When US-connected clients need advice on complex cross-border wealth and pension matters, the regulatory framework can quickly become a maze. That is why Beacon Global Advisor Network, LLC (BGAN) was established, to provide a compliant, SEC-registered home for experienced advisors like us who specialize in supporting expatriates, dual nationals, and internationally mobile professionals.
In this article, we explain how the BGAN model works, what it specializes in, and how it connects with Cameron James USA.
Executive Summary
Cameron James USA provides US residents with the same transparent, fixed-fee advice we provide worldwide. Particularly on UK pension transfer matters. Partnering with Beacon Global Advisor Network (BGAN) has been the most effective way to achieve this, giving us the SEC oversight and compliance framework we require, while allowing us to focus on our client relationships, advice philosophy and investment portfolios.
It’s a clean and simple arrangement: BGAN handles the regulatory side, and we focus on providing the quality advice our clients expect. As per any aspiring firm, our medium term goal will be to hold a direct SEC licence, but right now, this structure delivers the best value, allowing us to stay focused on helping clients make informed financial decisions across both sides of the Atlantic.
The results speak for themselves. The US has already become our second-largest market, which underlines what we’ve seen all along: there is strong demand for transparent, trustworthy advice for UK expats who move to the US. And that is precisely what we will continue to deliver.
What is Beacon Global Advisor Network, LLC (BGAN)?
Founded in 2017, BGAN is a US-based Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. It is jointly owned by Joseph Gruber and Randy Landsman.
BGAN operates as a network model, which means:
- Independent contractors (Advisory Representatives, or “Reps”) affiliate with BGAN to deliver regulated investment advice in the United States.
- These Reps may also run their own financial planning or insurance businesses outside BGAN, such as in the UK or Europe.
- While BGAN provides the compliance umbrella and SEC oversight for investment advice to US-connected clients, each Rep manages their own client relationships and businesses, with considerable autonomy over their advice proposition.
In short, BGAN gives specialist non-US advisers like us the ability to serve US persons within a fully compliant framework.
What Services Does BGAN Provide?
Through the BGAN model, we can provide a full suite of advisory services, including:
- Asset Management – advisory portfolio management (using ETFs, mutual funds, individual securities, and third-party model portfolios, where needed)
- Financial Planning & Consulting – retirement, tax, cash-flow, education, estate, and insurance planning.
- UK Pension Advice for Expatriates – a major area of specialization, helping US residents with UK pensions (Workplace pensions, SIPPs, QROPS etc).
- Retirement Account Rollovers – IRA and employer plan (401k) transfers, always under fiduciary standards.
For our clients, one of the most relevant areas is pension consulting and asset management for UK and overseas pensions. Where FCA-regulated UK transfer specialists are required (for DB pensions, or other safeguarded benefits), we work alongside them under the “two adviser” model. We also help clients manage or transfer pensions into structures such as:
- Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs)
- Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS)
This area requires deep expertise in both FCA/EU pension rules and SEC fiduciary standards, something very few firms globally can combine.
How Cameron James USA Fits Into the BGAN Model
At Cameron James, we specialize in cross-border pensions, investments and financial planning. Many of our clients are expatriates with both UK and international ties.
To serve US-connected individuals, our advisers affiliate with BGAN. For example:
- Outside the US: We provide advice via Cameron James, regulated in the UK (FCA) and EU (MiFID II/IDD via CySEC).
- Inside the US: provide advice under the SEC-registered BGAN framework, operating as Cameron James USA.
As we often mention, all the advisers at Cameron James are regulated and authorised by the FCA, and whilst this is technically not relevant for our non-UK clients, it does provide an extra layer of comfort knowing that they are giving advice to the standards now required in the UK, especially with the new Consumer Duty, which is above and beyond the requirements of advisers in the US under FCA authorization.
Many of our Cameron James USA clients also like this, as they know if they were to move back to Blighty for any reason, they would be able to maintain the Cameron James financial adviser and move over on to FCA licence.
For clarity, here at Cameron James USA, whether a client contacts us from the UK, or whether they contact us from the US, there is no difference in our underlying portfolio or solutions that we would recommend.
Again, for the avoidance of any doubt, any clients working with Cameron James USA are regulated under the SEC licence with BGAN.
This dual structure allows us to support clients seamlessly across jurisdictions. You remain fully within US compliance rules when receiving advice as a US person, while still benefiting from our cross-border pension expertise.
How BGAN Reps Work Under the Model
As BGAN Representatives, we are:
- Registered with the SEC under BGAN.
- Marketing under the Cameron James USA brand.
- Legally, BGAN must receive the fees directly from the provider the client has been placed with – and then Cameron James are remunerated. We can confirm the pay run with BGAN is extremely smooth and very rarely do we ever have any issues. Our financial advisors are paid promptly and on time for the work they have done.
- Bound by BGAN’s Code of Ethics and full compliance oversight.
