The global membership body STEP has today (26 June) announced the shortlist for the 2026 Private Client Awards. The judges have chosen 71 firms and 23 individuals from 18 countries as meeting the high standard needed to win an award.
This year saw 374 submissions from 26 countries. The awards, which are in their 21st year, celebrate excellence in private client practice.
They are widely seen as a hallmark of quality in the global industry. Categories were open to law firms, accountancy firms, trust companies, financial advisors, multi-family offices and boutique advisory services.
Multiple firms made the shortlist in more than one category. Of particular note is Baker & McKenzie, which is shortlisted for an impressive five awards in total: two organisation/team awards and three individual awards; and Boodle Hatfield and Forsters, which are each shortlisted for four organisation/team awards.
The complete list of finalists is available at: https://pca.step.org/finalists-2026
STEP’s chief executive Emma Lovell said: “Thank you to everyone who entered the awards and congratulations to this year’s finalists. The breadth and depth of the entries demonstrates the value of these swards to the industry. The awards truly celebrate the very best in innovation, commitment and hard work.
“I look forward to attending my first Private Client Awards night in September and congratulating this year’s winners. We will be celebrating the very best of the best advisors and firms advising families across generations. My congratulations to all of our finalists.”
Chair of the Presiding Judges Stella Mitchell-Voisin TEP of Summit Trust International said: “The submissions were of a very high standard and the judges faced a considerable task this year to decide which entries should be shortlisted. Congratulations to the firms and individuals that have made the shortlist, they should all be very proud!”
Our host comedian, actress and presenter Ellie Taylor, will announce the winners at the awards ceremony on 17 September at the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane in London, UK.
This year’s sponsors are Evelyn Partners, Katten, S&W, Sarasin & Partners and ZEDRA.
STEP is proud to be partnering this year again with Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). ADI is the international federation of Alzheimer and dementia associations worldwide, representing over 120 countries globally.
As the STEP Private Client Awards charity partner, donations will allow ADI to invest in its members, raise awareness and in turn help the charity to reach even more people living with dementia worldwide.
Find out more about ADI: https://pca.step.org/charity-2026.
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 advertiser and not those of Today’s Wills and Probate.
