Ep 99: Scaling advice with AI and avatars

Listen to Dan Solin, President at Solin Strategic LLC and Evidence Based Advisor Marketing, as he shares his journey from law to financial advice, revealing how his legal background shaped a preventative, client-first mindset.

In this episode, Dan unpacks the power of simplicity in investing, advocating for low-cost, transparent strategies that cut through industry complexity. He introduces the neuroscience-informed “Solin process” to build trust and engagement and explains why listening—not talking—is the true competitive edge for advisers. He explores how AI and avatars can scale personalisation and content delivery, critiques outdated asset-based fees, and champions fairer, fixed models. Dan concludes by affirming that while technology will transform the industry, the human element remains essential in delivering meaningful, emotionally intelligent financial advice in Australia’s evolving landscape.

00:01:35 – Dan’s background Dan began his career as a lawyer before shifting into financial advising. He explains how his legal background influenced his focus on prevention over reaction, leading him to help clients make  better investment decisions before problems arise.

00:03:01 – Writing and evidence-based investing Dan discusses his books on evidence-based investing, explaining how the industry often overcomplicates what should be a straightforward discipline. His philosophy centres around simplicity, low-cost solutions, and the importance of transparency.

00:05:09 – The Solin process He introduces the “Solin process,” a neuroscience-informed approach to client engagement that focuses on asking open-ended questions. This process helps advisors convert prospects into clients by building trust and credibility.

00:08:08 – Neuroscience and listening Referencing studies from Harvard, Dan explains that listening creates pleasurable brain responses in clients. In contrast, dominating the conversation often leads to disengagement. Listening, he argues, is the true competitive edge in advisery services.

00:15:00 – Leveraging technology Dan explains how advisors can use AI and digital avatars to scale their outreach while maintaining  personalisation. These tools are especially effective for connecting with younger clients and  enhancing marketing efforts.

00:18:32 – Investment simplicity Dan challenges the idea that complex strategies are better. He advocates for evidence-based investing and the use of index funds, stressing that clear communication and low-cost solutions often yield better outcomes for clients.

00:22:10 – Rethinking fee structures Dan critiques asset-based fees, calling them outdated and often misaligned with the actual work advisors perform. He recommends more transparent, service-based or fixed-fee models that reflect real value delivered.

00:24:38 – The role of advisers in a tech-enabled future While AI will take over many routine functions, Dan believes the human element will remain essential. Advisers should focus on addressing complex emotional and financial needs, while tech  handles repetitive processes.

00:27:44 – Using avatars to scale content Dan shares how he uses avatars to turn written content into hundreds of video clips. This allows him to scale his marketing and provide 24/7 access to resources without additional workload.

00:31:51 – Final reflections Dan concludes by affirming his belief in the integrity of most advisors and their willingness to evolve. By adopting better communication strategies and new technologies, the industry can deliver more effective and ethical service.