Matthew Gilligan, an Associate Director at Saffery Trust Guernsey, has received a global award from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, (STEP) for his significant contributions.
Mr Gilligan earned the recognition through his dedication to long-term volunteering, doing so with STEP for over a decade. He was the first student to become Student Liaison Officer for STEP Guernsey, a role usually held by more experienced professionals.
Mr Gilligan also created ‘STEP NextGen’, which looks to support people starting careers in the trust industry. Guernsey was the first place to launch this, followed by the Cayman Islands. He also became Deputy Chair of the STEP Guernsey Committee and Global Chair of the STEP NextGen Working Group, and he suggested adding a new award category to recognise non-legal professionals, which was implemented.
“It is an incredible honour to receive this award, and one which I did not expect,” said Mr Gilligan. “My career within the trusts and estates industry continues to be hugely fulfilling, and I am highly motivated to support the next generation in developing their careers and achieving their goals. I hope that the recognition I have received will help to demonstrate that it is always worth expressing your ideas and supporting innovation, and that it is possible to have a far-reaching impact, even from a small island such as Guernsey.”
Mr Gilligan is the first Saffery Trust team member to receive this award, said the Managing Director of the Saffery Trust, Nick Batiste.
“Receiving this award is an exceptional achievement and incredibly well deserved. Matt is an excellent role model within the industry and embodies the core values of both Saffery Trust and STEP. Matt has undoubtedly made an outstanding contribution to the profession, and I have no doubt that he will continue to shape the future of the industry.”