Jonathan Gilbert

Jonathan Gilbert is a keynote speaker whose journey from a legal professional to a convicted felon and back to an academic and advisor provides a compelling narrative on resilience, redemption, and the power of education. After a significant fall from grace that led to his incarceration for a role in a multi-million-pound fraud scheme, Jonathan chose to redefine his life. During his time at HMP Parc, Bridgend, he not only served as an Open University tutor but also completed a Master of Science with Distinction in Counter Fraud and Counter Corruption Studies from Portsmouth University. His research, which included a critical auto-ethnographic study of solicitor enablers in mortgage fraud, provided Jonathan with unique insights into white-collar crimes, forming the foundation for his future academic pursuits.

Upon his release in 2020, Jonathan did not slow down. He commenced a PhD at Cardiff University, where his research focused on the organisation of mortgage fraud and its ties to financial regulation in the UK. Supervised by the globally recognised criminologist, Professor Mike Levi, Jonathan’s doctoral thesis was lauded as “excellent” by examiners and recommended for publication. His research sheds light on the intricacies of financial crime and governance, contributing valuable insights to the field of criminology and financial regulation. This rigorous academic work, undertaken during the final period of his sentence and continued post-release, exemplifies his commitment to transforming his past experiences into learning opportunities for others.

As a speaker, Jonathan Gilbert excels in discussing themes such as ethical slippage, the dynamics of financial regulation, and personal redemption. He has shared his experiences and findings at numerous conferences and seminars around the world, engaging with a diverse audience that includes governmental bodies like the UK’s Cabinet Office and the Serious Fraud Office, as well as financial institutions and academic circles. His presentations are enriched by his personal journey through the criminal justice system, offering a unique perspective that combines lived experience with academic rigour. His ability to connect his past actions to broader socio-economic issues makes him a powerful voice in discussions on financial crime and ethics.

Today, Jonathan serves as an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy teaches Financial Crime and Regulation at UWE, Bristol, and is a visiting lecturer at several prestigious universities. His roles extend beyond academia into proactive engagements with initiatives aimed at improving educational and rehabilitative opportunities within the criminal justice system. Through his consulting firm, IN8consulting.com, he continues to influence policies and practices around financial crime and corporate governance. Jonathan’s story is not just one of personal achievement but is also a testament to the transformative power of education and the ongoing pursuit of personal and professional redemption. His keynotes not only provide insight into the complexities of financial crimes but also inspire others with his message of recovery and contribution to society.