A number of Channel Islands firms have been shortlisted for the 2025 STEP Private Client Awards. 

Finalists from Jersey and Guernsey include financial services providers HIGHVERN, Praxis and IQ-EQ, and law firm Walkers. Nigel Le Quesne, CEO of JTC, has also been nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The awards, hosted by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, are now it their 20th year. They recognise and celebrate excellence among solicitors, lawyers, accountants, barristers, bankers, trust managers and financial advisors across the global private client industry. 

HIGHVERN has been shortlisted for the Trust Company of the Year (Midsize Firm) award.  

“I’m incredibly proud of the team at HIGHVERN,” said Naomi Rive, Group Director & Head of Private Wealth. “This shortlist is a result of their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. It’s a privilege to work alongside such talented professionals.” 

Praxis is once again a finalist for Trust Company of the Year (Large Firm), having made the shortlist in 2024 also. 

“My congratulations to our Private Wealth division. This is a great achievement that highlights the depth of our expertise and leadership,” Rob Fearis, Praxis Group CEO, said. 

Pictured: Rob Fearis, Praxis Group CEO.

“Given the large number of submissions, STEP has described the competition as ‘intense’, so for an independent firm of our size to be shortlisted again alongside some of our industry’s most respected providers is a testament to the dedication and passion of our global team.” 

IQ-EQ has been named as a finalist for the Employer of the Year award. 

Elsewhere, Walkers has been recognised in the Digital Assets Practice of the Year category. 

Partner and head of Walkers Guernsey Private Capital & Trusts team, Rupert Morris, said: “We have a long and deep track record of advising on ground-breaking work in the area of digital assets and are delighted that STEP has recognised the way we work and the growth in our global practice over recent years.” 

Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane this September.