Expats in the offshore market (non-UK) have been plagued for decades with 'Financial Advisers' selling inferior and expensive products that are designed to increase the IFAs earnings at the detriment of you the client.
Even some of the biggest and most 'reputable' offshore IFAs still use initial commission products, with typical commission in Europe and the US often exceeding 7% per deal. The outcome of which is lock-in periods, exit penalties and ultimately lacklustre performance or losses for clients.
Not to mention spreading a general distrust of Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) profession. Finding transparent and trusted financial planning advice outside the UK was complicated. And this is where Dominic James Murray, our CEO & Founder, decided to make a change.
Cameron James has since grown rapidly, with existing clients in 27 Countries, 6 Continents and 23 US States. The cornerstone of this success has been transparent advice. Particularly Final Salary or Defined Benefit (DB) Pension Transfers, providing honesty on the likelihood of a positive FCA outcome.
Much of our growth is testament to our existing clients, who have referred us to their colleagues, friends and family over the years, after being impressed with the high-quality level of advice they received on both their initial and ongoing advice.
Take a look below to see some of Cameron James's key milestones over the years since our inception.
Our CEO - Why Did It Start?
2021
5th March
Began processing cases with TD Ameritrade with our US-based clients when investing US lump sums.
5th March
Trireme QROPS being utilised for our EU-based clients wishing to transfer their pensions in alternative overseas pension plan. Uncertainty still surrounded US-connected individuals, however. See our USA QROPS page for more information.
9th July
Began working with iPensions USA SIPP for our US-based clients to transfer their existing UK pensions.
2020
11th August
Implementation of Mailchimp to provide professional and clean communication with all clients and stakeholders.
21st October
Calendly premium scheduling tool enabled for IFA’s, allowing you to easily book into their diary in your local time zone. All clients receive links for their dedicated IFA for ease of follow-up calls.
2019
6th February
Telecommunication contract switched from EE to Three mobile. Savings an estimated £2,300 pa. Three’s ‘Go-Roam’ business package includes calls and data roaming to over 71 countries. Significantly reducing the cost of international Adviser calls from £1.80 pm while on business travel. While, a 60-minute client call may be wholly necessary, EE’s costs provided poor value of resources. The savings generated are to be reinvested in the technology budget to ensure Advisers are working with the latest laptops.
15th March
Cameron James appoints new CTO to oversee the company’s new website design and development. With the experience of building websites for multinationals such as Adidas, the CTO brings a wealth of experience to the team
8th April
Cameron James enters a business relationship with Prospect Labs to further improve the user experience of our advice process
15th April
Slack enterprise is integrated across all employees to improve the productivity and communication of all internal Cameron James projects. Estimated to reduce over 1700 internal emails annually
1st June
Cameron James has existing clients in 23 countries across 6 continents. The company is growing rapidly as more expats make us their trusted Adviser every month. We just need a client in the South Pole to have all 7 continents. Referrals welcome!
18th June
Cameron James is proud to provide its clients with access to the lowest cost International SIPP available on the market place. With an Initial Set-Up of £0 and an annual SIPP Trustee Fee of £180 pa (VAT). This partnership with Novia Global provides an excellent foundation for low-cost retirement planning solutions.
20th November
DocuSign introduced to ensure a smoother and faster customer experience. Electronic signatures help clients avoid printing costs and postal delays, whilst also being more environmentally friendly.
2018
1st January
Business decision to provide every Adviser with a full-time Personal Assistant (PA). Allowing Advisers to focus on their energies on client meetings and portfolio analysis and reduce Adviser ‘burnout’. This has improved customer service for our clients and job satisfaction for our Advisers who can spend more time with their clients
1st March
Corporate FX contract awarded to TransferWise. Ensuring Cameron James attains low cost rates on all international transfers and payments transactions. Savings substantial FX fess from Barclays
2nd May
Enterprise partnership formed with Experian to protect Cameron James’s company ratings and credentials
21st August
Senior management listen to feedback from the Admin Team and decides to move its accountancy and bookkeeping operations to The Accountancy Partnership. This saves a huge number of hours through the integration of Pandle automatic synching between company accounts and accountant. This was a happy day for Admin!
1st December
Cameron James makes Starling Bank its exclusive banking partner. Starling was awarded best British Bank in both 2018 and 2019 with a satisfaction rate of 98.4% (compared to Barclay’s 86.2%). This step forward not only secured lower costs but significantly increased the efficiency of all banking operations across the company.
2017
24th January
Banking operations secured with Barclays and Barclaycard
23rd June
Exclusive business rates obtained with DHL through increased shipping. Ensuring streamlined processes across Cameron James
15th July
Cameron James achieves it breakeven model 16 months earlier than its original business plan. The Team celebrate in English fashion in a British pub in London
1st December
Corporate agreement signed with Priority Pass to increase the productivity of Advisers when travelling and to reduce the typical fatigue of flying
2016
4th November
Cameron James is officially incorporated in the UK with Companies House
2015
October
Cameron James branding created in Moleskine on a BA flight (LDN – NCE)