Midland Financial Solutions’ Director and Chartered Financial Planner Kevin Edwards has formalised his knowledge of Trusts and Estate Planning by completing the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) Certificate for Financial Advisors.
The STEP qualification addresses the areas of expert knowledge that are common to financial advisors and solicitors. The syllabus covers a wide range of topics including Inheritance Tax (IHT), Trusts and Trustee duties, Wills & Powers of Attorney, as well as Philanthropy. It also furnishes advisors with a detailed knowledge of the technical legal language used by lawyers so they are better equipped to support clients’ understanding of these matters and co-ordinate financial and legal advice.
Kevin says:
“Working closely with a variety of legal firms over many years means I have experience of the issues contained in the STEP qualification. However, it has been very useful to learn more about the detail in certain areas and to update my existing knowledge.”
“I feel that I am now able to give our clients a much clearer steer on Trust and Estates Planning issues and our clients benefit from a much smoother transition from the financial advice from us to legal advice from solicitors.”
“Ongoing continuous professional development has always been important to me as I believe that it’s vital to ensure I can provide my clients with the most comprehensive and suitable advice for their own particular circumstances.”
This passion for perfection led to Kevin being the first person in Derby to obtain Chartered Financial Planner Status in 2011, following the introduction of this new IFA quality standard.
The STEP qualification is the latest edition to Kevin’s portfolio. Qualifying as an advisor 18 years ago, Kevin has also achieved:
- APFS – Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- AF3 – Pensions (Advanced Diploma)
- AF4 – Investments (Advanced Diploma)
- G10 – Taxation & Trusts
- CF8 – Long-Term Care
- And his latest qualification, the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) Certificate for Financial Services (Trusts & Estates Planning)
