Can You Evidence Why This Platform Is Still Suitable?
Advisers are expected to evidence why a platform remains suitable. That now includes awkward questions about outages, data handling, AI use, operational resilience and whether the platform can explain what happens behind the scenes.
I help advisers ask the platform questions most suitability files do not cover yet, then turn the answers into evidence you can use.
The platform questions advisers now need to ask
Wrap platforms are under pressure from ageing technology stacks, integration debt and new AI features in service, operations and client reporting. Advisers do not need to become AI engineers, but they do need to ask sharper questions before relying on a platform's automation.
For financial advisers, this creates a significant risk. When you recommend a platform to clients, you're implicitly endorsing their technology. If that technology fails, whether through AI errors, data breaches or system outages, your clients suffer and your reputation is on the line.
Consumer Duty now requires advisers to ensure the products and services they recommend deliver good outcomes for clients. Can you demonstrate that you've assessed the technology resilience of the platforms you recommend?
Platform due diligence is no longer optional. It is a regulatory expectation.
The risk to your advice file
If platform technology, data controls or AI use affect client outcomes, you need more than a brochure answer.
Consumer Duty Liability
If a platform's technology fails your clients, can you demonstrate you conducted appropriate due diligence? Consumer Duty requires it.
Shadow AI Risks
Platforms may use AI in support, reconciliation, reporting, risk scoring or operational triage. Do you know which tools touch client data, whether outputs are reviewed, and what evidence the platform keeps?
Regulator and file-review scrutiny
If a platform decision is challenged, you need to show what you asked, what evidence you reviewed and why the answer was good enough for the client.
Data Protection
How does the platform handle client data in AI systems, embedded assistants and third-party analytics tools? Are retention, processing location and subcontractors clear?
Weak evidence trails
If AI or automation touches servicing, reporting, triage or data checks, can the platform explain what happened and who reviewed it?
Business Continuity
If the platform fails, what happens to your clients' investments? Have you assessed their technology resilience?
Platform Due Diligence Assessment
I assess platform AI use, data handling, governance and resilience, then give you clear questions, risk ratings and due-diligence evidence for your client files.
What I Assess
- AI systems in use across the platform
- Governance frameworks and documentation
- Data handling and privacy practices
- Third-party AI vendor relationships
- Audit trails and explainability
- Technology resilience and business continuity
- Regulatory compliance posture
What You Receive
- Plain-English due diligence report
- Risk assessment with clear ratings
- Questions to ask the platform directly
- Consumer Duty documentation support
- Practical platform comparison notes
- Recommendations for your practice
- Ongoing monitoring options
Platform Due Diligence Assessments from £5,000. Group rates available for adviser networks.
Why Financial Advisers Work With Me
Independent, expert assessment without platform bias
Independent Assessment
I don't receive commissions from platforms. My assessment is based purely on technology and governance quality.
Regulated Sector Expertise
I work exclusively with professional services and regulated industries. I understand FCA requirements and Consumer Duty.
The Pattrn Protocol
My governance framework provides a clear standard against which to assess platform AI practices.
Practical Outputs
You'll receive clear, actionable reports, not academic papers. Information you can use in client conversations.
Consumer Duty Ready
My reports are designed to support your Consumer Duty documentation and evidence requirements.
Personal Service
I conduct every assessment personally. You work directly with me, not a junior analyst.
When to Commission Platform Due Diligence
Before Recommending a New Platform
Ensure you understand the technology risks before adding a platform to your panel or recommending it to clients.
During Annual Platform Reviews
Technology changes fast. Include AI governance in your regular platform due diligence cycle.
After Platform Technology Announcements
When a platform announces new AI features or technology changes, understand what it means for your clients.
Following Industry Incidents
When technology failures hit the news, assess whether your recommended platforms have similar risks.
Protect Your Clients. Protect Your Practice.
Book a discovery call to discuss platform due diligence for your practice. I'll help you understand what you need to assess and how to document it.
Or email me directly at [email protected]
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