A Bermuda trust company has won a top international award.

Meritus Trust was awarded the independent trust company of the year accolade by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (Step) in London.

Meritus managing director Michelle Wolfe said winning the award was “a tremendous accomplishment” for the firm.

She added: “Especially gratifying is the judges’ acknowledgment of our commitment to our team, whose dedication and motivation has been the foundation of Meritus’ success since we started just over five years ago.”

The judging panel said: “Meritus Trust Company’s submission stood out on several levels, particularly in recognising the existence of high-risk files and the need to approach these differently.

“The clear, strong and determinedly independent ethos of this organisation shone through, as did its focus on its clients and its staff development.”

The Step private client awards, now in their tenth year, highlight innovation and excellence among private client lawyers, accountants, bankers, trust managers, and financial advisers and winners are selected by a panel of experts in the field.

Meritus general counsel Randall Krebs said it was “a great honour” to be selected bt internationally-recognised professionals.

He added: “This award is also representation of Bermuda’s presence as a reputable force in the trust and private client industry”.