Anthony Partridge on two years of progress with STEP Cayman

Leadership is best measured by impact, and Anthony Partridge’s two-year term as Chair of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Cayman Islands has left a mark worth exploring. From modernising trust law to launching the NextGen committee, Anthony Partridge’s tenure shows how much can be achieved in just two years.

Already recognised by Chambers High Net Worth and Legal 500 as "first rate" and "a standout lawyer in Cayman", he used his time as elected chair to strengthen STEP Cayman’s voice locally and globally, guiding  the launch of the NextGen committee for emerging professionals, and deepening engagement with Cayman Finance and government on key legislative developments. 

Now that the role has passed to his successor, we asked Anthony to share the personal and professional highlights, challenges and reflections from a year that helped shape STEP Cayman’s next chapter. 

What have you personally learned or found most rewarding as chair?  

As someone who genuinely values relationships and enjoys connecting with people, the most rewarding aspect of my time as chair has been the opportunity to engage with members and leaders from across the global STEP network. Wherever I have travelled, be it another region or country, I have made it a priority to meet with local branch chairs or STEP committee members. These personal interactions have not only helped foster valuable connections but have also been instrumental in putting STEP Cayman firmly on the international map.  

Another highlight has been witnessing the transformation of our annual STEP Cayman conference into an internationally recognised event. Seeing it sell out for the first time this year, with a long waiting list, was a proud moment. It underscored both the appeal of Cayman as a centre for trusts and estates expertise and the commitment of our members to building a thriving, dynamic professional community. For me, the relationships forged and the growth in our global reputation have made my term as chair especially fulfilling. 

Which legislative or regulatory developments have had the biggest impact on practitioners locally? 

One major legislative development for trusts and estates practitioners in the Cayman Islands has been the recent amendment to the Perpetuities Act. Historically, the rule against perpetuities imposed strict limits on the duration of trusts, which could be particularly restrictive for multi-generational wealth planning. The amendment represents a progressive shift, effectively abolishing the rule against perpetuities for new trusts and, in certain cases, allowing for its exclusion in existing trusts on application to the Grand Court. 

This gives clients far greater flexibility in their succession planning, especially where family wealth is intended to be preserved over several generations. It also strengthens Cayman’s appeal to international families, institutional fiduciaries and advisers looking for long term solutions. 

Which events or initiatives stood out during your time as chair? 

The launch of the Cayman NextGen committee was undoubtedly one of the most significant milestones during my tenure as chair. This initiative was established to engage and support emerging professionals within the private wealth industry in Cayman, to provide opportunities for learning, networking and personal development for early-career professionals.  

The NextGen committee quickly gained traction, with an impressive turnout at its inaugural events and strong interest from members keen to share their experiences and guidance. Cayman’s Next-Gen success shows the importance of investing in future leaders, and I am very proud that our branch has played a leading role in this transformative development for the wider STEP community. 

How has the branch fostered cross-disciplinary or international collaboration during your term?

A key priority during my term was to enhance STEP Cayman’s profile both locally and internationally, and I feel we’ve achieved this in large part through fruitful collaboration with Cayman Finance. By working closely with Cayman Finance, we were able to collectively showcase the strength, expertise, and professionalism of Cayman’s private wealth industry to audiences around the world. Joint initiatives, including thought leadership campaigns and attendance at overseas conferences, have significantly raised the profile of STEP Cayman and helped position the jurisdiction at the forefront of global industry discussions.  

In addition, STEP Cayman has maintained regular and proactive engagement with local government agencies, including the Ministry of Finance, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), and the Department for International Tax Cooperation (DITC). These interactions kept members informed about regulatory developments and allowed constructive input into consultations and regulatory reforms. Collaborating with these bodies has enabled us to contribute to policy discussions, provide practical feedback and ensure that the trust and estates profession in Cayman continues to operate to the highest standards.   

This multifaceted approach to collaboration spanning government, industry and the international STEP community has helped cement STEP Cayman’s reputation as a thought leader and advocate for best practice in our sector. 

What unfinished business or emerging issues should the next leadership team keep an eye on? 

The branch should continue to work closely with Cayman Finance and government, grow the NextGen initiative and deliver member education through our world class annual conference and technical seminar series. Collaboration, nurturing future leaders and hosting excellent events are integral to our industry and I know will remain key priorities for the branch going forward.   

About Ogier 

Anthony’s experience reflects the strength of Ogier’s Private Wealth team in Cayman and across our global network. We advise trustees, fiduciaries, settlors, beneficiaries and family offices on succession, asset protection, tax efficiency, family governance and confidentiality. Our lawyers deliver seamless contentious and non-contentious support, including corporate advice for structures underlying trusts and dispute resolution when needed. Anthony’s leadership at STEP Cayman highlights the expertise and collaborative spirit that define our practice worldwide. 

About Ogier

Ogier is a professional services firm with the knowledge and expertise to handle the most demanding and complex transactions and provide expert, efficient and cost-effective services to all our clients. We regularly win awards for the quality of our client service, our work and our people.

Disclaimer

This client briefing has been prepared for clients and professional associates of Ogier. The information and expressions of opinion which it contains are not intended to be a comprehensive study or to provide legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for specific advice concerning individual situations.

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