I thought the course material was very good, clear and unbiased to any particular jurisdiction. It also concentrated on practical/factual points which helped with the understanding.
Course outcomes
How will this course benefit me?
As a result of successfully completing the course you will be able to:
- Describe the structure of foundations
- Detail the differences and similarities between trusts and foundations;
- Identify when a foundation may be the most appropriate option to achieve a client’s aims;
- Demonstrate awareness of local foundation legislation;
- Identify the traps in creating and administering foundations for the unwary wealth professional.
How will this benefit my employer?
As a result of successfully completing the course you will be able to:
- Demonstrate to local regulatory authorities your competence with foundations
- Expand your business and attract a greater variety of clients
- Follow best practice in creating a foundation
- Manage risk effectively by ensuring procedural differences between foundations and trusts are preserved
- Offer a more sophisticated wealth planning service to your clients
Course content and delivery
What does this qualification cover?
- Introduction to foundations – the international dimension
- Essential characteristics of foundations
- Parties to a foundation
- Typical foundation structure and foundation documentation
- Creation, termination and migration of foundations
- Administration of foundations
- Uses of foundations
- Local foundations legislation and regulation (key points)
Downloads
- Course brochure (PDF 94KB)
- Course syllabus (PDF 190KB)
How is it delivered?
This certificate is delivered through an online learning platform providing access to webinars, forums and ‘chat’ facilities, and module-by-module self-assessment tools. Final assessment is via an online multiple choice examination.
How long will it take to complete?
It is recommended that four-six hours per week of study should be undertaken for a minimum period of four months. The certificate will take between four-six months from enrolling to taking the examination.
Who the course is for
This is an open-entry Certificate and has been developed for those working in the wealth advisory community and while it is suitable for STEP members who might benefit from a better understanding of foundations, it is also designed for private bankers, accountants, lawyers, trust managers and wealth managers generally.
The content of the course has practical relevance across a wide range of jurisdictions, including Austria, Belgium, China, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritius, the Middle East, Monaco, Netherlands, Panama, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, the Caribbean, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, the UK and USA.
Entry criteria
As part of the new STEP Qualifications and Membership Framework, applicants for a STEP Advanced Certificate will be required to gain 60 entry level credits prior to enrolling on the course. Entry level credits can be gained through the standard application process or through credits gained from a STEP Certificate.
You will be able to gain 60 entry level credits by any combination of the following:
- Relevant prior qualification – Up to 30 entry level credits (maximum)
- Relevant experience – Up to 30 entry level credits (maximum)
- STEP Certificate(s) – 60 entry level credits
Further course information
How much will it cost?
Course fee: GBP795 plus UK VAT if applicable. (STEP full members GBP745 plus UK VAT if applicable).
This fee includes:
- Core study text (online)
- Course webinars
- Self-assessment material
- Full online support
- Assessment fee
- STEP certification*
* Currently STEP certification does not carry any designatory letters or title and confirms only that the assessment has been successfully completed.
Exam locations?
This is a fully online course so delegates based anywhere in the world are able to enrol.
However, the content of the course has practical relevance across a wide range of jurisdictions, including Austria, Belgium, China, Hong Kong, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Panama, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, the Caribbean, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, the UK and USA.
Assessment is by way of an online multiple choice examination.