Determining Investor Suitability Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process

The analytic hierarchy process is a useful model for characterizing investors in terms of the suitability of particular investments. The model makes the process of choosing securities less subjective without forfeiting the broker's ability to tailor portfolios to the needs of clients. The use of a formal model for security selection produces more consistent results and may provide some degree of protection against unsuitability lawsuits against brokers and brokerage firms.