Emma Lovell has been appointed as the new CEO of STEP, the global professional body for trust and estate practitioners.

Ms Lovell was formerly CEO of the Lending Standards Board which provided independent oversight of financial services for SME borrowers from 2020 to the end of 2025 when it closed after High Street banks withdrew funding following the introduction of the Consumer Duty.

She also previously served as chief executive of R3, the Association of Business Recovery Professionals, the UK’s membership association for insolvency, restructuring and turnaround professionals.

Ms Lovell has held a number of voluntary roles including as Commissioner for the Institute of Directors where she helped to develop the UK’s first voluntary Code of Conduct for company directors in 2024. She is also a non-executive director for the Money Advice Liaison Group, a membership body designed to improve the lives of Britons in debt.

She replaces Mark Walley who has spent seven years at the helm of STEP, the global professional association for lawyers, accountants, trustees, and other practitioners who help families plan for their futures. Many Financial Planners are also members of STEP.

Mr Walley has chosen to retire but will continue his non-executive board position at the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors as well as voluntary work with the Surrey branch of the Institute of Directors.

STEP has more than 22,000 members in 96 countries worldwide and says its mission is to inspire confidence in families as they plan for the transfer of their assets across the generations. Full STEP members are known as TEPs (Trust and Estate Practitioner). They are internationally recognised.

Ms Lovell said: “In an increasingly complex and fast-changing world, the role of trust and estate professionals has never been more vital. STEP members play a crucial role in supporting families and preserving legacies across generations and around the globe.

“My priority will be to listen to, support and empower members as they navigate change – from emerging technologies to evolving regulatory landscapes – so they can continue to uphold the highest professional standards and inspire confidence in the families and communities they serve.”

Paolo Panico TEP, worldwide chair of STEP, said: “Emma brings a truly global view alongside a proven ability to lead complex organisations through change. Her energy, insight and strategic mindset make her exceptionally well placed to lead STEP as we continue to evolve and strengthen our impact worldwide.”

STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) was founded in 1991 and is the international professional body for advisers who specialise in inheritance and succession planning.