The presentations were made at a black tie dinner attended by 230 industry professionals at the Royal Yacht Hotel.

A keynote address was given by the Chief Executive Officer of STEP Worldwide, David Harvey, who congratulated the STEP Jersey branch on its commitment to training and the maintenance of professional standards within the industry.

Announcing the winners, the Chair of STEP Jersey, Lorraine Wheeler, said: “The idea behind the awards is to reward the hard work, determination and achievement of those people who study for their STEP professional examinations. As we all know, it’s not easy to balance a full-time job with study and often a family as well.

“As well as congratulating the worthy award winners I would also like to pay tribute to the employers in the wealth management sector who encourage and support their people through long periods of training towards the STEP professional qualifications. A professional workforce is one of mainstays of our reputation within the global landscape in which we operate.”

Inaugurated eight years ago to mark the 15th anniversary of the Jersey Branch of STEP, the awards are presented in the following categories 

  • STEP Diploma in International Trust Management—Top Student (sponsored by First Names Group); won jointly by Lisa Markham of RBC and Edward Mehigan of Dominion Fiduciary Services Limited.

  • STEP Diploma—Trust Investment and Financial Appraisal paper (sponsored by Enhance); won by Alexander McKenzie of Sanne Trust Company Limited.

  • STEP Diploma—Trust Creation Law and Practice paper (sponsored by Ogier); won by James Lyon of Baccata Trustees Ltd.

  • STEP Diploma—Company Law and Practice paper (sponsored by Vistra); won jointly by Cherleen O’Connell of Capita Fiduciary Group; Lucie-Ellen Cocks of HSBC Trustee (CI) Ltd; Oana Crisan of Coutts (Jersey) Ltd; and Edward Loader of RBC.

  • STEP Diploma—Trust Administration and Accounts paper (sponsored by RBC Wealth Management); won by Debbie Quemard of Philean Trust Company Ltd.

  • STEP Certificate in International Trust Management—Top Student (sponsored by UBS); won by Laura Le Lay of RBC Wealth Management.

  • STEP Certificate in Foundations (sponsored by Dickinson Gleeson) won by Tamara Simpson of Standard Bank.

The winners were presented with a solid silver salver, which they hold for a year, a silver replica, which is theirs to keep and £775-worth of BA travel vouchers. In the case of the top Diploma student, the travel element is £1,200.