.
3. Is your process auditable, not just operational? This is the big one. Under SYSC, COBS and Consumer Duty, you need more than a ‘completed’ advice file—you need to show the logic behind it, version it, and evidence that it aligns with client objectives and risk appetite.

If your QA team is still working at the end of the process, rather than alongside it, your tech is probably observational, not preventative.

Final Thought: It’s Not About the Tech. It’s About the Structure

At We Complement, we’re excited about tools like AMS (Advice Matrix Scoring), ARC (Advice Readiness Checks), and ASL (Advice Suitability Logic). But the point isn’t that we’ve got tech. It’s that we’ve built structure.

Every integration, every automation, every dashboard should serve a bigger purpose: helping firms deliver clearer, safer, and more consistent advice. If your tools aren’t doing that, it might be time for a rethink.

If any of this resonates with what you’re seeing in your firm, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re reviewing your tech stack, exploring AI, or just trying to smooth out your workflows, we’re always happy to chat. No pitch, just people who get it.

Speed. Integration. Capacity. It’s what every advice firm is chasing – but most platforms still make you jump through hoops. This month, we spotlight the tech making real strides in reducing admin, unlocking capacity, and getting clients over the line faster.

Here’s what’s hot this July 👇

Transact x Plannr: Faster Onboarding, Finally

If onboarding feels like death by paperwork, this update might be your moment of relief. Transact and Plannr Technologies Limited have teamed up to deliver an integration that automates client setup and dramatically reduces time to submission.

What’s in it: • Pre-population of Transact app forms via Plannr CRM • Seamless digital consent and ID verification • Straight-through processing (finally!)

💭 What this means for you: Think fewer manual touchpoints and faster turnaround for new business. If your team is still toggling between CRM, platform, and email trails just to open one account, it’s time to rethink your onboarding tech.

🔗 Read the full Transact + Plannr update

AdviserSoftware’s New AI Guide: One to Bookmark

There’s no shortage of AI noise – but this guide is worth your time. AdviserSoftware.com has launched a monthly AI-focused feature to help firms cut through the hype and understand where AI genuinely fits into their advice process.

💭 What this means for you: Whether you’re dabbling with AI for factfinding or client comms – or still figuring out what’s hype and what’s helpful – this guide can be your shortcut to clarity.

🔗 Check out the first edition

Facing a Capacity Crunch? Tech Might Be Your Exit Route

A standout piece from Professional Adviser highlights how advice firms are responding to rising demand and limited internal capacity – and yes, smart tech is the common thread.

From client triage tools to simplified workflows, the shift is clear: capacity isn’t just about hiring more people. It’s about making the people you already have more effective.

What this means for you: Think less about headcount and more about headspace. What’s eating up your team’s time – and is there tech to take it off their plate?

🔗 Read the full article

Final Thought: Smart Tech Isn’t Optional – It’s Strategic

If your tech doesn’t reduce friction, it’s not doing its job. Advisers don’t need “innovation.” They need: • Less rekeying • Faster onboarding • Cleaner compliance trails • Tools that earn back hours – not cost them

At We Complement, we work with firms who want exactly that. Tech that works for advisers, not the other way around.

📬 hello@wecomplement.co.uk 💬 Or drop us a message right here – we’re always up for a conversation about smarter operations.

The fintech landscape isn’t slowing down, and neither are the pressures on financial advice businesses. This month’s edition of TechTalk brings you the latest tech and regulatory developments—and more importantly, what they actually mean for your firm’s operations, compliance, and client experience.

Let’s dive in.

📊 Aviva & FNZ Launch New Tools for Advisers

Aviva for Advisers and FNZ have launched two new tools designed to help advisers work smarter, not harder:

• Adviser Analytics Hub: a new MI suite inside Aviva’s Adviser Hub, offering data insights on client behaviour, segmentation, and business trends.
• New asset transfer workflow – designed to simplify and speed up bulk client transfers onto the Aviva platform, with far less back-and-forth.

This goes beyond ‘more dashboards’—it’s a genuine push to align platform functionality with adviser realities.

💭 What this means for you: If your firm regularly battles with fragmented data or slow re-registration workflows, this tech could significantly reduce turnaround times and resource drain. If you’re platform-agnostic, now’s the time to review which providers are genuinely investing in adviser usability.

🔗 Explore Aviva & FNZ’s collaboration

🔐 Moneyinfo x ZeroKey: Integrated Client Data, Less Hassle

moneyinfo and ZeroKey have announced a new partnership that’s all about speeding up access to client data—without compromising quality.

