The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) launched in Cape Town

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) launched a presence in Cape Town on 15 June, offering trust and estate practitioners the opportunity to become a member of a networking organisation that offers the only worldwide recognised trusts and estate practitioners qualification.

STEP is a professional body providing members with a local, national and international learning and business network focusing on the responsible stewardship of assets today and across the generations.

Doelie Lessing, chairperson of STEP in Cape Town and a partner at Maitland, says that STEP members are generally in the business of advising clients on the broad business of the management of personal finance. South African professionals who would be eligible for membership include those specialised in trusts and estates, executorships, administration and related taxes, with either a local or international practice.

Professionals with at least five years’ experience at a specialist level are eligible for full STEP membership and those with two years’ experience at a specialist level are eligible for associate membership. STEP provides education and training for members who can advance through a process of certified qualifications.

Lessing says that the need for an international network has grown. “Nineteen years ago there was no network for practitioners within which to exchange knowledge and education. There was also no worldwide professional standard with which to reassure clients. Today STEP has a network of over
145 579 members within 66 countries.”

The Honourable Mr Justice Dennis Davis was the keynote speaker at the Cape Town STEP launch.