1. Purpose

This policy sets out how Lawson Financiak Ltd uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly within our mortgage and protection brokerage. It ensures our use of AI is ethical, transparent, and compliant with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) principles, UK GDPR, and wider consumer protection standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, advisers, contractors, and third-party suppliers who use AI tools in connection with the firm’s operations, including but not limited to:

• Client communication and marketing
• Research and product comparison
• Administrative and operational support
• Data analysis and reporting

3. Guiding Principles

Our use of AI will always align with the following principles:

1. Client Best Interest – AI will only be used to support, not replace, regulated advice. All recommendations to clients will be reviewed and approved by a qualified adviser.
2. Transparency – Clients will be informed if AI-powered tools contribute to communications or services provided to them.
3. Accountability – Responsibility for all decisions remains with human staff. AI cannot provide regulated mortgage or protection advice.
4. Fairness and Non-Discrimination – AI tools will not be used in ways that could unfairly disadvantage, exclude, or discriminate against clients.
5. Data Protection & Security – AI use must comply with UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. Client data must not be input into unapproved or insecure AI systems.
6. Accuracy and Reliability – Information generated by AI will be fact-checked and verified before being shared with clients.

4. Permitted Use of AI

Staff may use AI for:

• Drafting marketing content, articles, and educational materials (reviewed by compliance before publication).
• Summarising product literature and market research (for internal use only).
• Enhancing operational efficiency (e.g. meeting notes, template creation, administrative workflows).

5. Prohibited Use of AI

Staff must not use AI for:

• Giving unverified mortgage, protection, or investment advice.
• Making final lending or protection recommendations without adviser oversight.
• Storing, processing, or sharing client personal data with unapproved AI platforms.
• Automating decisions that impact a client’s financial outcome without human review.

6. Risk Management and Oversight

• AI systems will be reviewed regularly for compliance, accuracy, and bias.
• Staff will receive training on responsible AI use.
• Any breach of this policy will be treated as a disciplinary matter and may also trigger regulatory reporting obligations.

7. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant changes in regulation, technology, or business use of AI.