The integration means advisers can:

• Pull in data from providers, platforms, and open banking feeds
• Pre-populate client profiles with minimal manual entry
• Manage onboarding and reviews via a slick branded mobile app

It’s a tangible step forward in the drive toward smarter, faster client servicing.

💭 What this means for you: Ask your team how many minutes they spend hunting for accurate data before each review meeting. Now multiply that across your entire client base. This kind of automation doesn’t just cut cost—it unlocks capacity and reduces friction in your client journey.

🔗 See what Moneyinfo and ZeroKey are building

🧠 FCA & ICO: AI Is Inevitable—But You Need to Be Ready

In a joint update, the FCA and ICO made it clear: they support the use of AI in financial services—but they’re keeping a close eye on it.

Key points:

• 85% of firms are already using or planning to use AI.
• Data protection is a top barrier.
• A new statutory AI code of practice is being developed to provide clearer guardrails.

The message is: innovation is encouraged, but it must be responsible, transparent, and client-focused.

💭 What this means for you: Whether you’re already using AI tools (e.g. for meeting notes, workflows, or MI) or just considering them, now is the time to audit your processes. Are your providers transparent about how data is handled? Are you confident you could demonstrate compliance?

🔗 Read the full FCA-ICO update

🛡️ Fraud Is Up—Here’s What That Means for Wealth Firms

A recent report shows a 73% increase in online fraud impacting UK businesses. For advice firms handling sensitive financial data, the implications are real and growing.

Advisers need to be aware that:

• Cybercriminals are targeting firms with weak integrations and outdated client portals.
• Trust can be eroded fast if clients feel their data isn’t secure.
• Regulators are paying attention to how firms handle identity verification, document transfers, and platform access.

💭 What this means for you: Security is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a brand issue. Clients are asking more questions about where their data goes and how it’s protected. If your tech partners aren’t visibly proactive on security, it may be time to revisit the stack.

📈 FCA’s 2025–2030 Plan: Get Ready for Open Finance

The FCA’s new 5-year strategy reveals a vision where technology and trust go hand-in-hand. Open Finance is no longer a buzzword—it’s a roadmap.

Key highlights:

• Laying the groundwork for Open Finance regulation and interoperability.
• Supporting firms to adopt AI and digital tools safely.
• Stronger focus on consumer outcomes through transparent data use.

💭 What this means for you: Open Finance could fundamentally reshape how you access, use, and share client data. Are your systems agile enough to keep up? The firms that invest in flexible, future-ready infrastructure today will be the ones that thrive when the frameworks land.

💬 Final Thought: Let’s Be Honest—The Tech Isn’t Slowing Down

The pace of change can be exhausting. But the firms that succeed aren’t the ones doing everything—they’re the ones doing the right things, at the right time.

This month’s updates are a reminder that:

• Data must be trusted, not just available
• AI must be usable and accountable
• Client experience still trumps ‘shiny tech’

At We Complement, we help financial planning firms find their balance—making smart tech decisions that genuinely support advisers, paraplanners, and clients. If you’d like a sounding board on what to prioritise, we’re here.

📬 hello@wecomplement.co.uk 💬 Or just reply here—we always love hearing from planners who want to make tech work.

🔁 Follow us for more monthly TechTalk updates — no jargon, just insights that matter.

Practical Tech Insights for Paraplanners & Advisers

Welcome to the May edition of TechTalk! This month, we’re diving into the latest tech developments in financial services, with a focus on tools and innovations that can make your day-to-day work more efficient and client-focused.

🧠 Enhancing Client Understanding with Psychometric Tools

Scottish Widows has integrated a psychometric testing tool into their platform, developed in collaboration with Oxford Risk. This tool assesses clients’ risk attitudes, knowledge, and composure, providing deeper insights into their financial behaviours.

Why it matters:

• For paraplanners: Gain richer client profiling data during onboarding.
• For advisers: Tailor investment strategies that align more closely with client behaviours, potentially reducing reactive decision-making during market volatility.

👉 Learn more about the integration

🔧 Streamlining Platform Operations: The Platforms Association

A new body, the Platforms Association, has been established to address common challenges in the investment platform sector, such as re-registration delays and inconsistent tech interfaces. Members include major players like Aegon, Quilter, and Fidelity.

Why it matters:

• For paraplanners and advisers: Expect improved platform interoperability and service standards, leading to more efficient client onboarding and management.

👉 Read about the Platforms Association’s goals

📊 Advancing Pension Visibility: Origo’s Dashboard Connection

Origo has successfully connected to the UK’s pensions dashboards ecosystem, a significant step towards providing clients with a consolidated view of their pension pots.Why it matters:

• For paraplanners: Simplifies the fact-finding process by aggregating pension information.
• For advisers: Enhances the ability to present comprehensive retirement planning strategies.

