The Anguilla branch of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) made the latest in a series of presentations for members and guests on Monday March 24. The feature address at the luncheon presentation at the Old House Restaurant was delivered by Howell Wolz, President of the Sterling Group based in the Bahamas and Principal of Sterling Trust (Anguilla) Ltd which holds a General Trust Licence in Anguilla.

Mr. Wolz, who has a long and rich experience in financial services, and whose group of companies has established a very strong presence in the Bahamas for many years, spoke to over 35 attendees from the legal, banking, accountancy and company management professions. His address featured an insightful and informative discussion of the “Bahamian Experience” with respect to the OECD and other issues facing the financial services industry.

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners is an international organisation with headquarters in London. The membership comprises lawyers, accountants and other professionals whose practice includes advising on and administering trusts and estates. STEP was formed in 1991 and now has over 50 branches in over 25 countries. There are currently over 7,500 members of STEP worldwide.

STEP’s objects are to provide a forum for professionals who deal with trusts and estates to discuss legal and other trust and estate-related issues which are of general concern; to advance knowledge and learning in relation to trusts and estates; to encourage and promote the study of trust and estate practice; to educate members of the public including practitioners; to organise and hold conferences and meetings; to undertake research; to make suggestions and presentations of a technical nature to governmental and other persuasive bodies; and to maintain the requisite standard for practitioners by way of education and training.

Invited Guests

The Anguilla branch of STEP was formed in November 2000. The members of the Branch Committee are Alex Richardson of Harney Westwood & Riegels, Chairman; Harry Wiggin of Webster Dyrud Mitchell, Secretary; Claudel Romney of KPMG, Treasurer; John Benjamin of Caribbean Juris Chambers, Seminar Coordinator; and Joseph Brice of MeesPierson Intertrust, Membership Coordinator. The branch, which is growing rapidly, presently has over 20 members and aims at increasing membership to at least 40 by the end of 2003.

Invited Guests

Alex Richardson described the luncheon presentation, which was sponsored in part by MeesPirson Intertrust, as a resounding success. “This type of presentation by STEP will become a regular feature and is intended to create and sustain a collegiate environment for our members, Mr. Richardson commented. “In light of the fact that the financial services industry is constantly evolving and adapting to meet new challenges, we firmly believe that it is vital to foster and encourage such professional contact and inter-action.”

Front Row: L-R: Claudel Romney, Howell Wolz, Alex Richardson. Backrow: John Benjamin and Joseph Brice

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