For professionals career planning in trusts and estates, STEP qualifications are a great way to stand out. A STEP Certificate can be the crucial first step on a pathway that leads all the way to the STEP Diploma, or it can be a standalone qualification that demonstrates expertise in a particular field of the trusts and estates world.
But choosing which STEP Certificate to take can be overwhelming – with several options open to you, it can be hard to know exactly where to begin. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide to all the STEP Certificates we offer.
What STEP Certificates can I take?
We offer four STEP Certificates:
- STEP Certificate for Financial Services – Trust and Estate Planning
- STEP Certificate in Anti Money Laundering
- STEP Certificate in International Trust Management
- STEP Certificate in Trusts & Estates (England & Wales)
Each certificate aims to give you a thorough overview of the area it covers, whilst also being a helpful lead-in to the various pathways through the flexible STEP Diploma.
STEP Certificate for Financial Services – Trust and Estate Planning
The STEP Certificate for Financial Services covers the key principles of trusts and estate planning, including the use of lifetime and will trusts, trusts linked to life and pension products, and the impact of residence and domicile on planning.
It also addresses trustees’ investment responsibilities and how to manage the affairs of incapacitated clients or those acting under powers of attorney.
This course focuses on the UK.
Best for: Professionals working in financial services or the banking sector, dealing with trusts and estates
Want to know more? Visit the STEP Certificate for Financial Services page for more information and to book your place
STEP Certificate in Anti Money Laundering
The STEP Certificate in Anti Money Laundering covers the key principles of anti money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and sanctions, including the global standards and national regulations that shape compliance.
It also explores how to take a risk-based approach, carry out customer due diligence and ongoing monitoring, recognise and report suspicious activity, and understand the risks linked to specific products and services.
Best for: Any professional working in financial services with an interest in a career in anti money laundering
Want to know more? Visit the STEP Certificate in Anti Money Laundering page for more information and to book your place
STEP Certificate in International Trust Management
The STEP Certificate in International Trust Management covers the core principles of trust and company work in an international context, including the development of trust law, the creation and administration of trusts, and the different types of trust structures used in practice.
It also explores the use of offshore trusts and companies, along with the roles and responsibilities of those involved and the services provided by offshore corporate service providers.
This course has an international focus.
Best for: Practitioners working in the field of trusts and estates, particularly those working internationally
STEP Certificate in Trusts & Estates (England & Wales)
The STEP Certificate in Trusts & Estates covers the key principles of English trusts and estates law, including how the legal system operates, how trusts are created and run, and the rules governing wills and estate administration.
It also explores trust and estate accounts, who is entitled to review them, and the main tax regimes, reliefs and liabilities affecting individuals, trustees and personal representatives.
This course focuses on the England & Wales jurisdiction.
Best for: Professionals working in England and Wales across legal, financial and advisory roles
Want to know more? Visit the STEP Certificate in Trusts & Estates page for more information and to book your place
In summary, each STEP Certificate offers something unique. Whether you’re planning to study for your STEP Diploma, or simply gain a standalone qualification, the Certificates suite is well worth investigating.