Jonathan Laws
ACA, Ch.MCSI
Senior Independent Financial Adviser
Career Journey
Jonathan began his career after graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2015 with a degree in Economics, alongside broader study across statistics, finance, humanities and Mandarin. He later returned to Guernsey and joined PwC’s Transaction Services Graduate Scheme, working on multi-million-pound IPOs and share issues, including projects linked to the London Stock Exchange and teams in London and New York.
Over time, he realised he preferred client-facing work to corporate finance, cutting through jargon, making decisions clearer, and helping people feel confident about their financial future. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (ACA), he moved into wealth management and now supports clients with long-term planning for retirement, family priorities and life goals.
Education & Credentials
Undergraduate Degree:
Professional Qualifications:
-
- ICAEW Chartered Accountant (ACA) – PwC Graduate Scheme
- CFA Program – Levels I & II Completed
- CISI Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- CISI Level 6 Pension & Planning Advice
(Awarded Highest Exam Mark – 2022) - Financial Planning & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)
- CFA UK Level 4 Certificate in Investment Management
- CISI Statement of Professional Standing (SPS) (valid until 8 June 2026)
- Series 65 – Uniform Investment Advisor Law Exam (USA)
Currently Pursuing:
- CISI Level 7 Certified Financial Planner (CFP) – Case Study (Less than 3% of UK advisers hold this designation)
- Level 3 of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Exam
Role at Cameron James
As Senior Independent Financial Adviser at Cameron James, Jonathan is often the first point of contact for new clients. He takes the time to understand their circumstances, concerns, and long-term objectives before ensuring they are matched with the right specialist adviser to achieve the desired outcome.
Jonathan works with clients across the UK, US, and Europe, helping them make clear, well-structured financial decisions aligned with their lifestyle and long-term aspirations. Rather than reacting to short-term market noise, his focus is on building sustainable strategies, whether that means retiring early, relocating internationally, or securing a family’s financial future.
He also plays an important internal role as a mentor to newer advisers, supporting complex case discussions and maintaining Cameron James’ client-first standards across the advisory team.
Jonathan is also one of our key content producers, writing blogs and featuring in YouTube videos on topics for which he has in depth knowledge.
Areas of Expertise
- Lifestyle Financial Planning
- Cross-Border Financial Planning
- Pension Transfers (DB, SIPP, QROPS & QNUPS)
- US Retirement
(401k, IRA, 529, HSA) - Overseas Pensions
- Restructuring Legacy QROPS & High-Cost Products
- Retirement Planning for International Clients
(UK, US & Europe)
Regulatory & Licensing
Jonathan provides advice under the following regulatory frameworks:
- FCA Regulation (UK)
- SEC Regulation (USA) (for relevant advisory services)
- EU Regulatory Compliance (where applicable)
- Gibraltar (ROTW)
Affiliations & Memberships
- ICAEW (Charted Accountant)
- Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (Chartered Fellow)
- CFA Institute UK
Personal Interests
- Financial Markets and Investing
- Politics
US and International Relations (rarely brought up with clients!)
- Rugby
Leinster season ticket holder
- Scuba Diving
Multiple dive clubs; frequent trips (Red Sea, Caribbean, SE Asia)
- Green Bay Packers
NFL “Owner”
- Milwaukee Bucks
Followed Giannis from his rookie season (Madison)
- Wisconsin Badgers (Alma Mater)
Friends with players who went pro; regular visits en route to Packers games
Meet Harvey
Devoted Dog Dad to Harvey the Cockapoo, “The Pampered Prince of Richmond-Upon-Thames”
Client Experiences With Jonathan
What clients say about working with Jonathan, and what they value most.
My experience working with Jonathan has been exceptional. He demonstrates all the attributes of someone who builds immediate trust with his clients, through being curious and attentive, always available, and never letting an issue lapse. I couldn't recommend him highly enough.
My husband chose Cameron James as our preferred IFA shortly before his death and I am so grateful he did. Jonathan Laws has been supportive, compassionate and patient with me in the dealing of not just my husbands Pensions but also my own. I could not have coped without him or the people in the Support and Transfer teams. In addition my investments are performing very well.
