Categories

Review the categories below, tick all of the entries you wish to enter and click ENTER NOW to begin the submission process.

Categories 

The Accountancy Team of the Year award (large firm) recognises teams that have excelled in providing services to private clients. Accountancy Team of the Year (large firm) is open to firms with more than 1,000 staff globally.
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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Outstanding achievements in the private client sector (400 words) 

  • Demonstrate how the team has achieved exceptional outcomes for private clients, with evidence of measurable success. Highlight key projects or cases that showcase expertise in addressing the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals, families or trusts.

2. Innovation in service delivery (400 words) 

  • Provide evidence of innovative approaches, tools or strategies specifically designed to enhance private client services. 
  • Explain how these innovations have set the team apart from competitors and delivered added value to clients.

3. Excellence in client relationships and ethical practice (400 words)

  • Demonstrate how the team has built and maintained trust with private clients through exceptional service and adherence to high ethical standards. 
  • Include client testimonials, feedback or case studies highlighting the team’s ability to navigate sensitive or complex issues with integrity and professionalism.

The Accountancy Team of the Year award (midsize firm) recognises teams that have excelled in providing services to private clients. Accountancy Team of the Year (midsize firm) is open to firms with fewer than 1,000 staff globally.

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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Outstanding achievements in the private client sector (400 words)

  • Demonstrate how the team has achieved exceptional outcomes for private clients, with evidence of measurable success.
  • Highlight key projects or cases that showcase expertise in addressing the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals, families or trusts.

2. Innovation in service delivery (400 words)

  • Provide evidence of innovative approaches, tools or strategies specifically designed to enhance private client services.
  • Explain how these innovations have set the team apart from competitors and delivered added value to clients.

3. Excellence in client relationships and ethical practice (400 words) 

  • Demonstrate how the team has built and maintained trust with private clients through exceptional service and adherence to high ethical standards. 
  • Include client testimonials, feedback or case studies highlighting the team’s ability to navigate sensitive or complex issues with integrity and professionalism.

The Boutique Firm of the Year (legal) award is open to sole practitioners or legal practices specialising in private client legal services, with an average (over the period 1 April 2024–31 March 2025) of 25 or fewer fee earners globally. This award is not open to practices within a larger firm. Please see FAQs for the full definition of fee earners.

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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address the following three equally weighted criteria:

1. Excellence in private client legal services (400 words)

  • Demonstrate how the firm has delivered exceptional outcomes for private clients through its specialised legal expertise.
  • Provide evidence of notable cases, complex transactions or legal solutions that showcase the firm’s ability to address unique client challenges.

2. Innovation and differentiation (400 words) 

  • Highlight creative or tailored legal strategies, approaches or technologies that distinguish the firm from competitors in the private client legal sector.
  • Provide examples of how these innovations have improved client outcomes, efficiency or satisfaction.

3. Ethics, client trust and relationship management (400 words)

  • Showcase the firm’s commitment to ethical legal practices and building long-term, trusted relationships with private clients. 
  • Include client testimonials or evidence of the firm’s impact in managing sensitive or complex issues with professionalism and integrity.

The Boutique Firm of the Year (non-legal) award is open to sole practitioners or boutique practices specialising in private client services outside the legal profession (e.g., wealth management, accountancy, tax advisory, consultancy, etc). Eligible firms must have an average (over the period 1 April 2024–31 March 2025) of 25 or fewer fee earners globally. This award is not open to practices within a larger firm. Please see FAQs for the full definition of fee earners.

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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address the following three equally weighted criteria:

1. Excellence in serving private clients (400 words)

  • Demonstrate how the firm has achieved exceptional results for private clients through its specialised services.
  • Provide examples of successful projects, measurable outcomes, or tailored solutions that highlight the firm’s expertise and impact.

2. Innovation and differentiation (400 words)

  • Highlight creative strategies, tools or unique service offerings that set the firm apart in the private client sector.
  • Provide evidence of how these innovations have enhanced client satisfaction, delivered efficiencies or solved complex challenges.

