TEP stands for Trust and Estate Practitioner, and is the designation given to full members of STEP \u2013 the worldwide professional association for those advising families across generations<\/a>.<\/p>\n STEP members are\u00a0from a\u00a0range of professions, including accountancy, banking, financial advice, law, tax advice and trust administration.<\/p>\n To become a TEP, practitioners must have a combination of specialist qualifications and experience, including significant involvement with planning, creation, management of and accounting for trusts and estates, executorship administration and related taxes.<\/p>\n As specialists in inheritance and succession planning, TEPs draft wills and trusts, administer estates, act as trustees and advise families on how best to structure their finances to ensure compliance and preserve their assets for future generations.<\/p>\n In their professional practice, TEPs often help people at difficult or emotional times, such as after the death of a close family member. Some examples of what TEPs may advise on are:<\/p>\n Choosing a professional to help you to deal with such important and often sensitive issues can be difficult. Many aspects of planning are non-regulated, meaning anyone can write a will, for example, regardless of training or expertise. With a TEP, you\u2019re in safe hands.<\/p>\n Expertise:\u00a0<\/strong>TEPs are recognised experts in their field, with proven qualifications and experience. By joining STEP and maintaining their membership they have also shown significant commitment to their continued professional development in this specialist area.<\/p>\n Integrity:\u00a0<\/strong>TEPs are subject to an extensive Code of Professional Conduct<\/a>, requiring them at all times to act with integrity and in a manner that inspires the confidence, respect and trust of their clients and of the wider community. These professional standards provide you with a clear understanding of what to expect from a TEP, and importantly if you feel one of our members is not acting in accordance with these standards, you have recourse to our Complaints and Disciplinary Process<\/a>.<\/p>\n Knowledge:\u00a0<\/strong>TEPs are required to maintain and develop the knowledge and skills relevant to their role as a condition of their continued membership. This means TEPs will always be up to date with the latest legal, technical and regulatory developments that may affect you and your situation.<\/p>\n Connections:\u00a0<\/strong>TEPs have access to a global network of 20,000 professionals, enabling them to share knowledge and expertise across professional and geographic boundaries and to offer a joined-up service that can really add value to you as a client.<\/p>\n You can look for a TEP by name, practice area and\/or location using the Find a TEP<\/a> search.<\/p>\n There are other categories of STEP membership, including Affiliate (entry-level) and Associate (mid-level) members. These members are either working towards gaining the requisite qualifications and\/or experience for\u00a0full STEP membership (TEP), or have chosen\u00a0to remain at Affiliate or Associate level.<\/p>\n All members, including Affiliate and Associate members, must adhere to STEP’s Code of Professional Conduct<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you are unsure of the level of membership of a practitioner, you can search for them on the\u00a0Find a TEP<\/a> search.\u00a0 Their membership level is noted on their profile as Affiliate, Associate or TEP.<\/p>\nWhat do TEPs do?<\/h2>\n
\n
Why use a TEP?<\/h2>\n
How do I find a TEP?<\/h2>\n
Affiliate and Associate STEP members<\/h2>\n