Cook Islands Finance is proud to announce its attendance at STEP Asia 2024, the highly anticipated annual conference for international trust and estate planning professionals, taking place at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
This annual event unites global leaders in wealth management, offering a dynamic platform to explore trends, share insights, and strengthen connections within the trust and estate planning industry.
“STEP Asia is an invaluable forum for promoting the Cook Islands as a globally respected financial services jurisdiction,” said Tony Fe’ao, CEO of Cook Islands Finance.
“STEP Asia is a truly global conference that provides the opportunity to network with quality professionals in the trust and estate planning industry from the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, United States, Europe and the Caribbean.”
Fe’ao, who will attend the conference from 11-13 November, will be joined by four highly regarded and experienced trust and estate planning professionals, each bringing unique expertise: Matthew Smith, Group Manager of Southpac Group (Based in New Zealand), Nadine Newnham (Director) and Terai Boaza (Legal Counsel) at Trustees & Fiduciaries Cook Islands Ltd and Antony Will, Managing Director at Cook Islands Trust Corporation.
“The Cook Islands’ commitment to excellence in asset protection and wealth management is underscored through our sponsorship of events such as STEP Asia, and our commitment to support the attendance of industry leaders from the Cook Islands.”
“It’s an absolute pleasure to have industry join Cook Islands Finance’s efforts to promote and develop the Cook Islands financial services industry. Our delegation exemplifies the depth of expertise that Cook Islands professionals bring to the industry, offering world-class solutions for wealth management and asset protection.”
Matthew Smith
Group General Manager, Southpac Group
Matthew Smith, Group General Manager at Southpac Group, is a dual-qualified lawyer admitted in both New Zealand and the UK. Joining Southpac in 2017, he advanced to General Counsel in 2020 before assuming his current role in 2023. He holds a STEP Trust and Estate Practitioner designation and received three STEP Excellence Awards, achieving top worldwide scores in his STEP Diploma. Matthew specializes in trust and corporate law for the Cook Islands and Nevis.
Antony Will
Managing Director, Cook Islands Trust Corporation
Antony Will is the Managing Director of Cook Islands Trust Corporation with over 20 years of experience. He is a qualified lawyer in both New Zealand and the Cook Islands and a full STEP member. Appointed as a Director in 2003 and Managing Director in 2007, Antony oversees client and legal services, focusing on structuring solutions for high-net-worth clients and advancing the Cook Islands’ asset protection and wealth management offerings.
Nadine Newnham
General Manager, Trustees & Fiduciaries Cook Islands Ltd
Nadine Newnham has over 30 years of experience in the offshore financial industry and holds a BA in Economics from Auckland University. As a former Managing Director, she’s led operations across the Cook Islands, Hong Kong, Samoa, and the Cayman Islands. A full STEP member, she serves on numerous boards, including the Financial Services Development Authority, and was recognized as Woman of the Year by the Cook Islands Business & Professional Women’s Association.
Terai Boaza
Legal Counsel, Trustees & Fiduciaries Cook Islands Ltd
Terai Boaza is a seasoned legal professional with nine years in trust management. A qualified Barrister and Solicitor in the Cook Islands, she holds a law degree and a Professional Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of the South Pacific. She has held key roles, including Trust Officer and Compliance Officer, and has served as rotating Secretary of the Trustee Companies Association, bringing extensive legal and compliance expertise to her role.
