FATF’s adopted amendments to Recommendation 24

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) announced a public consultation of its review of Recommendation 24 in 2020. STEP attended multiple public and private meetings with FATF to discuss the potential amendments to the regime. The overarching objective of the review is to strengthen the measures in place and mitigate the obstacles to transparency and risks… Read More FATF’s adopted amendments to Recommendation 24

Advancing education and best practice for trust and estate practitioners in China

The demand in China for wealth management services, in particular the creation of charitable and family trusts, continues to rocket, as Chinese families want the best possible advice when planning their assets across generations.  Following recent announcements to further develop the trust law in China, the Chinese Trust Registration (CTR) – China’s nationwide registration and… Read More Advancing education and best practice for trust and estate practitioners in China

Research shows value of Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

What evidence is there that Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is effective? Research already exists on the value and impact of CPD on individuals but little on its value and impact on the professions, the general public and the employers. To help address this knowledge gap, STEP was one of the partners in a research consortium… Read More Research shows value of Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Reminder: UK IHT reporting changes from January 2022

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has amended the Inheritance Tax (Delivery of Accounts) (Excepted Estates) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 to exempt many estates from the need to submit an HMRC form. These estates can now use the probate/confirmation form instead: For deaths on or after 1 January excepted estates should no longer complete an IHT205/C5/IHT217 or… Read More Reminder: UK IHT reporting changes from January 2022

Thank you to all our volunteers on International Volunteer Day

The UN organises International Volunteer Day on 5 December every year to recognise and promote the tireless work of volunteers across the globe. The theme this year is ‘Volunteer now for our common future’. I am delighted that we are taking this opportunity to recognise the work of our volunteers here at STEP. Quite simply, STEP… Read More Thank you to all our volunteers on International Volunteer Day

Capital gains tax: changes are welcome but a full system overhaul is needed

The UK government announced five key technical and administrative changes to capital gains tax (CGT) on 30 November, also known as Tax Administration and Maintenance Day. The changes offer taxpayers some practical simplifications for taxpayers. STEP is pleased to note that the government has addressed some of our recommendations but is disappointed that the existing… Read More Capital gains tax: changes are welcome but a full system overhaul is needed

FATF invites STEP to discuss potential revision of Recommendation 25

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is conducting a review of Recommendation 25, which covers the transparency and beneficial ownership of legal arrangements. The FATF’s objective is to improve Recommendation 25 and its Interpretive Note to meet its overall objective of preventing the misuse of legal arrangements for money laundering or terrorist financing. The FATF… Read More FATF invites STEP to discuss potential revision of Recommendation 25

Creating ‘Corporate Athletes’ with STEP’s Employer Partnership Programme

12 November 2021 What can professionals learn from the mindset of elite athletes? That was the theme of the recent webinar for STEP’s Employer Partnership Programme (EPP) members. We heard from former Olympian, Sandrine Mainville, of Canadian law firm Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) and Sindy Peixoto, National Director, Talent Development for BLG about what it… Read More Creating ‘Corporate Athletes’ with STEP’s Employer Partnership Programme