It is important to understand that while clients see the Cameron James USA name, the regulated advisory relationship in the US is always with Beacon Global Advisor Network, LLC, and all formal paperwork will reflect that.One of the advantages of the BGAN model is its independence. They do not dictate which providers we use, or how we structure our advice. They simply ensure everything meets SEC compliance standards. This means we can deliver our full, holistic financial planning process to you, just as we do under the FCA framework to UK residents. They also make sure that we are covering off all bases with clients and outlining all the options available.
Why This Matters for Clients
For US residents and dual nationals with UK pensions, this model provides:
- Regulatory safety – advice delivered under both SEC and FCA frameworks, where required.
- Cross-border expertise – specialist knowledge of UK pensions within US tax and investment rules.
- Transparency – clear disclosures on fees, risks, and conflicts of interest (as per SEC Form ADV).
- Continuity – one advisory team (Cameron James) covering both sides of the Atlantic.
How Advice Quality & Standards Are Maintained
BGAN has rigorous compliance processes. We cannot move to the next stage of advice until every document and disclosure is complete. This includes:
- Onboarding documents
- Regulatory disclosures
- Fee disclosures and agreements
- Formal advice reports
- Pension application forms
They also review all marketing, including websites and content, to ensure full SEC compliance. For example, one of their first requirements was that we create a separate US website, which we did, to make sure Cameron James USA has a fully SEC-compliant online presence separate from our other website.
That is why we find it extremely frustrating as a firm at times, when we see competitors not operating a US-specific website, and simply having one website targeting both US and UK residents simultaneously, whilst also making inaccurate or misleading statements etc.
Disclaimer
That said, a network model does not automatically guarantee every adviser within it delivers the same value. Just like in any network, some advisers will be exceptional, while others may only meet the minimum bar. At Cameron James, we choose to go above and beyond, offering the same “full-fat” financial planning process to our US clients as we do under our FCA framework in the UK.
Our experience of working with BGAN has been extremely positive. And if you wish to, we encourage you to reach out to any number of our US resident clients who have already taken advice from us at Cameron James USA. Just ask your advisor.
However, we cannot guarantee what the quality of service, experience or ongoing performance will be from other members of the BGAN network, as we are entirely separate and independent of them. In fact, we actually never have any correspondence or communication with them.
Why Cameron James USA Use BGAN
Like any aspiring financial advisory firm in the US, Cameron James USA has ambitions to eventually become directly SEC-registered. However, that requires significant capital, time, and resources.
As a company, you have to ask yourself where you can deliver the largest value with your time and resources. Currently, that is delivering high value financial planning advice to our US resident clients, and working with a network such as BGAN for them to provide the necessary compliance oversight.
For now, the BGAN model is the ideal fit. It allows us to focus on delivering high-quality cross-border advice without being distracted by the operational demands of direct SEC authorization. It’s the same reason we also currently operate under a network in the UK and Europe.
In short: to advise US residents, we must be SEC-authorized. BGAN provides the compliant structure for us while we continue to grow.
Key Takeaway
The Beacon Global Advisor Network model is designed to support international clients who need cross-border financial planning and pension advice within a compliant US framework.
By affiliating with BGAN, we at Cameron James USA deliver SEC-regulated advice to US clients while drawing on our global pension transfer expertise.
For individuals with UK pensions, QROPS, or other international assets while living in the US, this partnership ensures your advice is compliant, specialist, and tailored to your unique circumstances.
Next Steps
If you are a US resident or dual national with a UK pension, the rules around transfers, taxation, and investment choices can feel overwhelming. Our advisers are here to guide you.
👉 Book a free initial consultation with Cameron James USA to understand your options and ensure your planning is both compliant and aligned with your retirement goals.
FAQs
- Why does Cameron James USA use BGAN instead of registering directly with the SEC?
Direct SEC registration requires significant capital and infrastructure. By affiliating with BGAN, Cameron James advisors can provide SEC-compliant advice immediately while focusing resources on client service. - Does this mean I have two advisers — Cameron James USA and BGAN?
No. Your adviser is always your Cameron James USA adviser. BGAN provides the regulatory framework, but your day-to-day contact remains the same. - Who am I legally contracting with in the US?
Your regulated investment advisory relationship is always with Beacon Global Advisor Network, LLC. Cameron James USA is the brand under which our advisers market. - Does BGAN influence the advice I receive?
No. BGAN ensures compliance but does not dictate providers or investment strategies. They maintain a broad panel of approved providers. Cameron James remains independent in tailoring your financial plan. - Will I pay fees to both Cameron James and BGAN?
No. Fees are collected by BGAN and a portion is passed to your Cameron James adviser. Clients see a single, transparent fee structure. - How does Cameron James ensure advice quality under the BGAN model?
While BGAN ensures compliance, Cameron James applies the same high standards used under when giving advice under FCA authorisation. This means clients benefit from advice that is both compliant and comprehensive. - Can Cameron James USA also advise on my IRA or 401(k)?
