A range of key issues important to globally-dynamic families were on the agenda at the 2025 STEP Miami Summit last week – of which Crestbridge Fiduciary was a sponsor for the fourth consecutive year – from multi-jurisdictional tax planning to the constantly evolving legislative and regulatory environment.

Marking STEP Miami’s 20^th anniversary, the Summit this year was attended by an audience of senior lawyers, accounting professionals, bankers and trust and investment advisors. Across a number of insightful keynote talks and panel sessions, speakers highlighted some of the key issues for trust professionals, with a particular emphasis on Miami’s leading position as a gateway for cutting-edge solutions for the LatAm market.

Amongst the key topics explored by speakers were the challenges and pitfalls when it comes to tax planning across multiple jurisdictions, jurisdictional selection for structuring, and how the needs and objectives of modern families are evolving from an investment, legal and digital perspective.

Steve Sokic, Chairman, Crestbridge Family Office Services, and Darrell King, Managing Director – Americas, Crestbridge Fiduciary attended the event.

As part of the New York programme, Steve Sokić and Darrell King joined Jersey Finance to discuss “US and Offshore Trust Sectors: A Story of Mutual Evolution”, exploring how Jersey trusts can support US clients and the ongoing collaboration between the two jurisdictions.

It was a pleasure to contribute to this event and to continue strengthening connections across our industry.

Read the full article and series highlights here.

With an emphasis on updating cross-border wealth planning techniques for Latin American families, the event – held in Mexico City on 4-5 September and attended by senior lawyers, accounting professionals, bankers and trust and investment advisors – included a broad range of discussions, keynote presentations and roundtable sessions.

Crestbridge Family Office Services (FOS) Assistant Manager Tallie Renouf has received further industry recognition, being included in a list identifying future leaders within the private client industry across the UK and Crown Dependencies.

Tallie is one of the industry’s stand-out young talents recognised in the latest ‘UK and Crown Dependencies NextGen Leaders List’, published this month by eprivateclient (8 September).  Through her inclusion in the national list, she is noted as combining a strong academic record and class topping exam results with a firm commitment to continuous self-improvement and professional development.

Tallie works on a number of the firm’s dynamic and complex structures, providing support to Crestbridge’s team of directors, while she has also taken on the role of mentor to other emerging talent in the team and helps with the organisation of various initiatives as part of firm’s charity committee.

The annual list from eprivateclient recognises and celebrates young practitioners working in diverse areas of the private client sector across the entirety of the UK as well as Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. In compiling the list, judges consider a number of factors, including expertise, achievements over the past year, career progression and company performance.

Tallie was also featured in eprivateclient’s ‘Channel Islands NextGen Leaders List’, published in June.

Commenting on Tallie’s latest success, Steve Le Seelleur, Managing Director, Crestbridge Family Office Services, said:

“Tallie embodies Crestbridge’s ethos, leading by example to bring intellect, aptitude and drive to our team. She fully deserves this national recognition, which builds on her success earlier this year. Being consistently included in initiatives like this is a reflection of the focus Crestbridge has on nurturing young talent and creating an environment where everyone can grow and thrive.”

Following the arrival of Steve Sokić as Chairman earlier this year and alongside CEO Heather Tibbo, Steve Le Seelleur brings further significant senior industry expertise to the independent and privately-owned private client trust and family office-focused firm, as it continues to pursue a strategy of growth.

In his role as Managing Director, Steve has responsibility for the performance of the business, working alongside Heather Tibbo and Steve Sokić to lead a team of highly talented and experienced trust professionals to ensure the delivery of exceptional client service. His arrival reflects Crestbridge FOS’s commitment to the sector, clients and future growth, with the firm having recorded strong organic growth since its inception in 2013, driven by its focus on attracting industry leading professionals, supporting top-end global families, and delivering innovative solutions to NextGen clients.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the fiduciary and wealth management industry, Steve is an experienced practitioner across multiple jurisdictions, with particular experience in the Middle East

Prior to joining Crestbridge FOS, Steve was Managing Director of the Jersey office of a private equity-owned global financial services business and before that was a Director and Member of the Executive Committee of HSBC Private Bank’s trust business in Jersey. He has also sat on the boards of Private Trust Companies and has vast experience managing structures with a wide variety of asset classes. He is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.

Commenting on Steve’s appointment, Crestbridge FOS CEO Heather Tibbo said:

“Since establishing the business in 2013, our vision has always been to set new standards of technical expertise and service excellence within our discipline. A senior executive team that can clearly demonstrate those qualities is absolutely critical, and for that reason I’m delighted to welcome someone of Steve’s calibre to the business. The experience and knowledge he has gained throughout his -career, together with his proven ability to lead and develop teams and his belief in the importance of client service, will be invaluable as we continue to support our clients with their wealth planning needs and pursue our bold and ambitious growth plans.”

