In review: STEP Wyoming International Estate Planning Conference

Practitioners and regulators alike were in attendance at the seventh annual STEP Wyoming International Estate Planning Conference, held on 20—21 September 2019 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The boutique conference attracted attendees from around the globe, representing a total of eight countries with speakers hailing from different jurisdictions and disciplines. The sold-out event, hosted by STEP Wyoming, focused on current developments and issues impacting multi-jurisdictional private clients.

Day one of the event featured insights on planning strategies and structures for global families. Day two kicked off with a roundtable discussion moderated by STEP USA Board members Stanley Barg TEP, M Katharine Davidson TEP, Lawrence H Heller TEP, Ellen Kratzer TEP, Christopher M Reimer TEP and special guest Joseph Field TEP. This roundtable was followed by a legislative update panel featuring Wyoming State Banking Commissioner Albert Forkner, who provided an update on Wyoming’s trailblazing blockchain, trust company and foundation legislation. Notable takeaways included Wyoming’s 13 newly enacted blockchain- and cryptocurrency-related laws, the Wyoming Statutory Foundation Act 2019, and amendments to Wyoming’s existing trust company legislation.

At no extra expense, attendees continued to benefit from the Wyoming setting after the close of this year’s event: a grizzly bear sighting resulted in road closures, which impacted travel around the area and required many attendees to take an alternative route to get to the Jackson Hole Airport.

A special thank you to the event sponsors, including the newly formed Wyoming Trust Association, for making this year’s conference so successful.