Yes. Through BGAN, we are able to provide advice on US retirement accounts alongside your UK pensions, ensuring your full portfolio is aligned. - How will this affect my US taxes?
Cross-border planning always requires IRS considerations. We ensure your UK pension strategy fits within US tax rules and work with your CPA or tax adviser where needed.
Commentary from the Founder & CEO: Our Relationship with BGAN
Anybody who’s had the pleasure of meeting me knows I like to talk. So, when our Senior Adviser, Jonathan Laws, asked for a “quick CEO summary” of our relationship with BGAN, I gave him, and now you, far more than he bargained for.
As such, I trust this insight is useful for US residents or anyone else doing a deep dive on Cameron James USA.
How It Began
Our relationship with BGAN began in 2020, when I realized the growing demand from US-resident clients for transparent advice on UK pensions.
That Christmas, a newly hired Digital Marketing Analyst presented me with a snapshot of the number of US enquiries we had received in the prior 12 months, and the Assets Under Advice (AUA) this could have represented.
My now-wife would say I acted impulsively, but I dove into detailed Google research on the US market for UK pensions. Much to her dismay, I was supposed to be on holiday at my family home in Diss, Norfolk.
What struck me was how hard it was to find US advisory firms that felt trustworthy for advising on UK assets. A few that I contacted seemed reluctant, or unable, to confirm they didn’t use commission products or collect trail from underlying funds.
Why SEC Regulation
It quickly became obvious that if Cameron James wanted to deliver advice properly in the US, we would need SEC regulation through a network so we could forge our own path to providing advice in the US.
I reached out to large advisory networks across the States. The response was consistent: UK pensions were too niche (no interest in working with advisers who specialised in helping people access transparent advice on their UK assets, especially UK pension. Their focus was US-based assets, and the risks and costs of supporting advisers in this space simply weren’t worth it for them.
And one thing I admire about Americans is their positive attitude for business. Even firms that weren’t interested said it was a good niche, just too small for their management teams, but they wished me well.
Then, in the middle of my festive “research binge,” I discovered Beacon Global Advisor Network (BGAN). My first call with them lasted over an hour, and within days I was introduced to their CEO.
Cameron James USA Today
Fast-forward to today, and Cameron James USA has grown rapidly under BGAN. The US is now our second-largest market after the UK, a remarkable achievement considering how relatively recent we secured SEC licensing to provide US advice.
This growth highlights a gap in the market. There is strong demand for transparent, fixed-fee advice on UK assets, especially pension, from US residents. Sadly, the expatriate market is still rife with hidden commissions, offshore bonds, and opaque fee structures.
I filmed a detailed YouTube Video on this matter of hidden commissions in offshore bonds and funds if anybody is interested
Offshore Bonds – RL360, Utmost, Lombard, Quilter & Exit Penalties 💰
Everyone is entitled to have their own business model, and that is one of the joys of a capitalist economy. But, at Cameron James, we prefer clients to know the exact % and $ cost upfront. Not only does this allow clients to make educated and informed decisions, but it also builds trust, trust that often extends into broader financial planning on both sides of the Atlantic.
Working With BGAN
In my 15+ years in the profession, from placement year intern to CEO, I’d rate our compliance oversight and relationship with BGAN highly.
Our end goal is to go direct with SEC licensing. But as a business owner, you must ask: how do you provide the best value for clients right now?
Today, that means partnering with BGAN. They cover the heavy administrative and SEC requirements, while we focus on what matters most: quality advice and helping clients achieve their goals.
BGAN provides oversight and compliance, but allows us full autonomy to apply the same transparent, fixed-fee advice we deliver worldwide. If we weren’t clean and compliant, they’d have stepped in long ago. The fact that they haven’t speaks volumes.
It’s a simple, professional arrangement: BGAN takes a fixed percentage of our fees in exchange for compliance and regulatory licensing and oversight, in line with standard network models in the UK, US, and EU.
Speaking With Our Clients
Of course, this is just my perspective as CEO and working with BGAN. If you would like to hear directly from US-resident clients who have worked with Cameron James USA via BGAN, we are happy to arrange introductions (with their permission), so just let us know.
Some may also share their portfolio experience, though naturally, past performance is no guide to the future. And what another Cameron James USA client’s return may have been, are arguably entirely unconnected to your financial planning and what possible future returns you may have with us.
Still, it may reassure you that the portfolios we recommend have been part of our philosophy for many years, not something created overnight to cherry-pick and “juice” returns, as we too often see elsewhere.
Finally, as alluded to earlier, while we stand fully behind the transparency of Cameron James USA, we cannot speak for the quality of advice from other BGAN network members, especially if they also provide advice outside the US with no BGAN involvement. We are entirely separate from them, and have little to no communication with any other network members. Our only relationship is with BGAN.
I hope you found the above information and insight illuminating and helpful with your understanding of how Cameron James USA operate, and we look forward to helping you with your cross border retirement planning.
Dominic James Murray
CEO & Founder
dominic.murray@cameronjamesusa.com