3. Ethics, client trust, and relationship management (400 words)

  • Showcase the firm’s commitment to ethical legal practices and building long-term, trusted relationships with private clients.
  • Include client testimonials or evidence of the firm’s impact in managing sensitive or complex issues with professionalism and integrity.

The Contentious Trusts and Estates Team of the Year (large firm) award applies to a team of lawyers specialising in disputes that require resolution, whether through litigation or other means. Contentious Trusts and Estates Team of the Year (large firm) is open to firms with more than 251 fee earners globally. Please see FAQs for the full definition of fee earners.

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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Outstanding achievements in trust and estate disputes (400 words)

  • Provide evidence of success in resolving complex or high-value disputes, focusing on the private client sector. 
  • Highlight specific cases that demonstrate the team’s expertise and ability to achieve favourable outcomes for clients.

2. Client-centred innovation (400 words) 

  • Explain how the team has introduced innovative or creative strategies to address contentious trust and estate matters. 
  • Provide examples of how these approaches have set the team apart and benefited clients.

3. Ethical practice and advocacy (400 words) 

  • Showcase the team’s commitment to ethical standards and ensuring fair outcomes for private clients in contentious matters. 
  • Include client testimonials or feedback highlighting trust and satisfaction in the team’s handling of disputes.

The Contentious Trusts and Estates Team of the Year (midsize firm) award applies to a team of lawyers specialising in disputes that require resolution, whether through litigation or other means. Contentious Trusts and Estates Team of the Year (midsize firm) is open to firms with fewer than 251 fee earners globally. Please see FAQs for the full definition of fee earners.

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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Outstanding achievements in trust and estate disputes (400 words)

  • Provide evidence of success in resolving complex or high-value disputes, focusing on the private client sector. 
  • Highlight specific cases that demonstrate the team’s expertise and ability to achieve favourable outcomes for clients.

2. Client-centred innovation (400 words)

  • Explain how the team has introduced innovative or creative strategies to address contentious trust and estate matters.
  • Provide examples of how these approaches have set the team apart and benefited clients.

3. Ethical practice and advocacy (400 words) 

  • Showcase the team’s commitment to ethical standards and ensuring fair outcomes for private clients in contentious matters. 
  • Include client testimonials or feedback highlighting trust and satisfaction in the team’s handling of disputes.

The Digital Assets Practice of the Year award recognises a practice (which could be a sole practitioner, a distinct advisory practice within a firm, an initiative within a firm, or a dedicated advisory firm/team) or individual that demonstrates outstanding expertise, leadership, and innovation in addressing the unique challenges associated with digital assets and estates.

The judges are seeking evidence of best-in-class digital asset advisory services, with a focus on safeguarding and strategically managing clients’ digital estates. This includes services such as secure custody, valuation, succession planning, regulatory compliance, and risk management which are tailored to digital assets.
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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Leadership in digital asset advisory services (400 words) 

  • Demonstrate how the practice has successfully guided private clients through the complex and evolving landscape of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, NFTs, digital legacy planning, or intellectual property in digital formats. 
  • Provide examples of cases where the practice delivered measurable and exceptional client outcomes, such as preserving wealth, managing inheritance complexities, or mitigating regulatory and security risks.

2. Innovation in digital asset strategies and solutions (400 words)

  • Showcase innovative tools, strategies, or approaches the practice has developed or implemented to address the specific needs of clients managing digital assets. 
  • Share examples of how these innovations have benefitted clients. Highlight any proprietary technologies, cutting-edge methodologies, or creative solutions that distinguish your practice in the field.

3. Ethical practice and education in a transforming sector (400 words) 

  • Illustrate how the practice has upheld ethical standards while navigating the challenges of this rapidly changing sector, including ensuring client trust, transparency, and alignment with emerging regulations.
  • Highlight contributions to industry standards and provide examples of initiatives to educate clients about the complexities and responsibilities of digital asset ownership and management, such as seminars, publications, or digital literacy programs

The Employer of the Year award is open to any organisation that employs staff working in private client and/or trust administration or management, and recognises organisations that go above and beyond for their employees, supporting their development, promoting high standards and providing a happy and healthy work environment.

