Boost for trust sector professional development

Wednesday 28 May 2014

Professional development within the trust sector has received a boost as the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners welcomes three new sponsors.

GoldMoney, RBC Wealth Management and Smith & Williamson have recently signed agreements with the Jersey branch of the society to support its work in the provision of a range of qualifications and CPD events.

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Jersey is one of the largest branches of the society in the world with some 1,200 members, 200 of whom are pursuing courses of study.

Welcoming the new sponsors, Branch Chairman Tony Pitcher said: ‘We are delighted that these three respected firms have come on board. Support from sponsors assists us in promoting our much valued professional qualifications including the global industry standard, the STEP International Trust Management Diploma. Their support, and that of our other sponsors, Azure Wealth, Collas Crill and Savills, will also ensure that we can continue to provide our members with a comprehensive range of seminars and events throughout the year. Continued professional development is a vital ingredient of the ongoing success of Jersey’s trust sector in an increasingly competitive global playing field.’

STEP Jersey organises monthly seminars, an annual half-day student conference and an all-day annual international conference with speakers drawn from around the world.

Head of European Business Development at GoldMoney, Martyn White said: "GoldMoney is delighted to be one of the key sponsors for STEP Jersey to support their work in providing qualifications and CPD events to local practitioners. Founded in 2001, GoldMoney is one of the leading providers of physical precious metals to over 22,000 customers worldwide. We provide our customers with a convenient, online trading platform with a dedicated team of relationship managers to support them."

Commenting on RBC Wealth Management’s local partnership with STEP, Jersey-based Tim Houghton, Head of Business Development, British Isles and Caribbean, said: "STEP is widely recognised as a key proponent of the trust industry in Jersey and globally. As one of the leading providers of wealth management services in the Island, we greatly value their important work and are delighted to support their future endeavours."

Michael Stimpson, Associate Director in Investment Management at Smith & Williamson, said: "STEP is highly respected across the wealth management, accountancy and legal sectors and so Smith & Williamson is very pleased to support the society’s commitment to continuous professional development. Jersey has been an important jurisdiction for Smith & Williamson for many years and we are therefore delighted to show our ongoing commitment with this three-year sponsorship."