The sales pitch shows you the best-case scenario. It doesn't tell you whether client data is sent to US servers, whether it's used to train the underlying model or what that means for your obligations as the data controller under UK GDPR. Your compliance team needs that information, even if vendors won't volunteer it.
What works for a US RIA or an unregulated business isn't necessarily appropriate for an FCA-regulated IFA. The UK regulatory environment, your client data obligations and how your practice actually operates all affect which tools are suitable.
A tool that doesn't connect to your back-office system or CRM creates manual workarounds that eat the time you were supposed to save. Integration feasibility needs to be assessed before purchase, not after.
My tool evaluation framework covers eight dimensions for every AI product under consideration. It's the same framework I'd apply whether we're assessing a note-taking tool, a CRM AI layer, a content generator or a full practice management platform.
I'm not affiliated with any software vendor. My recommendation is based entirely on what's right for your firm.
The output is a written evaluation — one section per tool assessed — with a clear recommendation (proceed / proceed with conditions / do not proceed) and the reasoning behind it.
AI note-takers and transcription tools that sit inside client meetings. High convenience, significant compliance considerations.
Tools that assist with writing client communications, reports, newsletters and social content. Quality and compliance vary widely.
AI features built into or bolted onto existing CRM systems — client scoring, next-action suggestions, pipeline analysis.
Doc processing, compliance checking, report generation — AI tools inside a regulated workflow with big compliance stakes and time-savings.
Investment research tools, market analysis platforms and portfolio commentary assistants with AI capabilities.
Chatbots, onboarding tools and digital touchpoints that clients interact with directly. Highest reputational stakes.
A tech stack review is especially useful when you're actively considering specific tools, reviewing your existing setup or preparing to present an AI adoption proposal to your compliance team or board.