24th June 2026

Getting Better Results from AI: The RTCC Framework

Artificial intelligence is only as good as the instructions you give it. 

If you’ve ever asked AI a question and received an answer that felt generic, vague or simply not quite right, don’t be too quick to blame the technology. 

Imagine asking a trainee paraplanner to prepare a client report without explaining who the client is, what they’re trying to achieve or how you want the report written. 

You wouldn’t expect a particularly useful result, and AI works in the same way.

The more clearly you explain the task, the better the response is likely to be. 

That’s why we recommend using Panacea’s RTCC Framework whenever you write a prompt. 

The RTCC Framework

Every effective prompt contains four simple elements:

• R – Role

Tell AI who you want it to become.

For example: “Act as an experienced UK Chartered Financial Planner with extensive knowledge of retirement planning and Consumer Duty.”

• T – Task

Explain exactly what you want it to do.

 For example: “Draft a client-friendly explanation of sequence of returns risk.”

• C – Context 

Give the AI enough background information to tailor its response.

For example: “The client is 64 years old, planning to retire next year and is worried that a stock market fall could affect their retirement income.” 

Remember: Never include personally identifiable information (PII) such as client names, addresses, National Insurance numbers or account details when using public AI models.

• C – Constraints

Finally, explain how you want the response written.

For example:

• Maximum 300 words
• Use plain English
• Avoid technical jargon
• Use UK English
• Write in a reassuring and empathetic tone
• Do not provide regulated financial advice

These instructions help shape the final output so it is much closer to what you actually need.

See the Difference 

Let’s compare two prompts.

Prompt One: “Explain sequence of returns risk.”

This is a perfectly reasonable question.

However, the AI has no idea:

• Who it’s writing for
• Why the explanation is needed
• How detailed it should be
• What tone to use
• Whether technical language is appropriate 

The result is likely to be a fairly generic explanation. 

Prompt Two (Using RTCC) 

“Role: Act as an experienced UK Chartered Financial Planner.

Task: Explain sequence of returns risk.

Context: The explanation is for a 64-year-old client who plans to retire within the next twelve months. They are concerned about how a market downturn might affect their pension income.

Constraints: Use plain English, keep the explanation under 300 words, avoid technical jargon, write in a reassuring tone, use UK English and do not provide regulated financial advice.” 

The second prompt gives AI the information it needs to produce a response that is far more relevant, more natural and much closer to something you could adapt for client use.

The difference isn’t the technology - it’s the quality of the brief.

Better Prompts Save Time

One of the biggest misconceptions about AI is that prompts should be short. In reality, the opposite is often true. 

Spending an extra minute providing clear instructions can save ten minutes of editing later. 

Whether you’re creating client communications, summarising research, drafting marketing content or producing internal documents, a well-structured prompt consistently delivers better results. 

One Final Reminder 

Even the best prompt doesn’t remove the need for professional judgement.

AI should always support your work - not replace it.

Every AI-generated output should be reviewed, checked and refined before it is used.

Think of AI as your first draft partner and the adviser remains responsible for the final result.

Panacea’s Free Guide to AI

Whether you’re curious about AI or already experimenting with it, our free guide will help you use it safely, responsibly and effectively.

Panacea’s Guide to AI for UK Financial Advisers includes:

• Practical prompts you can use immediately
• Real-world adviser use cases
• Compliance and Consumer Duty considerations
• Guidance on data security and responsible AI use
• Tips for integrating AI into your firm’s day-to-day workflow

Access your free copy here

 

Sarah Paul
Panacea Adviser

Business Development, Panacea Comment