NB: STEP’s Employer Partnership Programme (EPP) accredits organisations’ learning and development provision against a number of standards. These standards provide some useful guidelines to consider when entering this category. You can find the EPP guidelines here

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Focusing on examples and initiatives from the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted. The employee voice should feature in your entry.

1. Support for employees (400 words) 

  • Provide evidence of how the firm supports and develops employees specifically working in private client services. 
  • Include examples of initiatives or programmes that enhance skills and job satisfaction in this specialised field.

2. Commitment to workplace culture and ethics (400 words) 

  • Demonstrate how the firm fosters an ethical, inclusive and supportive workplace culture. 
  • Highlight recognition or feedback from employees working in this area.

3. Investment in professional development (400 words)

  • Showcase examples of how the firm invests in training, mentoring or career growth opportunities.

NB: STEP’s Employer Partnership Programme (EPP) accredits organisations’ learning and development provision against a number of standards. These standards provide some useful guidelines to consider when entering this category. You can find the EPP guidelines here.

The Family Business Advisory Practice of the Year award recognises a practice (which could be a sole practitioner, a discrete family business advisory practice within a firm, lawyers, accountants or a dedicated family advisory firm) that specialises in navigating the complex issues that arise in family businesses. Submissions should focus on advice regarding the competing dynamics between family and business and their governance, rather than simply on advising businesses that happen to be run by families.

Your entry should include the percentage of the firm’s total work that this area of work represents. You should only enter if your organisation focusses significantly and in depth on this area of work; if it does not, your entry will be unlikely to succeed.
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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Outstanding achievements in family business advisory (400 words) 

  • Provide evidence of how the practice has successfully supported clients in managing family-owned businesses. 
  • Highlight specific client outcomes achieved during the awards period.

2. Tailored and innovative approaches (400 words) 

  • Demonstrate how the practice has introduced innovative or bespoke solutions to address the unique needs of family businesses. 
  • Include examples of how these approaches have positively impacted clients.

3. Building trust and long-term relationships (400 words)

  • Highlight the practice’s commitment to fostering trust and building enduring relationships with family business clients.
  • Provide testimonials or feedback showcasing client satisfaction and loyalty.

Financial Advisor Team of the Year applies to financial advisors who offer advice on financial planning matters and recommend suitable financial products to private clients, trusts and charities.
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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Exceptional financial outcomes (400 words)

  • Provide evidence of how the team has delivered measurable financial successes for private clients.
  • Highlight specific examples of complex financial challenges successfully resolved.

2. Innovation in private client financial advisory services (400 words) 

  • Demonstrate how the team has introduced innovative strategies, tools or approaches to better serve private clients. 
  • Include evidence of how these innovations have enhanced client satisfaction or outcomes.

3. Ethical practices and long-term client relationships (400 words) 

  • Showcase the team’s commitment to ethical practices and building trust with private clients. 
  • Include client testimonials or recognition highlighting the team’s exceptional service and integrity.

The International Legal Team of the Year (large firm) applies to a legal team that focuses on cross-border or international private client work. International Legal Team of the Year (large firm) is open to firms with more than 270 fee earners globally. Please see FAQs for the full definition of fee earners.

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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Success in handling cross-border private client matters (400 words)

  • Provide evidence of exceptional outcomes for private clients in complex international legal matters. 
  • Highlight notable cases demonstrating expertise in navigating cross-border challenges.

2. Innovation in cross-border solutions (400 words) 

  • Showcase innovative approaches or strategies that have set the team apart in addressing international private client issues. 
  • Include examples of how these solutions benefited clients.

3. Client trust and ethical standards (400 words)

  • Demonstrate the team’s commitment to maintaining trust and ethical integrity in cross-border private client services. 
  • Provide client feedback or industry recognition highlighting exceptional service.

The International Legal Team of the Year (midsize firm) applies to a legal team that focuses on cross-border or international private client work. International Legal Team of the Year (midsize firm) is open to firms with fewer than 270 fee earners globally. Please see FAQs for the full definition of fee earners.

