Utmost today announced its sponsorship of the inaugural STEP Barometer 2026: Global trends in family wealth and succession planning, published by STEP, the professional body for trust and estate practitioners.
The report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the forces reshaping family wealth and succession planning worldwide. It explores how global uncertainty, evolving family structures and technological disruption are transforming both client needs and the role of professional advisers.
The STEP Barometer highlights six key themes influencing the profession. These include the Great Wealth Transfer, increasing complexity in modern families, rising risks of vulnerable person financial abuse, changing client values and philanthropic priorities, the growing influence of AI and increasing regulatory pressures alongside greater global mobility of high‑net‑worth families.
The findings underline the growing importance of trusted, experienced advice in an increasingly complex world. Practitioners report that their role is expanding beyond technical legal and tax expertise to encompass more holistic, values‑driven guidance as they support families through intergenerational planning and major life transitions.
Stephen Atkinson, Global Head of Sales and Marketing at Utmost, said:
“Clients are navigating unprecedented levels of complexity when it comes to wealth, succession and long‑term planning. At Utmost, we see first‑hand how clients rely on trusted practitioners to guide them through this evolving landscape. This report shines a light on the professionalism and adaptability of advisers worldwide and we are proud to support STEP in championing the highest standards across the sector.”
The full report, STEP Barometer 2026: Global trends in family wealth and succession planning, is available here: Barometer | STEP
For further information, please contact:
Temple Bar Advisory
Alex Child-Villiers / Sam Livingstone
Tel: +44 (0)20 7183 1190 / Email: [email protected]
About Utmost
Utmost is a leading global provider of insurance-based wealth solutions with assets under administration of over €133bn as at 31 December 2025. Utmost provides trusted, unit-linked offerings designed to help clients manage and preserve their wealth globally.