Very happy with Jonathan. He handled my pension transfer professionally and speedily. He gave good financial advice and is available to talk at short notice.
Speaking as a former IFA for 20 years, I can honestly say Cameron James (CJ) & my advisor, Jonathan Laws are Champions League standard when it comes to International financial advice!
I got the best advice going with very competitive & transparent charges for both my QROPS and my investment BOND.
Jonathan has extensive investment & procedure knowledge, he gets the job done & how you want it, it recommend CJ for all your International financial needs.
I got the best advice going with very competitive & transparent charges for both my QROPS and my investment BOND.
Jonathan has extensive investment & procedure knowledge, he gets the job done & how you want it, it recommend CJ for all your International financial needs.
The free initial consultation was very helpful in acquiring useful information on my situation.
I recently moved to Spain after retiring in the UK and had to move my pension and investments, as I was unable to receive advice from my existing FAs. I did the usual internet and YouTube searches and also received recommendations from other expats. I made contact with a number of FAs but always got the feeling I was under pressure, or the advice given was likely to benefit the FA more than me.
Dominic’s YouTube videos seemed sincere and honest so I made contact with him for advice. He put me in touch with Jonathan who also seemed straight and put me under no pressure to take his advice and left it to me to follow up. The good feeling I got from the online meetings has so far proved to be justified as a year after taking Jonathan’s advice in transferring to an international SIPP I am more than happy with the growth and management of the fund, and the frequency of the reviews. If I have any questions, Jonathan replies to my emails usually the same day.
It’s always hard to know whether to trust a FA, as it’s a big decision who looks after your life savings.
My decision to use CJF was a good one and I can thoroughly recommend them.
Dominic’s YouTube videos seemed sincere and honest so I made contact with him for advice. He put me in touch with Jonathan who also seemed straight and put me under no pressure to take his advice and left it to me to follow up. The good feeling I got from the online meetings has so far proved to be justified as a year after taking Jonathan’s advice in transferring to an international SIPP I am more than happy with the growth and management of the fund, and the frequency of the reviews. If I have any questions, Jonathan replies to my emails usually the same day.
It’s always hard to know whether to trust a FA, as it’s a big decision who looks after your life savings.
My decision to use CJF was a good one and I can thoroughly recommend them.
Jonathan Laws ACA Ch.FCSI of Cameron James was phenomenal in explaining the UK pension program and offered wonderful advice whether to set up a SIPP account. From the US, it was frustrating to not know the financial terrain and Jonathan was patient with our endless questions and concerns. He is highly recommended and commended for his service.
After being exposed to 3 time wasting companies who completely messed up my DB pension transfer of a UK pension in the Channel Islands I found my Saviour Cameron James. I sent a request for information and received a phone call from Jonathan Laws. I cannot express in a few words how excellent and professional the service was from Jonathan. Everything explained to me up front, time frames and potential pit falls. His advice on a certain Pension company's tardiness on communication has been proved correct only this month. I wish I had contacted this company first as they are a delight to deal. If you have tried the rest now try the best!
Jonathan Laws has been incredibly helpful in setting up a new SIPP and I have been very impressed with the team. Jonathan's advice and planning has been first class and I have appreciated how transparent the company is with regard to fees etc. I highly recommend Cameron James
So a little about my Situation, I had a Final Salary Scheme in the UK I live in the US. The Final Salary scheme lacked benefits i needed such as Beneficiaries other than your spouse, retiring at 55 etc.. I wanted to Transfer to a SIPP so i could retire earlier than 65, and specifically add my children as beneficiaries.
I contacted Cameron James and started the transfer to a US accredited Sipp.
My Advisor Jonathan Laws is/was awesome, we still meet yearly to discuses the SIPP to make sure its on target and the financial markets. He is extremally knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.
I would without doubt recommend Cameron James to handle your pension transfer needs, and Jonathan Laws as an amazing advisor.
I contacted Cameron James and started the transfer to a US accredited Sipp.