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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Success in handling cross-border private client matters (400 words) 

  • Provide evidence of exceptional outcomes for private clients in complex international legal matters. 
  • Highlight notable cases demonstrating expertise in navigating cross-border challenges.

2. Innovation in cross-border solutions (400 words) 

  • Showcase innovative approaches or strategies that have set the team apart in addressing international private client issues.
  • Include examples of how these solutions benefited clients.

3. Client trust and ethical standards (400 words) 

  • Demonstrate the team’s commitment to maintaining trust and ethical integrity in cross-border private client services. 
  • Provide client feedback or industry recognition highlighting exceptional service.

The Investment Team of the Year award recognises teams that have excelled in providing investment management services to intermediaries and trustees in the private client sector. Submissions should demonstrate measurable achievements during the awards period and focus on what sets the team apart in this specialised area.

All entrants will need to submit a written submission (A), which carries a weighting of 60% and an additional data submission (B), which carries a weighting of 40%. Please read full entry guidelines below before submitting an entry.
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Part (A) – Written submission (60% of award)

Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Outstanding investment performance and strategic innovation (400 words) 

  • Explain key investment decisions over the past 12 months and how they affected client outcomes.
  • Highlight innovative strategies, tools or approaches the team has employed to address the unique requirements of intermediaries and trustees, particularly in managing fiduciary responsibilities or complex client needs.

2. Excellence in client service and onboarding (400 words)

  • Showcase the team’s ability to deliver exceptional service to intermediaries and trustees, focusing on clear communication, understanding of their fiduciary obligations, and providing bespoke support. 
  • Provide examples of successful onboarding processes tailored to intermediaries and trustees, ensuring efficient collaboration and long-term trust. 
  • Include testimonials, client feedback or metrics demonstrating satisfaction and retention within this client group.

3. Commitment to ethical standards and tailored investment solutions (400 words) 

  • Demonstrate the team’s dedication to ethical practices, transparency and aligning investment strategies with the specific needs and values of intermediary and trustee clients. 
  • Highlight any recognition or feedback from intermediaries, trustees or peers that reflects the team’s integrity and professionalism.

Part (B) – Quantitative data questions and assessment (40% of award)

Please provide performance (net of fees) and asset allocation data for the 36-month period (1 April 2022-31 March 2025) using the data submission spreadsheet. The submission should be based on your core multi-asset strategy for portfolios typically over GBP1 million (or equivalent in USD and EUR) and on a medium-risk mandate (based on the MPI risk ranges).

The performance assessment will be made by MP Analytics using an objective measure based on the past three years data, taking into consideration both performance, risk, and with particular focus on the most recent 12-month period (1 April 2024-31 March 2025).

Please include the following details about the investment strategy you have submitted.

  • A description of this strategy and its objective.
  • Any benchmark(s) used by the strategy.
  • The approximate assets under management (AUM) invested in this strategy across all risk categories.
  • A description of the data used in the submission (e.g. actual client data, reference portfolio, model)

The Multi-Family Office Team of the Year award recognises a team dedicated to meeting the comprehensive needs of multiple families or multiple branches of the same family. Submissions should highlight achievements and excellence within the awards year. 

To be eligible, the team must:
(a) Be dedicated to meeting the needs of multiple families or branches of the same family.
(b) Provide or oversee a significant range of multi-family office services, such as: investment management; estate and succession planning; financial, tax and regulatory planning; governance; trusteeship; lifestyle; and philanthropy.

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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Excellence in service delivery and family support (400 words) 

  • Demonstrate how the team delivers and oversees a range of core multi-family office services. 
  • Provide examples of how the team supports the needs of different generations within a family, including facilitating wealth transition, education and responsible stewardship of wealth.
  • Highlight approaches to managing external providers where services are outsourced.

2. Innovation and tailored solutions (400 words) 

  • Showcase innovative strategies or tailored solutions that address the unique needs of multi-generational families.
  • Provide evidence of how these approaches have delivered measurable results, improved family outcomes or strengthened client relationships.

