Author: STEPeditor

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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Navigating the STEP Private Client Awards: Insights from a Judge

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The STEP Private Client Awards stand as a benchmark of excellence in the wealth and private client industry, recognising the dedication, expertise and innovation of firms and professionals worldwide. Having the privilege of serving as a judge for the first time this year, I am eager to see how practitioners and firms continue to push… Read More Navigating the STEP Private Client Awards: Insights from a Judge

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STEP representations to HMRC on non-dom changes

It has been a busy start to 2025 for STEP’s UK Technical Committee, which, has diligently articulated several key technical considerations to HMRC regarding the proposed abolition and replacement of the UK’s non-domiciled tax regime. Having carefully considered the content of the Finance Bill 2024-25, STEP’s representations have emphasised the importance of clear guidelines to… Read More STEP representations to HMRC on non-dom changes

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Exploring the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill: what it does and does not do

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Last year the UK government introduced the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill into the House of Lords, where it has passed second reading and on 3 February was amended by a special public bill committee. This Bill was recommended by the Law Commission of England and Wales to help clarify the law relating to property… Read More Exploring the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill: what it does and does not do

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Introducing STEP’s global Next Gen Working Group

Photo caption: Top row L-R: Matt Gilligan, Hannah Bisson, Sophie Hart, Tom Kimber, Natasha SouthamBottom row L-R: Paul Taylor, Lana So Wan Yuen, Adonis Zachariou, Naro Zimmerman We are pleased to introduce STEP’s global Next Gen Working Group, a new sub-committee of STEP’s EDI Committee, which aims to bridge the gap between established STEP members… Read More Introducing STEP’s global Next Gen Working Group

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Everyday ethics: how STEP’s ethical codes support decision making

Today is Global Ethics Day, an annual event launched in 2014 by the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. It is commemorated and celebrated by more than 100 countries worldwide. Since it began 110 years ago, the Carnegie Council has undertaken some incredible work. Like its founder, Andrew Carnegie, the Foundation promotes the power… Read More Everyday ethics: how STEP’s ethical codes support decision making

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New EU developments in the cross-border protection of vulnerable adults

STEP attended the Annual Conference on European Family Law held at the Notary College in Barcelona on 3-4 October to discuss recent developments in legislation, jurisprudence and practice on a European and international level. The main focus was on the protection of vulnerable adults and increase in cross-border issues given that more people have assets… Read More New EU developments in the cross-border protection of vulnerable adults

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Attracting and retaining values-led clients through gifts in wills

The UK has a long history of charitable gifts in wills – from William Shakespeare, who left the princely sum of GBP10 to the ‘poor of Stratford’ to the lesser-known Henry Greene, who died in 1679, leaving money to clothe four women in green waistcoats (to be worn at Christmas). Legacy giving became more widespread… Read More Attracting and retaining values-led clients through gifts in wills

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HMCTS Probate User Group update – September 2024

STEP is a member of the Probate User Group, which brings together His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Services (HMCTS), professional bodies and charities to address issues with the probate service. During a meeting on 5 September, we received the following updates: HMCTS has created a new email address for advisors who have a case that… Read More HMCTS Probate User Group update – September 2024

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