STEP Advanced Certificate in Cross-Border Estates

Get detailed insight into issues that arise from cross-border estate and succession planning.

This Advanced Certificate can be taken as part of the STEP Diploma.

Course details

The course will explore the issues that advisers need to consider when advising clients with a cross-border aspect to their estate. 

  • Efficient cross-border estate administration: Learn how to administer a cross-border estate efficiently, encompassing various legal systems and considering issues of property, intestacy, and conventions. 
  • Cross-jurisdictional expertise: Appreciate fundamental differences between common law, civil law, and Shariah law systems, providing insights into their approaches to succession and family matters.
  • Practical application skills: Acquire hands-on knowledge to advise on the practical application of EU Regulation 650/2012 and understand approaches in non-bound jurisdictions.
  • Tax regime proficiency: Understand tax regimes across different jurisdictions and their impact on the estate, including the effects of applicable tax treaties on investments.
  • Build valuable connections: Network with like-minded professionals in varied roles and firms from all over the world. 
  • Industry recognition: Successful completion provides 30 Diploma Level credits towards STEP membership, enhancing your professional standing, and is awarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, a School of the University of Manchester.

Course fees: £995

Course dates, fees and enrol now:

 

Entry requirements may apply. Applicable local taxes and discounts will be added to your basket on checkout.

Entry requirements

60 Entry Level credits which can be achieved through:

  • Completion of a STEP Certificate (30 credits)
  • Previous learning - confirmed through Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) application - 30 credits
  • Work experience - confirmed through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) - 30 credits

Note: You do not need to apply for APEL or APCL if you already have confirmed, or if you have studied for at least two STEP Certificates previously.

Become a member of STEP

This is a STEP course/qualification. STEP membership is required to study this course and must be maintained throughout the duration of your studies.

You will need 60 Entry Level credits and if you are not already, you will become an Affiliate member by enrolling on this course. STEP will contact you regarding membership 4-6 weeks after course enrolment.

Successful completion of the course will provide 30 Diploma Level credits as part of the STEP Qualification and Membership framework.

What will I learn?

  • Factors to consider when resolving issues of conflict of foreign laws
  • Differences between common law, civil law and Sharia law systems
  • How to apply the concepts of habitual residence, domicile and nationality
  • The concept of renvoi and its application
  • How assets devolve under different systems, considering intestacy and application of relevant conventions and regulations
  • How marriage and registered partnerships, adoption and surrogacy can affect succession
  • The tax regimes adopted in different jurisdictions
  • The effect of any applicable tax treaties on any investments held by the deceased
  • How to administer a cross-border estate in practice

Is this course right for me?

The course is designed for all professionals dealing with wills, succession, and probate in relation to cross-border estates. 

Students of this course typically include:

  • Wealth Managers
  • Estate Planners
  • Solicitors/Lawyers
  • Accountants
  • Tax Advisers
  • Notaries
  • Advocates
  • Family Business Advisers
  • Private Bankers
  • Family Office Executives
  • Financial Planners
  • Trust Officers
  • Trustees

Course format

This course is available for study twice a year. The programme is delivered online and will take four months to complete.  

Enrolment onto this course will include access to an online learning platform containing: 

  • bespoke course reading 
  • self-assessment tools
  • distance learning support 

It also includes:

  • assessment fees 

The course is assessed by way of an end of course 3500-4000 word written assignment based on a published case study. The case study will be published two months ahead of the submission date.  

Once you have successfully completed this course, you will gain 30 Diploma Level credits towards STEP membership and be awarded the STEP Advanced Certificate in Cross-Border Estates.