Built to institutional standards
PlannerPath is an assessment platform operating in a regulated profession. These are the questions we expect institutions to ask — and our answers to them.
Founded by someone who understands the profession
PlannerPath was founded by Leo Zhu, who holds the LIBF Diploma in Financial Advice (Level 4) — a qualification typically held by practising financial advisers, which Leo achieved at 16. That professional background informed every design decision in PlannerPath's competency framework.
PlannerPath's assessment methodology was developed with direct reference to CISI professional competency standards for paraplanning, and has been developed following senior engagement with CISI.
LIBF DipFA Level 4
Diploma in Financial Advice — typically held by practising financial advisers. Achieved at age 16.
CISI Alignment
Assessment framework developed with reference to CISI professional competency standards for paraplanning.
How simulations are reviewed and maintained
Expert-informed design
Every simulation scenario is reviewed by PlannerPath before publication. Simulations are assessed against expert-validated rubrics covering technical accuracy, regulatory compliance, professional judgement and report quality.
AI scoring with human oversight
AI scoring provides consistency and scale — but every scoring framework is designed and validated by humans. PlannerPath retains oversight of all scoring rubrics and reviews AI outputs for quality.
Regular content updates
Simulations are reviewed against current UK financial planning legislation and regulatory guidance. Our AI-assisted review system flags content that may be outdated following Budget changes or FCA updates.
Firm-submitted simulations
Simulations submitted by partner firms are reviewed and approved by PlannerPath before publication. No simulation goes live without PlannerPath sign-off.
How we ensure scores are fair and consistent
The PCI uses a Bayesian-adjusted formula that prevents early scores from being misleadingly high or low. A single strong performance does not inflate a candidate's score — the formula pulls toward a neutral prior until sufficient evidence has accumulated. This is explained in full on our methodology page.
All six competency domains are assessed using consistent rubrics applied by the same AI scoring system. A candidate completing the same simulation twice would receive materially similar scores — the scoring criteria do not change between attempts.
Confidence labels (Low confidence / Building / Established) are displayed alongside every PCI score so that firms understand the weight of evidence behind any given number.
What candidates can do if they disagree with a score
Candidates who believe a score does not reflect their response can contact PlannerPath at hello@plannerpath.co.uk. We will review the AI assessment against the submitted response and the scoring rubric.
Where a scoring error is identified, the score will be corrected and the candidate's PCI updated accordingly. We are committed to treating every candidate fairly and to maintaining the integrity of the PCI as a meaningful credential.
How candidate data is handled
UK GDPR compliance
PlannerPath handles personal data in accordance with UK GDPR. Candidate data is used only for the purposes of assessment, scoring and legitimate platform operation.
What firms can access
Partner firms can access the PCI scores and benchmark reports of candidates referred to them by PlannerPath. Firms cannot access raw simulation responses or personal contact details without candidate consent.
Data retention
Candidate data is retained for as long as a candidate maintains an active PlannerPath account. Candidates can request deletion of their data at any time by contacting hello@plannerpath.co.uk.
PlannerPath and the regulatory landscape
PlannerPath is not a regulated entity and does not provide financial advice. We are an assessment and competency platform operating in the financial services education and talent sector.
Consumer Duty (FCA PS22/9) has raised the bar on what 'competent' means for firms delivering financial services. Firms are expected to ensure that staff have the knowledge and skills to carry out their roles effectively. PlannerPath's competency evidence is designed to support — not replace — a firm's own competency assessment processes.
PlannerPath does not make hiring decisions. We provide competency evidence that firms can use as one input into their own recruitment and development processes.
Questions we haven't answered?
If you're a firm compliance director, university accreditation reviewer, or CISI contact with specific questions about our methodology or data practices, we'd welcome the conversation.
Contact us