NASSAU, BAHAMAS– The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Bahamas hosted its annual conference at the prestigious SLS Baha Mar Resort from March 12th to March 14th, 2025. This highly anticipated event brought together some of the world’s most distinguished Trust and Estate Practitioners, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss emerging trends, regulatory developments, and innovations shaping the sector.
The conference opened with an address by Theo Burrows, Chair of the STEP Bahamas Conference, who set the tone for discussions centered around the evolving landscape of wealth management and fiduciary services.
“This conference represents an invaluable opportunity for professionals to exchange insights, strengthen international networks, and explore the latest advancements in trust and estate practices,” said Burrows. “The caliber of speakers and attendees reaffirms The Bahamas’ position as a leading global financial center.”
Following the opening remarks, Brandace B. Duncanson, Director of Financial Services at the Ministry of Finance, delivered a welcome address emphasizing The Bahamas’ commitment to maintaining a robust and progressive financial services sector. Noting the theme of the conference, “The Art of the Possible,” she called upon attendees to “reimagine what financial services can be.”
“Constant evolution and adaptation will be key as we respond to the rapidly changing world,” she said. “As I speak, geopolitical alliances are morphing, technological advances are being rolled out, and new rules are being drawn up. These changes have major implications for trust and estate practice, investment, wealth management, and financial services at large. How will we stay ahead of the curve when it comes to offering diverse, innovative products that meet increasingly complex client needs?”
A significant highlight of the conference was the presentation of the John Lawrence Trailblazer Award to Antoinette Russell, Founder and CEO of Maran Global Solutions Limited. This award recognized Russell’s outstanding contributions to the financial services industry over the past three decades.
Russell, a trailblazer in international finance, has shattered barriers throughout her illustrious career. As the first female Managing Director of an International Trust Company within a global financial giant, she has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and innovation.
“It is with gratitude and humility that I stand before you today to accept the John Lawrence Trailblazer Award,” said Russell. “For me, this moment is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the many hands, hearts, and mindsets that have shaped my journey. I am extremely humbled and honored to receive this recognition and extend my heartfelt thanks to STEP Bahamas and each of you for your support, encouragement, and belief in the power of genuine, authentic service and leadership excellence.”
Russell called on conference attendees to recognize that all experiences, even the most challenging, carry a lesson. “What if, instead of seeing tough times as barriers, we saw them as blueprints? What if every mistake, every detour, every ‘no’ or resistance we received was a lesson shaping us for something greater? That has been my approach and motivation.”
The STEP Bahamas Conference 2025 also featured thought-provoking panel discussions and presentations on critical topics, including Fireside Chat: Legal and Regulatory Outlook, led by Senator Honorable Ryan Pinder, KC (Attorney General of The Bahamas), on the latest regulatory developments and their impact on trust structures; Extraordinary Women – Extraordinary Achievements, a panel celebrating the contributions of women leaders in the financial services industry; and Trump, Starmer, Milei and Beyond: Considerations for International Families, examining the implications of global political shifts on estate planning.
With its stellar lineup of speakers, engaging discussions, and unparalleled networking opportunities, the STEP Bahamas Conference 2025 provided an unmissable event for professionals in trust and estate planning, compliance, and financial services.
John Lawrence, CEO of the Windermere Group, for whom the prestigious Trailblazer Award is named in recognition of his contributions to the financial services sector, said: “We always look forward to welcoming industry leaders from across the globe to The Bahamas. This conference not only provides valuable knowledge-sharing opportunities but also reinforces our country’s reputation as a jurisdiction of choice for wealth management.”
