What STEP members do
STEP members spend their professional lives working with families and tackling real problems. Common issues for members to advise on are:
- Providing for a husband or wife after the death of a spouse while protecting the interests of any children.
- Ensuring that a family business will pass safely from one generation to another.
- Assisting with planning for the care and support for elderly or vulnerable relatives.
- Ensuring that families with interests and family members spread across differing countries are compliant with the laws and tax rules of different jurisdictions.
- Helping donors support philanthropic causes in an effective way.
How does STEP ensure its members are best qualified to represent my interests?
STEP’s primary focus is on professional development. We offer a number of formal qualifications ranging from entry-level programmes to advanced certificates and diplomas. These formal qualifications are supplemented by resources designed to help our members maintain and develop their skills and knowledge so that they can best serve their clients.
Members are expected to abide by STEP’s Code of Professional Conduct, which sets out the key ethical and professional standards a member should uphold. These professional standards provide a clear understanding of what to expect from a STEP Member.
Working to protect families
STEP Worldwide takes a leading role in explaining our members’ views and expertise to governments, tax authorities, regulators and the public.
STEP has consistently campaigned for fair, transparent and consistent tax rules to give families the confidence to make long-term plans. We also work to defend families’ right to legitimate confidentiality in their financial affairs and to protect their information from risk of abuse.
STEP therefore works closely with governments and regulatory authorities to highlight the impact of any proposed changes to legislation and provide technical support and advice where appropriate.