My Advisor Jonathan Laws is/was awesome, we still meet yearly to discuses the SIPP to make sure its on target and the financial markets. He is extremally knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.
I would without doubt recommend Cameron James to handle your pension transfer needs, and Jonathan Laws as an amazing advisor.
The support that Jonathan Laws provided throughout the entire transfer process of my UK Pension to a USA SIPP was excellent. He provided critical support and advice in navigating through the entire process and made himself available whenever I had any questions or concerns. I would highly recommend Jonathan Laws and Cameron James based on my experience.
The advice that Jonathan Laws provided was outstanding. The detail provided was always at the right level and always at least 2 options provided with appropriate pros and cons identified. Extremely flexible in terms of time of day to take calls which working from America was very helpful. Just a wonderful experience, I have been trying to sort out issues with my UK pension for many years and Jonathan and Cameron James finally helped me to do that
Cameron James has provided us with valuable expert advice on pension transfers and savings in connection to our forthcoming move abroad. The firm has robust systems for financial compliance and due diligence which are very reassuring. Our advisor, Jonathan Laws, has invaluable knowledge in this area which he has shared with us in a professional yet friendly and approachable manner. We have found him and the rest of the CJ's team to be very responsive and proactive. We would recommend Cameron James to anybody who is planning to move abroad.
As a UK citizen, who transferred to work overseas, on several occasions many years ago, with a UK based company, I had to join their overseas Defined Benefit pensions scheme, for those periods of employment. Nearing the age of retirement there was no shortage of pension transfer specialists prepared to advise on the transfer of my corresponding UK Defined Benefit scheme, however, finding an overseas pension specialist for UK citizens proved to be much more difficult.
Eventually, I discovered Cameron James Ltd on You Tube and watched and tried to understand all of their video uploads before making contact. Having spoken to a number of transfer specialists their content seemed to be very well balanced especially highlighting the regulatory requirements and risks. When I made the initial contact, they responded to my initial enquiry within a matter of hours and an initial consultation zoom meeting soon followed.
Over the following months, Jonathan Laws was always available, at any hour, to advise and guide me through the transfer process in a highly professional manner. His knowledge of the relevant legislation related to the transfers lead to an efficient transfer process.
On the completion of the transfer the professional relationship with Cameron James Ltd and Jonathan Laws has continued into the investment phase. His insights have proved to be especially valuable in the current turbulent times.
Eventually, I discovered Cameron James Ltd on You Tube and watched and tried to understand all of their video uploads before making contact. Having spoken to a number of transfer specialists their content seemed to be very well balanced especially highlighting the regulatory requirements and risks. When I made the initial contact, they responded to my initial enquiry within a matter of hours and an initial consultation zoom meeting soon followed.
Over the following months, Jonathan Laws was always available, at any hour, to advise and guide me through the transfer process in a highly professional manner. His knowledge of the relevant legislation related to the transfers lead to an efficient transfer process.
On the completion of the transfer the professional relationship with Cameron James Ltd and Jonathan Laws has continued into the investment phase. His insights have proved to be especially valuable in the current turbulent times.
As an expat, I wanted to consolidate my two UK pensions into a SIPP, and I am pleased that I chose Cameron James after spending many weeks researching several financial companies. I want to give a special shout out to my adviser Jonathan Laws, who was always accessible. Jonathan and his team promptly responded to my questions, updating me frequently during the entire pension transfer process. All went smoothly. I can wholeheartedly recommend Cameron James to anyone looking to transfer their UK pension. Also, they have several videos on YouTube if you are looking for more information and advice.
I would thoroughly recommend the team at Cameron James for expat pension advice. I had accrued a number of UK DC pensions before moving overseas and wanted to consolidate them into one more easily managed fund and to work with a firm that could advise on the best use of that fund when I retired. I spoke with both James and Jonathan at Cameron James and they talked me through the pros, cons and process of transferring the funds into a single International SIPP. The transfer was straightforward on my end and Cameron James kept me updated with a short weekly email stating where each pension was in the process. So far I have been very impressed with the personal service I've received.
Articles by Jonathan
