Why We Complement is evolving our language. And what it means for advice support

The financial advice profession is changing. Report writing is becoming streamlined. Automation is evolving. But suitability – the logic, defensibility and clarity behind every recommendation – still depends on human thinking.

At We Complement, we’ve taken time to reflect on how we describe the work we do behind the scenes. And we’ve chosen to evolve our language to match the strategic value we bring.

 

Suitability is Strategic

This isn’t about rejecting titles used elsewhere in the profession. It’s about choosing language that better represents what we do, day in, day out, to strengthen client outcomes and ensure Consumer Duty alignment.

We’ve moved away from describing our team as report writers. We now call them Suitability Consultants, because the title reflects their role in protecting advice integrity from the very beginning of the process.

Here’s what that means for us:

• Risk Controllers. We spot gaps before they become liabilities
• Logic Guardians. We validate not just what’s written, but why it matters
• Suitability Engineers. We help design systems that prevent failure, not just check boxes

 

Why We Made the Shift

Paraplanning remains a respected and valued title across the profession. We know many people proudly wear it, and with good reason.

But for us, the title no longer captured the breadth or strategic nature of the work we do. Our decision to evolve was driven by clarity. For our clients, our team and our future direction.

If you’ve ever thought:

“I want to stay technical, but grow professionally.” “I don’t want to chase clients. I want to protect them.” “AI might write the words. But someone needs to train it on what suitable means.”

…then Suitability Consultant might resonate with you too.

 

 

How We’ve Embedded the Change

We didn’t stop at a new name. We followed through across every touchpoint.

✔ Updated internal job titles, systems and documentation

✔ Reframed our client materials to reflect assurance and defensibility

✔ Launched a new series, Inside Suitability, to share real stories from the team

This wasn’t just about language. It was about making roles clearer, elevating technical careers, and aligning with what firms need in a Consumer Duty environment.

 

A Word from Tony, Our MD

“I’ve never felt that ‘paraplanner’ quite captured the role our team plays. It always sounded more administrative than strategic.

Suitability Consultant lands better for us. It reflects the thinking, responsibility and clarity we deliver.

I’d be proud to introduce any one of our team with that title. Not just as someone who supports advisers, but as someone who protects them.”

 

A New Direction for Technical Professionals

Suitability Consultant isn’t just a title. It’s a progression path.

We’re building out structured roles to support deeper specialisation, including:

• Governance Analysts – supporting PI reviews and management information
• Advice Risk Leads – guiding logic reviews and structured assurance
• Onboarding Specialists – helping firms embed AI tools into their workflow

This isn’t a stepping stone to advice. It’s a career path in its own right. And one the industry needs more of.

 

Want to Know More?

We’re not here to say what others should call themselves. We’re simply sharing why we made the shift, and how it’s helped us clarify the role, the value and the direction of our work.

If it sparks a conversation in your firm, even better.

We Complement. We ensure the suitability of your advice.