We are excited to announce that the 2026 STEP Private Client Awards are now open for entries.
STEP is a global professional membership body for lawyers, accountants, trustees and other practitioners that help families plan for their futures. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Private Client Awards, which celebrate excellence in private client practice.
The Awards are recognised across the industry as a hallmark of quality. This year, 25 categories are open to individuals and firms worldwide until 10 April 2026. The finalists will be announced in June and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 17th September. Entries are encouraged from all over the world and the whole private client community.
Our judging panel represents STEP’s international and multi-disciplinary membership. We have experts from Barbados, Canada, China, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Italy, Jersey, Mauritius, New Zealand, Panama, Singapore, Switzerland, the UK and the US.
The Chair of the Presiding Judges, Stella Mitchell-Voisin TEP, said: “This year marks 21 years since STEP first introduced the Private Client Awards. The enduring success of the Awards is a sign of how highly regarded they are within our industry. They truly are the Oscars of the private client world.
‘The rigour and impartiality of the STEP judging process is a huge factor in this and underpin the credibility of these awards. Last year, we received 337 entries from 25 countries.
‘With so many high-quality entries, making the shortlist is a huge achievement, and winning provides unrivalled international recognition. If you are considering entering, I’d highly recommend you do so.”
Last year’s winner of Rising Star (non-legal), Grace Liu from Legacy Trust Company (Hong Kong) said: “It was both humbling and inspiring to win an Award. To be recognised among many talented professionals is an honour and reinforced the importance of teamwork and perseverance.”
STEP’s Chief Executive Emma Lovell said: “As STEP’s new Chief Executive, I am delighted to be experiencing the awards for the first time. They are clearly a highlight of the STEP calendar giving us the opportunity to showcase the very best in the industry and to recognise resilience, adaptability and innovation. I’m very much looking forward to meeting and congratulating our winners in September at the awards ceremony”
Beyond celebrating excellence within the industry, the Awards also raise funds for STEP’s charity partner, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). ADI is the international federation of Alzheimer and dementia associations worldwide and works in official relations with the World Health Organization. The partnership supports ADI’s global efforts to raise awareness of dementia, address one of the most significant health challenges of the 21st century, and provide support to the millions of people living with dementia and their families around the world.
Sponsors of this year’s Awards include Katten and S&W.
Further Information
Website: https://pca.step.org Hashtag: #STEPPCA
Categories
- Accountancy Team of the Year (large firm).
- Accountancy Team of the Year (midsize firm).
- Boutique Firm of the Year (legal).
- Boutique Firm of the Year (non-legal).
- Contentious Trusts and Estates Team of the Year (large firm).
- Contentious Trusts and Estates Team of the Year (midsize firm).
- Digital Assets Practice of the Year.
- Employer of the Year.
- Family Business Advisory Practice of the Year.
- Financial Advisor Team of the Year.
- International Legal Team of the Year (large firm).
- International Legal Team of the Year (midsize firm).
- Investment Team of the Year.
- Multi-Family Office Team of the Year.
- Philanthropy Team of the Year.
- Private Client Legal Team of the Year (large firm).
- Private Client Legal Team of the Year (midsize firm).
- Rising Star (legal).
- Rising Star (non-legal).
- Trust Company of the Year (large firm).
- Trust Company of the Year (midsize firm).
- Trusted Advisor of the Year.
- Vulnerable Client Advisory Practice of the Year.
Special Awards
(Free to enter)
- The Geoffrey Shindler Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession.
- Lifetime Achievement Award.
This article was submitted by STEP as part of an advertising agreement with Today’s Wills and Probate. The views expressed in this article are those of the submitter and not those of Today’s Wills and Probate.
