Founded in July 1991, The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) is a global professional body with more than 22,000 members in over one hundred countries. Its membership brings together lawyers, accountants, financial advisors and other practitioners working in trust and estate planning. STEP sets and upholds professional standards through training, examinations and continuing education and all members adhere to its Code of Professional Conduct.

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Many of us in the industry are already affiliated with specific professional bodies. However, only STEP provides an overarching organisation open to the entire trust and corporate service provider (TCSP) community. In today’s increasingly complex fiduciary landscape, STEP’s role is more crucial than ever and will only grow in importance. Its qualifications are challenging, highly respected and widely recognised as the gold standard in our sector. Anyone who completes the full programme to become a qualified STEP member can be confident they have achieved one of the most rigorous benchmarks of professional excellence. I am fully committed to STEP and was delighted that Acquarius had the opportunity to join the sizeable Gibraltar delegation in London. 

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The London Conference is one of several all-day events hosted by STEP this autumn that combine seminars, exhibitions and time for networking. This year, Gibraltar Finance is leading the delegations, supported by representatives from a range of local firms – complementary to Acquarius or friendly competitors. 

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I was recently asked why our attendance matters, given that the events attract practitioners from around the world. The question felt especially relevant as these conferences take place only weeks after the hugely successful #GIBLDN25 London programme led by the Minister for Justice, Traded and Industry, the Hon Nigel Feetham KC, MP. My answer is simple: that is precisely why we should be there. After too many years when we have been unable to promote Gibraltar to the max, either due to post-Brexit uncertainty or our temporary inclusion on grey lists, we have overcome those barriers and await the UK-EU Treaty’s adoption next year. This is the moment to reclaim our rightful place right at the forefront of the industry. We never went away; we simply had to weather the storm. Being able to step forward now, alongside other Gibraltar firms and with government support, is an opportunity not to be missed. 

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London was my second foray into this latest round of collaboration with STEP, having recently attended its Cyprus conference. The reasoning was the same: visibility, credibility and re-positioning Gibraltar on the international stage. It will come as no surprise that Acquarius’ 2026 plans include more of the same. We will be attending alongside other high quality Gibraltar firms, not just TCSPs but lawyers, accountants, and banks seeing Gibraltar pull together not as competitors but as colleagues, with a common objective, to promote Gibraltar and all it has to offer.

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Our association with STEP goes much further than attendance at events, however important. Indeed earlier this year Acquarius was recognised for its excellence, by STEP and shortlisted for international Boutique Firm of the year. 

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Why our resolute support of STEP? Aside from its status as a professional body within our industry, already articulated at the beginning of this article, the educational element, for our staff and the global fiduciary community, is of the utmost importance. In Gibraltar, our drive for staff to be STEP-qualified brings an additional benefit. Inevitably, people move between firms from time to time, and we must also recruit experienced staff from elsewhere in the market. Assuming TCSPs locally share our views about STEP, over time the workforce will become STEP-qualified across the jurisdiction, which can only be a good thing for all of us. Being able to demonstrate adherence to globally recognised standards of excellence is an achievement well worth the collective effort. 

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At Acquarius, we expect all new client-facing staff to be either STEP-qualified or actively working toward the qualification. While I recognise that letters after one’s name do not guarantee success, STEP examinations require a thorough understanding of the principles underpinning our profession. Anyone dealing with a “TEP” (the designation accorded qualified members) can be sure that they are engaging with an experienced practitioner holding a relevant, independently verified credential. 

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I will explore STEP’s work in greater depth in future articles. In the meantime, if anyone wishes to learn more about this international network or to discuss how Acquarius may assist with any related matter, please feel free to contact me for a no-obligation conversation.