The FCA’s latest firm survey reports that 88% of respondents understand its expectations on supporting consumers and embedding Consumer Duty, while the regulator continues work to simplify outdated or duplicated reporting. For advice firms expanding their use of AI and integrated platforms, this is a reminder that operational efficiency must remain aligned with demonstrably good customer outcomes.
Practical priorities include maintaining records of how AI tools are used, validating outputs before they influence advice or customer communications, protecting client data and ensuring clients can access appropriate human support. With technology integration still a major obstacle for advice businesses, firms should favour controlled, well-documented implementation over isolated AI experiments that create new compliance and operational-resilience risks.