👉 Discover Origo’s role in the pensions dashboard

📑 Standardising Data Requests: The LoA Data Checklist

The LoA Data Checklist, developed by the Fix LoA Action Group (FLAG) and maintained by Criterion, is gaining traction with over 70 firms adopting it. This standard aims to streamline the process of obtaining information through Letters of Authority.

Why it matters:

• For paraplanners and advisers: Reduces administrative burden by clarifying the data expected from providers, leading to faster and more accurate information retrieval.

👉 Explore the LoA Data Checklist

💰 Meeting Client Demand: AJ Bell’s Gilt MPS Launch

AJ Bell has introduced a new Gilt Model Portfolio Service (MPS), offering a low-cost investment option amid growing adviser demand for gilts. The service features a management charge of just 0.10% per annum and is available with a minimum investment of £10,000.

• For advisers: Provides a tax-efficient, low-risk investment option suitable for clients seeking stable returns.

👉 Learn about AJ Bell’s Gilt MPS

🔍 Final Thoughts

The financial services world is evolving fast, and it’s clear that tech is no longer a ‘nice to have’—it’s central to how paraplanners and advisers deliver value, stay efficient, and serve clients better. From smarter client profiling to platform improvements and clearer data standards, these developments are all about making your day-to-day work easier and more effective.

At We Complement, we specialise in supporting financial planning businesses behind the scenes—whether that’s paraplanning, streamlining operations, or helping you adopt the right tech tools without the overwhelm. If you’re curious about how we can help, pop us a DM here on LinkedIn or drop us an email at hello@wecomplement.co.uk. We’re always up for a chat.

🔍 AI & Cybersecurity: What Advisers Need to Know

This month, I’ve focused on two big topics that are shaping financial advice right now—cybersecurity threats and AI developments. Both are moving fast, and staying ahead is key.

🛡 Cyber Threats & Client Data—Are Advisers Doing Enough?

Cybercriminals are getting smarter, and financial services firms are a prime target. Keeping client data safe isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes—it’s about protecting your reputation and trust.

The biggest risks right now:

• Phishing & social engineering – Scammers are more convincing than ever. Are you and your team prepared?
• Weak security protocols – Still relying on outdated systems? You could be leaving your firm exposed.
• Regulatory penalties – A single data breach could land you in hot water with the FCA.

Simple ways to tighten security: ✅ Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – A quick win to reduce the risk of unauthorised access. ✅ Secure document sharing – Ditch email attachments and switch to encrypted client portals. ✅ Regular staff training – People are the weakest link (and your strongest defence). Keep them informed!

📖 Further reading:

• Cybersecurity: Best Practices for Financial Advisers
• Top Cyber Trends for Financial Services in 2025

🤖 AI Updates—What Actually Matters for Financial Advice?

AI is transforming financial advice, but with all the hype, it can be hard to know what’s actually useful and what’s just noise.

Here’s what’s worth paying attention to:

• AI adoption is accelerating – More firms are integrating AI into their processes, streamlining workflows and improving client interactions.
• Regulators are watching – The FCA is keeping a close eye on AI to make sure it’s used responsibly.
• Potential risks—data security & bias – AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on. What safeguards are in place to ensure fair outcomes?

Key questions advisers should be asking: 💡 How does AI handle sensitive client data? 💡 Are AI-generated recommendations free from bias? 💡 What are the FCA’s compliance expectations?

📖 Further reading:

• Research Note: AI in UK Financial Services
• FCA and ICO to Host Roundtable on AI Adoption and Innovation

📜 FCA’s Focus on AI & Consumer Duty

The FCA is stepping up scrutiny on AI in financial services, making it clear that firms must prioritise client protection, transparency, and fairness.

The key concerns: 🔹 Data security – AI tools must protect client information and prevent data breaches. [Read more] 🔹 Transparency – Clients should understand AI-driven decisions, not just accept them blindly. [Read more] 🔹 Bias & discrimination – AI should help advisers serve all clients fairly, not reinforce hidden biases. [Read more]

What this means for advisers: ✔ Review your AI tools – Are they compliant with Consumer Duty standards? ✔ Monitor AI-generated advice – Ensure recommendations are accurate and in clients’ best interests. ✔ Stay informed – AI regulations are evolving. Keep up-to-date to avoid compliance headaches.

📖 Further reading:

• Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) | FCA
• AI Risks in Financial Advice | FT

Cyber threats and AI are reshaping financial advice—are you prepared? By taking proactive steps now, you can protect your clients, improve efficiency, and stay ahead of the curve.

