Technology has always played a supporting role in good financial planning, but only when it genuinely improves accuracy, clarity, and service. One of the most valuable tools we have introduced recently is the Plaud AI device, which helps us both during meetings and long after they’ve finished.
We initially spotted it on Indiegogo, a crowdfunding site that promotes development of new technology, and ordered one to try. It quickly became the most popular tech gadget that we have ever introduced, and now all Wealth Strategists have a Plaud AI device. We are not the only ones to see the potential of this credit-card sized AI device, with over 1.5 million of these devices now sold around the world.
At its core, Plaud allows us to securely record client meetings, with your knowledge and consent. Financial planning conversations can be wide-ranging and detailed, often covering goals, concerns, family matters, protection planning and long-term strategy in a single discussion. By having a full recording, we ensure that nothing relies solely on memory and nothing important is overlooked.
Accurate records and searchable transcripts
Each recorded meeting is automatically converted into a written transcript, which gives us a complete, searchable record of what was discussed. If we ever need to revisit a topic, recommendation or decision, we can quickly locate the relevant section rather than relying on handwritten notes or recollection.
This is particularly valuable for long-term planning, where conversations may span many years as it allows us to maintain clarity and continuity, even as circumstances change or plans evolve.
Clear and consistent post-meeting communication
We also use Plaud to support the drafting of our post-meeting emails. Using templates we have developed, the meeting transcripts are analysed by the AI to help produce a clear, accurate and consistent summary of what was discussed and agreed, and what the next steps are.
This approach reduces the risk of misunderstandings and ensures that you receive timely written confirmation that truly reflects the meeting itself. It also means less administrative delay, allowing us to focus more time on planning and advice rather than paperwork.
Security and data protection
We understand that confidentiality and data security are paramount. All recordings and transcripts are handled securely, and we have ensured that data is held on Plaud’s Private Cloud. This aligns with robust data-protection standards and our commitment to safeguarding your personal and financial information at all times.
Adviser-led, technology-enabled
While we are enthusiastic about the role AI can play in financial planning, we firmly believe that the future of advice remains adviser-led. The personal relationship, trust, and understanding of individual behaviour and emotions cannot be replicated by technology alone. Only humans can fully appreciate the nuances behind financial decisions.
However, much of the work behind the scenes, record-keeping, transcription, summarising and searching information, can be enhanced by AI. By using intelligent tools to handle these tasks, we believe we can deliver a better client experience: clearer communication, more timely information, and advice that is supported by accurate records.
In short, technology like Plaud AI allows us to combine the best of both worlds: human judgement and personal service, strengthened by smart, secure systems working quietly in the background for your benefit.
