AIR Evolve Summit 2026: Adviser Q&A

AI can sound complicated when you’re running a busy advice business. But financial adviser Ryan Mansell, Founder of Rhino Financial Solutions says you don’t have to be a technology expert to start exploring its potential. Following AIR Evolve 2026, he shares where AI is helping in his business, what he has learned and why his advice is to start small.

Before you started using AI, what was taking up most of your time?

Administration was a major drain on my time — creating leads in the CRM, updating records, contacting clients, writing recommendations and submitting applications. There was a lot to fit around the actual conversations with clients, which are the most valuable part of the job.

You estimate that AI is saving you around two hours per case. Where does that time saving come from?

The biggest savings have been around completing the fact-find, updating the fact-find notes and preparing the suitability report. I record and transcribe calls, which means I can focus more on asking questions and less on typing. Afterwards, I use the detailed notes alongside the fact-find and key facts to help produce the paragraphs needed for my suitability report. That has reduced the time I spend pulling everything together, freeing up more capacity to spend with clients and focusing on their needs.

Were you nervous about using AI when you first started?

Yes. I’m not technical, and at first, I wasn’t sure what to ask AI to do. But with some dedicated time and plenty of trial and error, I’ve managed to introduce a few automations that have made my workload more manageable. AI is good at helping to solve the problems you encounter.

What difference has that extra time made?

Cases are going through a little quicker, and I’m able to spend more time speaking with clients and contacting more people. It’s also helped me avoid feeling burnt out. I can work around family commitments and spend more time with my two daughters and my dog. There was quite a lot of frustration in the early days, but things have become easier.

What’s one thing you wish someone had told you about AI a year ago?

It isn’t as complicated as people can make it out to be. Start small.

The human judgement still matters

Ryan’s experience is one example of how technology can help reduce administration, giving advisers more time to focus on client conversations and delivering good outcomes.. Advisers remain responsible for the accuracy of their records, the suitability of their recommendations and the final content they provide to clients.