In keeping with the theme of embracing modern technologies, I asked ChatGPT to write a 500-word foreword to this edition and I have to say, it was not half bad.

What was really interesting to me, however, was ChatGPT’s ability to bring out the key tenets of being a STEP member, reflective, of course, of the information it can find on STEP and the Journal from its various information sources. I will leave you to decide how much of the rest of this foreword was written by a machine.

This issue, as ever, contains a wealth of expertise, thought leadership and practical guidance from some of the brightest minds in the industry. Our contributors, ranging from seasoned practitioners to emerging thought leaders, share their insights, experiences and strategies to help readers navigate the intricate web of issues that define the realm of trusts and estates.

One of the central themes of this issue is the importance of embracing change while upholding the core values that underpin our profession. In keeping with the times, many of the articles in our UK regional focus relate to multi-jurisdictional issues as we all adapt to life in the modern, and increasingly online, world. This, of course, is part of the reason why we are moving to a digital-only format, so that the insights and key knowledge within can be accessed whenever and wherever our readers are located. We also take a look at families and vulnerable clients in this issue and, again, newer concepts such as blended families and ‘manimony’ are identified and considered as clients’ needs and circumstances change over time.

The dynamics of wealth, family structures and legal frameworks are in a constant state of flux, challenging practitioners to remain agile and innovative. Change is a constant in our fast-moving world and the skills and capacity our members have to evolve their own practices to the changing landscape are a testament to the expertise and knowledge of the global STEP community. And that is what remains at the heart of STEP, a group of like-minded advisors all working towards the same goal of providing the best advice to their clients wherever they are located. As stewards of intergenerational wealth, we share the responsibility of safeguarding assets, preserving legacies and facilitating the seamless transfer of wealth across generations.

Finally, I asked ChatGPT how STEP would help practitioners in 2024. Its answer was that STEP will ensure ‘its offerings meet the changing needs of trust and estate practitioners in 2024. This includes providing educational opportunities, fostering networking, offering guidance on regulatory changes, supplying technical resources, promoting ethical standards and advocating for the interests of its members in an ever-changing professional landscape’.

Seems pretty spot on to me.