The Cayman Islands branch of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (“STEP”) recently announced its officer elections following the annual general meeting held in June.

Maples and Calder trust partner, Nigel Porteous, secured the honourable position of Chairman, succeeding Carlos Pimentel, who served for three years in the post. Mr. Porteous is a good fit for the role, given his experience on all aspects of trusts law including those concerning private trusts, public trusts and trusts used for commercial purposes, in particular unit trusts. His practice encompasses technical and practical advice for private individuals as well as for the world’s leading multinational banks and trust companies. Mr. Porteous is regularly consulted by corporate trustees on matters concerning management of trust business, the formulation of precedents and the mitigation of risk; all fields in which he has over twenty years of experience. His advice is also frequently sought on the formulation of complex trust structures, solutions for trust structural and validity issues, and the resolution of trust disputes.

Mr. Porteous has also served in the capacity of STEP Secretary for the City of London branch.

“I look forward to serving as Chairman and to the challenges ahead for STEP Cayman, as it strives to promote and support the trusts and estate industry in the Cayman Islands,” said Mr. Porteous. “I would like to extend my thanks to those outgoing officers for their years of hard work and dedication to the office.”

Jacqueline Stirling is the Senior Resident Officer of Bessemer Trust Company (Cayman) Limited, responsible for managing the firm’s trust and corporate clients, as well as the group’s hedge funds. She assumes the role of STEP Treasurer, taking over from William Walmsley who will now serve as STEP Vice Chairman. Mr. Walmsley, a partner at Rawlinson & Hunter (“R&H”), advises on the establishment and ongoing administration of Cayman trusts, companies and mutual funds, including acting as a director of Cayman regulated mutual funds and other client companies. He is a director of The R&H Trust Co. Ltd. and The Harbour Trust Co. Ltd., two duly licensed Cayman trust companies owned and operated by the local firm.

Walkers attorney, Andrew Miller, retains the office of Secretary for the fourth consecutive year. Mr. Miller is head of the firm’s Global Trusts Group and is also a member of the Steering Committee which drives the strategy of Walkers’ Global Latin American Group. He specialises in all aspects of non-contentious trust work.

Joan Dowling will serve as Student Liaison Officer.

About STEP

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) is the leading worldwide professional body for practitioners in the fields of trusts, estates and related issues. STEP members help families plan their long term financial future, facilitating good stewardship and financial planning across future generations. STEP members also help families comply with the often complex tax rules surrounding trusts, estates and inheritance.

STEP is a unique professional body providing members with a local, national and international learning and business network. STEP provides education, training, representation and networking for its members.

Full members of STEP are the most experienced and senior practitioners in the field of trusts and estates. Members advise clients on the broad business of the management of personal finance.