At We Complement, we’re here to help advisers integrate technology in a way that’s safe, efficient, and compliant. If you’re exploring how AI or digital tools could improve your practice, let’s chat!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on these developments—drop a comment or message us!

It’s been a busy month in the fintech space! From cutting-edge AI tools to some big regulatory and tech developments that could impact your day-to-day work, here’s what’s been happening and what it means for financial advisers.

AI in Advice: Hype or a Real Game-Changer?

AdvisoryAI has recently launched its second AI assistant, Evie, designed to streamline “the most time-consuming aspects of the financial advisory process.” Evie can update customer relationship management (CRM) systems, eliminating the need for manual data entry, and also automates meeting transcriptions and summaries, making it easier to stay on top of client interactions without the usual admin burden. Read more here.

But let’s be real—while AI has potential, many advisers are still figuring out where it fits. Our recent LinkedIn poll on client meeting notes showed that a huge 42% of advisers still rely on pen and paper, despite the availability of transcription and AI-powered tools. Meanwhile, just 11% record and transcribe meetings every time. This tells us there’s still a gap between the AI solutions being marketed and what advisers are actually comfortable using. So, is AI truly making your life easier, or is it just another layer of complexity? If you’re still sticking to traditional methods, what’s stopping you from embracing AI-driven solutions?

DeepSeek: The AI Model That’s Raising Eyebrows

A new AI model called DeepSeek has been making waves in the AI space. Developed by a Chinese research team, DeepSeek is an open-source large language model (LLM) designed to rival ChatGPT. While both models generate human-like responses, DeepSeek was developed in record time and at a fraction of the cost, raising concerns about the quality of its training data and security risks. For financial advisers, the key takeaway is that not all AI models are created equal. While ChatGPT has undergone rigorous testing and compliance reviews, DeepSeek’s rapid release raises questions about data security, reliability, and ethical considerations. If you’re considering integrating AI into your practice, make sure any tool you use meets compliance requirements, safeguards client data, and aligns with FCA guidelines. The last thing you want is to rely on an AI that hasn’t been stress-tested for accuracy in financial planning. Read more here.

Letters of Authority: Why Are Providers Making Life Harder?

In a move that’s frustrating many in the industry, some providers are refusing to speak with adviser admin staff—even when they have a signed Letter of Authority (LoA). This is making it harder to get client requests processed efficiently. For many firms, admin staff are the backbone of smooth client service, and this kind of red tape only slows things down.

The issue isn’t new, but it seems to be getting worse. Some providers claim security concerns or regulatory requirements prevent them from engaging with non-advisers, while others simply don’t have the internal processes to handle LoAs efficiently. This leads to delays in transferring client information, increased workloads for advisers, and unnecessary frustration for both firms and clients.

Recognising these challenges, The Pension Lab has launched the Fix LoA Action Group (FLAG), a collaborative initiative aimed at overhauling the LoA process. FLAG seeks to bring together industry stakeholders—including providers, advisers, paraplanners, and others—to streamline and improve the LoA process. The goal is to make LoA processing as simple and transparent as Open Banking.

Paraplanners, advisers, and admin teams—how is your firm handling these roadblocks? Have you found any workarounds, or are you simply forced to wait? Let’s keep this conversation going and push for real change. Read more here

The UK’s Potential Leadership in Asset Tokenisation

The UK is in a strong position to lead the global market in asset tokenisation, a revolutionary use of blockchain technology to digitise ownership of traditional assets. Tokenisation allows for fractional ownership of everything from property to fine art, opening new investment opportunities. However, while the U.S. has been focusing heavily on cryptocurrency, the UK has the opportunity to dominate the tokenisation space, offering a more accessible and secure market for investors.

Yet, there’s a significant lag in the UK’s regulatory framework for digital securities. Industry experts argue that stronger government leadership and clear regulatory guidance are needed to ensure the UK doesn’t fall behind other global financial hubs like Singapore or Luxembourg. Asset tokenisation could reshape capital markets, increase liquidity, and provide new opportunities for both advisers and clients.

If you’re advising clients on alternative investments or looking to diversify portfolios, this emerging trend could be a key area to watch. Read more here.

Final Thoughts

The takeaway this month? AI adoption in advice is happening, but advisers are still hesitant about fully integrating it. The LoA process continues to cause frustration, but efforts are underway to make it smoother. The UK’s potential in asset tokenisation could be a game-changer for advisers looking to offer new investment opportunities.

At We Complement, we’re here to help advisers navigate the evolving tech landscape with solutions designed to improve productivity, simplify compliance, and provide valuable support to both clients and teams. Whether it’s helping you get the most out of AI tools, streamlining admin, or staying on top of regulatory changes, we’re here to make tech work for you.

Until next time,

Amy North