3. Professionalism, ethics and development (400 words)

  • Demonstrate the team’s commitment to upholding high professional and ethical standards in delivering services to families. 
  • Highlight the team’s skills, ongoing professional development and ability to handle sensitive, complex family dynamics with care and discretion. 
  • Include client testimonials or case studies that reflect the team’s integrity, trustworthiness and long-term impact.

Philanthropy Team of the Year applies to a team that provides strategic advice to donors on philanthropic giving and structures. This award is open to philanthropy teams within a law firm, accountancy firm, bank, trust company, multi-family office or a dedicated/specialist advisory firm.

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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Exceptional contributions to philanthropy (400 words) 

  • Provide evidence of how the team has helped clients achieve impactful philanthropic goals, focusing on measurable community or global benefits. 
  • Highlight key projects or achievements.

2. Innovative strategies in philanthropy advisory (400 words) 

  • Demonstrate how the team has developed or implemented innovative approaches to structuring philanthropy for private clients. 
  • Include examples of how these strategies have maximised impact or efficiency.

3. Ethical leadership and long-term client relationships (400 words) 

  • Showcase the team’s commitment to ethical practices and fostering trust with clients engaged in philanthropy. 
  • Provide testimonials or feedback highlighting the team’s impact and relationship-building skills.

The Private Client Legal Team of the Year (large firm) applies to teams of private client lawyers in firms with more than 251 fee earners globally. Please see FAQs for the full definition of fee earners.

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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Outstanding achievements in legal services for private clients (400 words) 

  • Provide evidence of exceptional outcomes in private client matters. 
  • Highlight notable cases or achievements that set the team apart during the awards year.

2. Innovative legal strategies (400 words) 

  • Demonstrate how the team has introduced innovative approaches to addressing complex private client legal issues. 
  • Include examples of measurable benefits or successful resolutions for clients.

3. Ethics, trust and client relationships (400 words) 

  • Showcase the team’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards and fostering strong, long-lasting relationships with private clients.
  • Provide testimonials or recognition highlighting client satisfaction and trust.

The Private Client Legal Team of the Year (midsize firm) applies to teams of private client lawyers in firms with fewer than 251 fee earners globally. Please see FAQs for the full definition of fee earners.

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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Outstanding achievements in legal services for private clients (400 words) 

  • Provide evidence of exceptional outcomes in private client matters. 
  • Highlight notable cases or achievements that set the team apart during the awards year.

2. Innovative legal strategies (400 words)

  • Demonstrate how the team has introduced innovative approaches to addressing complex private client legal issues. 
  • Include examples of measurable benefits or successful resolutions for clients.

3. Ethics, trust and client relationships (400 words) 

  • Showcase the team’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards and fostering strong, long-lasting relationships with private clients. 
  • Provide testimonials or recognition highlighting client satisfaction and trust.

The Rising Star (legal) award celebrates emerging talent in the private client legal sector. It recognises individuals with five years or less of experience who have demonstrated exceptional promise, made a significant impact, and shown the potential to become future leaders.
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Submissions should address the following three equally weighted criteria:

1. Exceptional achievements in private client legal services (400 words)

  • Provide evidence of how the nominee has delivered outstanding results in private client legal work, such as estate planning, tax structuring, contentious matters or other complex legal challenges. 
  • Highlight specific examples or cases that showcase the nominee’s skills, creativity, and impact on client outcomes.

2. Professional growth and leadership potential (400 words)

  • Demonstrate how the nominee has excelled in their legal role, including developing technical expertise, assuming additional responsibilities or contributing to team success. 
  • Highlight examples of leadership potential, such as taking initiative, mentoring others or driving innovative legal solutions.

3. Commitment to ethics and client relationships (400 words) 

  • Provide evidence of the nominee’s dedication to upholding high ethical standards, professionalism and building trusted relationships with private clients. 
  • Include client or colleague testimonials that emphasise their integrity, discretion and value to the legal team.

