Author: STEPeditor

World Whistleblower Day 2026: how speaking up strengthens professional standards and public trust

World Whistleblower Day is a global awareness day on 23 June. This day serves as a reminder that speaking up about wrongdoing is not an act of disloyalty, it is an essential safeguard for the public interest, organisational integrity and maintaining high professional standards. Whistleblowing is widely recognised as one of the most effective ways… Read More World Whistleblower Day 2026: how speaking up strengthens professional standards and public trust

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Balancing transparency and legitimate confidentiality: insights from the OECD Forum

This week the OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum in Paris brought together public and private sector stakeholders from all over the globe. They had the shared aim of collaborating to enhance safeguards in an evolving global landscape around anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, fraud prevention and public integrity systems. A clear message from the Forum was… Read More Balancing transparency and legitimate confidentiality: insights from the OECD Forum

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A model for jurisdictions: Bermuda trust law reform

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Bermuda has taken a landmark step in modernising trust law with the enactment of the Trustee Amendment Act 2025, which provides trustees with long-needed clarity around responsible investing. The reform was driven by Bermuda’s industry in association with STEP and the Bermuda Business Development Agency, led by Gina Pereira TEP of Dana Stewardship Advisory. The… Read More A model for jurisdictions: Bermuda trust law reform

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UK government makes major IHT changes that reflect STEP recommendations

In this blog Emily Deane TEP, Technical Counsel & Head of Government Affairs at STEP, discusses the changes announced in the UK Budget and the impact of STEP’s recommendations on key issues. The UK Budget has delivered some significant developments for the inheritance tax (IHT) regime with measures to be legislated in the Finance Bill… Read More UK government makes major IHT changes that reflect STEP recommendations

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The new era for adult protection in Europe

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In this blog Emily Deane TEP, Technical Counsel & Head of Government Affairs at STEP, explores how a new EU Regulation relating to cross-border issues affecting vulnerable adults will interact with the Hague Convention. STEP attended a conference recently in Milan that was organised by the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Speakers from the European… Read More The new era for adult protection in Europe

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New report heralds first changes to wills law in England and Wales since 1837

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The Law Commission has today published its recommendations to reform the law of wills in its Report: Modernising Wills Law . The report includes a draft Bill for a modern Wills Act to replace the Wills Act 1837. This marks a historic change to wills law in England and Wales – the first in nearly… Read More New report heralds first changes to wills law in England and Wales since 1837

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Public access to trust information via the Register of Overseas Entities

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In February 2025, the Register of Overseas Entities (Protection and Trusts) (Amendments) Regulations were approved by the UK parliament. These Regulations enable Companies House to grant, upon application, access to trust information that was previously restricted. Many of the provisions have already entered into force, but key changes will apply from 31 August 2025. The… Read More Public access to trust information via the Register of Overseas Entities

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Smarter audits: how STEP is making CPD compliance simpler for members

At STEP, we know audits are an essential part of ensuring compliance, maintaining high standards and building trust. But let’s be honest – traditional audit processes weren’t always the easiest for members. Relying on manual forms, fragmented systems and time-consuming processes could make Continuing Professional Development (CPD) compliance feel like a chore. That’s why we’ve… Read More Smarter audits: how STEP is making CPD compliance simpler for members

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APR and BPR policy changes – a cause for concern for family estates

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The UK government’s incoming reforms to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) has stunned generational farming families who now face uncertainty as to how the increasing inheritance tax (IHT) burden will impact the long-term viability of their estates. While these reforms aim to refine the tax system, they have sparked significant questions… Read More APR and BPR policy changes – a cause for concern for family estates

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