***The STEP Caribbean Conference 2009 tackles tough economic climate with a “best in class” lineup of speakers.***

During these tough economic times, more and more trust professionals are looking to best practices and innovative thinking to get them through the “white water”. This year’s STEP Caribbean Conference, May 4-6, 2009 will be hosted by the BVI branch and takes place in Puerto Rico.

Addressing this issue directly will be a world class group of speakers at this year’s conference which promises to provide strategy and continuing education for trust professionals that simply will not be found at other events.

The conference provides three days of networking, sharing of ideas and strategies for senior trust professionals with the added bonus of more technical and practical break-out sessions for mid level managers. As always, conference organizers are expecting a sell-out situation and hot on the heels of last year’s stellar conference in Panama City, delegates are encouraged to register early. A full roster of sponsors is on board and conference chair Helene Lewis commented on the line up of speakers. *“Each year, the steering committee stands back and takes a critical look at the current macro climate and what will appeal to the trust practitioner in the coming year with regards to topics – the program is then developed and leading edge speakers are confirmed – this year is no exception and we have given much thought to the current economic environment and the challenges that our industry will be facing during these tough times.”*

Topics include:

* Trust Companies in the News: Avoiding Complications
* Use of Life Insurance with Trusts in Latin America
* PTCs and Settlor-Controlled Trusts – Accidents waiting to happen?
* Compliance Imperatives
* Letters of Wishes: Use and Abuse
* The Trustee’s Duty of Confidentiality
* The Impact on International Finance Centres of “Change” in the US and Initiatives from the OECD and other Supranational Bodies
* Managing Your Business in Difficult Times

…and more.

A full line up of topics and speakers can be found at the website. Delegates are encouraged to register now and take advantage of the early bird registration savings. This year’s conference, to be held at the Gran Melia Resort just outside of San Juan, is a beautiful new, five star resort with a host of conference and other facilities. Delegates are welcome to come early and enjoy some of Puerto Rico’s hospitality and culture.