Steve Le Seelleur added:

“Crestbridge Family Office Services has earned a fantastic reputation in the trust, family office and UHNW private client space, and that is thanks to the quality of its people and the emphasis it places on service quality. It’s a privilege to be joining a business that shares my own values, that demonstrates such a positive people culture, and that has a really high-end portfolio of global clients.  I’m looking forward to working closely with Heather and Steve, as well as my colleagues right across the business, to help us achieve our collective goals.”

Charlie Lucas, who has experience working for clients across a variety of asset classes including discretionary investment portfolios, private equity and real estate, has been promoted to Senior Administrator, whilst Darren Rostron, who provides support for a number of different client structures including discretionary and charitable trusts, private trust companies and foundations, has been made Administrator.

Effective from 1 July 2025, the promotions recognise Charlie and Darren’s achievements over the past year, as well as their ongoing commitment to professional development.

Congratulating them, Paul Hunter, Senior Director, Crestbridge FOS, said:

“Our focus continues to be to ensure we provide an environment where our people can learn, grow and thrive – and it’s in that light that we are delighted to be able to recognise Charlie and Darren’s efforts with the promotions they deserve. Our success as a business is built on the contribution of our whole team, and that’s an ethos that will continue to guide us as we look forward to the second half of 2025 and beyond.”

Tallie is one of the industry’s stand-out young talents recognised in the latest Crown Dependencies NextGen Leaders List, published this month by eprivateclient (11 June). She is noted as combining a strong academic record and a commitment to continuous self-improvement with emotional intelligence and considerable experience – working on a number of the firm’s dynamic and complex structures. She also acts as a mentor to other emerging talent in the team.

The annual list recognises and celebrates young practitioners working in diverse areas of the private client sector in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. To be featured in the list, judges consider a number of factors, including individual expertise and achievements over the past 12 months, career progression, feedback from colleagues, and the performance of their company.

Mark Beer, Client Director, Crestbridge Family Office Services, said: “Crestbridge has a strong track-record in nurturing young talent, reflecting our commitment to creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Tallie fully deserves this recognition. She leads by example, through her commitment to professional development, her ability to work as a real team player, and her impressive technical knowledge. Tallie has built strong, trusted relationships with clients, who consistently praise her responsiveness, professionalism, and technical expertise. She is an ambassador for what we stand for at Crestbridge.”

Crestbridge Fiduciary was proud to support the recent STEP Texas event held last week in Houston. Darrell King, Managing Director, Americas of Crestbridge Fiduciary, and Steve Sokić, Chairman of Crestbridge Family Office Services attended the event.

Fabio took part in the Istria 100 by UTMB challenge last month, which saw him cover a distance of 110 kilometres over difficult and technical terrain, including sections of coasteering, forests and canyons.

Competing alongside more than 500 runners from across the globe, Fabio completed the world-renowned ultra-trail race in 15 hours raising more than £1,000 for Youthful Minds, which Crestbridge FOS has chosen to support in 2025 as part of its ongoing commitment to the local community.

Youthful Minds marks its 10th anniversary this year and is led by a group of volunteers aged 11-26, all of whom have a passion for raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health in Jersey. Supporting Youthful Minds, part of Mind Jersey, is a natural fit for Crestbridge FOS, with the firm having a clear focus on providing services for client families while also placing a significant emphasis on the wellbeing of its own people.

Commenting on his achievement, Fabio said:

“This was a physically, mentally and emotionally challenging event but knowing I was running for such a worthwhile cause in Youthful Minds kept me going even when self-doubt was creeping in. Having my five-year-old son to cheer me on also helped and I was delighted to have crossed the finish line while raising funds and awareness for a charity close to my heart.”

Heather Tibbo, CEO, Crestbridge FOS, added:

“This is an impressive challenge and a significant personal achievement for Fabio and I congratulate him on this fantastic success. He has pushed himself to the limit in order to raise funds for our nominated local charity. The work Youthful Minds does in supporting young people in our community is crucial and aligns with our own company values of placing our people, our clients and their families at the heart of what we do.”

Anyone wishing to donate can still do so here.

The nomination recognises the team’s outstanding response to the firm’s transition to a fully standalone business. Through a disciplined, highly structured, and energetic approach, the team played a critical role in embedding a strong risk culture and ensuring a smooth transition.

The shortlisting reflects the team’s ambition and leadership in driving forward best practice and enhancing governance and risk management across the firm.

Simon Logan, Head of Risk and Compliance commented: “We’re delighted to be recognised for our collaborative effort during a pivotal time for the business. This shortlisting is a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to delivering best practice.”

Winners will be announced at the ICA Compliance Awards ceremony on 26 June 2025 at the Westminster Park Plaza in London.