The Rising Star (non-legal) award celebrates emerging talent in private client services outside the legal profession, such as trust administration/management, wealth management, accountancy, tax advisory, fiduciary services, family office support, etc. It recognises individuals with five years or less of experience who have shown exceptional promise, made a significant impact, and demonstrated the potential to become future leaders.

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Submissions should address the following three equally weighted criteria:

1. Exceptional achievements in private client services (400 words) 

  • Provide evidence of how the nominee has delivered exceptional outcomes in their area of private client expertise.
  • Highlight specific examples that demonstrate the nominee’s skills, creativity and measurable impact on client success.

2. Professional growth and leadership potential (400 words)

  • Demonstrate how the nominee has excelled in their role, including developing new skills, taking on additional responsibilities, or contributing to team or client success.
  • Provide examples of leadership potential, such as driving initiatives, problem-solving or innovating within their area of focus.

3. Commitment to ethics and client relationships (400 words)

  • Showcase the nominee’s dedication to high ethical standards, professionalism and building long-term, trusted relationships with private clients or intermediaries.
  • Include client or colleague testimonials that reflect their reliability, professionalism and growing impact within the industry.

The Trust Company of the Year (large firm) is open to private client companies formed to act as a trustee or to deal with trusts. Trust Company of the Year (large firm) is open to firms with more than 201 staff globally.

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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Outstanding achievements in trust services (400 words) 

  • Provide evidence of exceptional outcomes in trust administration or fiduciary services, including successful handling of complex trust structures or client-specific challenges.
  • Highlight measurable achievements, such as client satisfaction, operational improvements or impactful results that demonstrate the company’s expertise and success in delivering tailored solutions.

2. Strong growth and effective management (400 words) 

  • Demonstrate the company’s growth in the past year, such as increased client numbers, expansion into new markets, or enhanced service offerings.
  • Provide evidence of effective leadership, team management and innovations or initiatives that have strengthened the company’s operations, talent development, and long-term sustainability.

3. Commitment to ethical standards and client trust (400 words)

  • Showcase the company’s commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in trust management and fostering long-term relationships with clients. 
  • Include feedback or recognition from clients or peers highlighting the company’s integrity and excellence.

The Trust Company of the Year (midsize firm) is open to private client companies formed to act as a trustee or to deal with trusts. Trust Company of the Year (midsize firm) is open to firms with less than 201 staff globally. 
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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Outstanding achievements in trust services (400 words) 

  • Provide evidence of exceptional outcomes in trust administration or fiduciary services, including successful handling of complex trust structures or client-specific challenges. 
  • Highlight measurable achievements, such as client satisfaction, operational improvements or impactful results that demonstrate the company’s expertise and success in delivering tailored solutions.

2. Strong growth and effective management (400 words)

  • Demonstrate the company’s growth in the past year, such as increased client numbers, expansion into new markets, or enhanced service offerings. 
  • Provide evidence of effective leadership, team management and innovations or initiatives that have strengthened the company’s operations, talent development, and long-term sustainability.

3. Commitment to ethical standards and client trust (400 words)

  • Showcase the company’s commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in trust management and fostering long-term relationships with clients. 
  • Include feedback or recognition from clients or peers highlighting the company’s integrity and excellence.

This award recognises an exceptional individual across any discipline who provides outstanding service and expertise to private clients. Nominees must be Full STEP members (TEP) and can either self-nominate or be nominated by a firm or peer. Please note, winners cannot be awarded more than once in a five-year period.
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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Exceptional client impact in advisory services (400 words)

  • Provide clear evidence of how the nominee has delivered exceptional advice and outcomes for private clients over the awards year. 
  • Include specific case studies or examples that illustrate the nominee’s ability to resolve complex challenges, anticipate client needs, and achieve successful results.

2. Innovation and personalised solutions (400 words)

  • Highlight how the nominee has introduced innovative strategies or customised solutions to address the specific needs of private clients. 
  • Provide examples that showcase how these efforts have delivered measurable value, enhanced client experiences, or addressed niche or complex challenges, distinguishing the nominee in the field.

