“With SMSFs, [there is] such a wide range of unique client scenarios, that there’s just too much variety to lock it down into an algorithm as yet,” explained Mr Hennington.

“When we set up ASAP, we expected that there'd be certain advice scenarios that we’d automate, but as yet, we’re playing it a bit cautiously [so] an adviser [still] checks each recommendation.”

Where the client scenario satisfies a range of checks and validation rules then the advice will be automated, he explained, otherwise a human adviser will still review it and may undertake further enquiries and make amendments before it’s issued.

“If you automate it all too early, the risk is that [you’ll] miss key issues, or the system won’t be able to deal with the full range of scenarios that real clients have. ASIC have what they call the 'know your client' rules, whereby if you haven’t got enough information about the client scenario, you need to carry out further investigations to make sure the adviser fully understands the client situation and what their objectives are,” he said.

“As digital advice gets more experienced we’ll be able to make it even more efficient over time,” he said.