Matching Algorithm

How Our Algorithm Works

Riafin's matching algorithm is a sophisticated system that analyzes over 50 different data points to find the best advisor matches for each investor. It goes far beyond simple filtering to create meaningful, compatible connections.

The Matching Process

Step 1: Data Collection

The algorithm gathers information from multiple sources:

From Your Profile:

• Financial information (assets, income, goals)
• Personal preferences (communication, meeting frequency)
• Investment experience and risk tolerance
• Geographic location

From Advisor Profiles:

• Credentials and certifications
• Specializations and expertise
• Client demographics they serve
• Service offerings and fee structures
• Minimum asset requirements
• Geographic service areas

Step 2: Scoring System

Each potential match receives a compatibility score from 0-100 based on:

Hard Requirements (Must Match)

• Asset Compatibility: Your assets must meet advisor minimums
• Location: Advisor must serve your geographic area
• Capacity: Advisor must be accepting new clients
• Regulatory: Advisor must be properly licensed in your state

Weight: 40% of total score

Soft Preferences (Should Match)

• Investment Philosophy: Alignment on active vs. passive, risk approaches
• Communication Style: How you prefer to interact vs. their style
• Service Model: Comprehensive planning vs. investment-only
• Specializations: Relevant expertise for your specific needs

Weight: 35% of total score

Experience & Fit (Nice to Match)

• Years of Experience: Comfort level with seasoned vs. newer advisors
• Client Demographics: Similar clients they've successfully served
• Technology: Comfort with digital tools vs. traditional methods
• Fee Structure: Alignment on how you prefer to pay

Weight: 25% of total score

Step 3: Quality Ranking

After initial scoring, matches are ranked by:

1. Compatibility Score (higher is better)
2. Advisor Quality Score (internal rating)
3. Recent Activity (active advisors rank higher)
4. Match Diversity (ensuring variety in recommendations)

Algorithm Factors in Detail

Financial Alignment

Asset Level Matching

Score = 100 - |Your Assets - Advisor Sweet Spot| / Tier Range * 100

Advisors score highest when your assets fall in their "sweet spot" - the range where their services work best.

Goal Compatibility

• Retirement planning emphasis
• Tax minimization priority
• Growth vs. income focus
• Time horizon alignment

Investment Philosophy

The algorithm analyzes:

Risk Tolerance Alignment

Investment Approach

• Active vs. passive management
• Index fund preference
• Individual stock selection
• Alternative investments interest

Personal Preferences

Communication Style Matching

Factors considered:

• Preferred meeting frequency
• Digital vs. in-person preference
• Response time expectations
• Educational approach preference

Service Level Expectations

• Comprehensive planning vs. investment-only
• Tax planning needs
• Estate planning requirements
• Insurance analysis desired

Special Matching Scenarios

Complex Financial Situations

The algorithm gives extra weight to specializations when you have:

• Business ownership → Matches business planning specialists
• Stock compensation → Matches equity compensation experts
• Recent inheritance → Matches wealth transition specialists
• Divorce → Matches divorce financial planning certified advisors
• International considerations → Matches cross-border planning experts

Life Stage Matching

Your age and life stage influence matching:

Young Professionals (25-35)

• Student loan expertise
• Early career planning
• First-time homebuying
• Roth IRA optimization

Mid-Career (35-55)

• Peak earning years planning
• College funding strategies
• Career transition planning
• Maxing out retirement accounts

Pre-Retirees (55-65)

• Retirement income planning
• Healthcare cost planning
• Social Security optimization
• Tax-efficient withdrawals

Retirees (65+)

• Sustainable withdrawal strategies
• Required minimum distributions
• Legacy planning
• Long-term care considerations

Algorithm Transparency

What You Can See

Each match shows you:

• Match Percentage: Overall compatibility score
• Why Matched: Top 3-5 matching factors
• Strengths: Where you're most aligned
• Considerations: Areas to discuss in consultation

Example Match Explanation

Match Score: 87%

Top Matching Factors:
✓ Asset level in advisor's sweet spot
✓ Both prefer quarterly meetings
✓ Similar investment philosophy (moderate growth)
✓ Both value comprehensive planning
✓ Geographic location match

Considerations:
⚠ You prefer digital communication; advisor is traditional
⚠ You're new to investing; advisor typically serves experienced clients

Continuous Improvement

Machine Learning

Our algorithm learns from successful matches:

• Which matches lead to engagements
• Client satisfaction ratings
• Long-term relationship success
• Advisor feedback on match quality

Regular Updates

We continuously refine the algorithm based on:

• User feedback
• Market changes
• New advisor specializations
• Emerging financial planning trends

Improving Your Matches

Ways to Get Better Matches

1. Complete All Questionnaire Sections

   • Partial profiles lead to less accurate matching
   • Every question helps refine recommendations

2. Update Your Profile Regularly

   • Life changes affect matching
   • New goals may require different expertise
   • Asset changes may open new advisor options

3. Be Specific About Needs

   • Vague responses lead to generic matches
   • Specificity enables specialization matching
   • Include all relevant financial concerns

4. Review Match Explanations

   • Understand why certain advisors are suggested
   • Adjust preferences if matches aren't ideal
   • Use feedback to improve future matching

When to Request a Rematch

Consider requesting new matches when:

• Significant life changes (marriage, new job, inheritance)
• Asset level changes substantially
• Goals or priorities shift
• Current matches don't feel right after consultations
• You want to explore different advisor types

Privacy and Data Use

What We Analyze

• Profile Data: Questionnaire responses, preferences
• Behavioral Data: Which matches you view, contact
• Feedback Data: Ratings, comments, engagement outcomes

What We Don't Do

• Sell your matching data
• Share detailed profiles without consent
• Use data for non-matching purposes
• Match based on advisor payment to Riafin

Algorithm Limitations

What Algorithms Can't Capture

While sophisticated, our algorithm can't measure:

• Personal chemistry
• Communication rhythm
• Trust building speed
• Cultural fit
• Intuitive understanding

That's why we always recommend consultations - the human element matters.

Next Steps

Now that you understand how matching works:

• Complete Your Questionnaire
• Review Your Matches
• Learn About Advisor Vetting