3. Ethical leadership and trusted client relationships (400 words) 

  • Demonstrate the nominee’s unwavering commitment to ethical practices and their ability to foster trusted, enduring client relationships. 
  • Provide examples of how the nominee has maintained integrity, built client trust, and upheld the highest professional standards. Include client or peer testimonials, awards, or other recognitions that highlight the nominee’s professionalism, dependability, and exceptional client impact.

The Vulnerable Client Advisory Practice of the Year award recognises a legal or accountancy practitioner or team that specialises in navigating the complex issues that confront vulnerable clients and their families. The entry should include the percentage of the total work that this area of work represents. Please see the FAQs for the definition of a vulnerable client.

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Focusing on the year 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 only, address all of the following three criteria: they are equally weighted.

1. Outstanding achievements in supporting vulnerable clients (400 words) 

  • Provide evidence of the practice’s success in delivering exceptional outcomes for vulnerable clients, addressing complex or sensitive situations effectively. 
  • Highlight specific examples that demonstrate the team’s expertise, empathy and problem-solving abilities.

2. Innovation in advising and protecting vulnerable clients (400 words) 

  • Demonstrate how the team has developed innovative approaches, tools or strategies to address the unique needs of vulnerable clients. 
  • Include examples of how these innovations have enhanced client well-being or safeguarded their interests.

3. Commitment to ethical standards and client advocacy (400 words)

  • Showcase the team’s dedication to maintaining ethical integrity and advocating for vulnerable clients.
  • Provide testimonials or feedback from clients or their representatives highlighting the team’s impact and trustworthiness.

Special Awards 

The Geoffrey Shindler Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession recognises an individual or organisation that has made a significant impact on the private client sector, with a focus on contributions made in recent years. Submissions should highlight achievements during the last three to five years, demonstrating how the nominee has advanced the profession.

An example of why someone may win this Award would be the high level of input they have had in technical or policy consultations that have led to a significant legislative development; a demonstrable contribution to furthering education, best practice and/or ethical excellence; or they may have contributed to the development of a new offering or initiative that serves to further the profession.

Candidates cannot enter themselves; the award is by nomination only. Both STEP members and non-members may be nominated and entrants should provide a submission of up to 1,200 words. This award is judged on the quality of the entries, and not the number of nominations received per nominee.

£ 150.00 +VAT (20%)
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Nominations should address the following two equally weighted criteria:

1. Significant impact and achievements (600 words)

  • Provide evidence of impactful contributions to the private client sector in the past three to five years, highlighting specific initiatives, projects or cases that have addressed challenges, driven progress or set new standards. 
  • Include measurable outcomes or tangible examples of how their work has advanced the profession, improved client service or influenced the broader private client industry.

2. Recognition, leadership and influence (600 words)

  • Demonstrate the nominee’s leadership, influence and ability to inspire positive change within the profession, such as thought leadership, mentorship or collaborative efforts.
  • Provide evidence of peer recognition, endorsements or industry accolades that reflect the nominee’s recent contributions and their standing within the private client sector.

The Lifetime Achievement Award applies to an individual who has, over the course of their lifetime, made contributions of outstanding significance to the private client profession.

Candidates cannot enter themselves; the award is by nomination only. Both STEP members and non-members may be nominated by a firm or colleague and entrants should provide a submission of up to 1,200 words. This award is judged on the quality of the entries, and not the number of nominations received per nominee.

£ 150.00 +VAT (20%)
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Process or clear your selections to enable the item buttons.

Nominations should address the following two equally weighted criteria:

1. Exceptional contributions to the private client profession (600 words) 

  • Provide evidence of the nominee’s significant and sustained impact on the private client sector over their career. 
  • Highlight key achievements, leadership roles or milestones that demonstrate their legacy and influence. 
  • Showcase how the nominee has introduced innovative approaches, mentored others or contributed to the advancement of private client services. 
  • Include examples of how their work has shaped the profession or inspired others.

2. Commitment to ethics and professional standards (600 words)

  • Demonstrate how the nominee has consistently upheld and promoted high ethical and professional standards throughout their career. 
  • Include testimonials or recognition from peers, clients or industry bodies celebrating their contributions.