<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!--Copyright 2021 Workiva-->
<!--r:aff69233-e8ea-43c6-b752-a0c9e63a6271,g:9b594e3b-c445-458a-8b23-84429d8a77c8-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#CoverPage"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CoverPage" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_3c430d18-e27c-49bd-9028-ffd55b40b6fe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_CoverAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_2679ee1f-f5d2-42fe-9b41-a7538c906753" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntitiesTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_CoverAbstract_3c430d18-e27c-49bd-9028-ffd55b40b6fe" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_2679ee1f-f5d2-42fe-9b41-a7538c906753" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5e04fead-6d9b-40f8-9d75-7e7523509c68" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_2679ee1f-f5d2-42fe-9b41-a7538c906753" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5e04fead-6d9b-40f8-9d75-7e7523509c68" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_a6ff2bda-e879-47fb-bdff-c84dbe204792" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5e04fead-6d9b-40f8-9d75-7e7523509c68" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_a6ff2bda-e879-47fb-bdff-c84dbe204792" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_b140e907-2508-4e77-bdef-ba496395c4f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_a6ff2bda-e879-47fb-bdff-c84dbe204792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_b140e907-2508-4e77-bdef-ba496395c4f4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_eb14ea0c-7aed-439e-acc6-9b3e76cbb1cd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_a6ff2bda-e879-47fb-bdff-c84dbe204792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_eb14ea0c-7aed-439e-acc6-9b3e76cbb1cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntitiesTable_2679ee1f-f5d2-42fe-9b41-a7538c906753" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentType_8d7e2ca9-881c-4fe3-8bf5-5c47290ef938" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentType"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentType_8d7e2ca9-881c-4fe3-8bf5-5c47290ef938" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_58f5d4cf-51d7-469b-bfb2-7c2d1ca8ffc3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_58f5d4cf-51d7-469b-bfb2-7c2d1ca8ffc3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_7efed6c5-451d-486b-a609-7c5e1e2225ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_7efed6c5-451d-486b-a609-7c5e1e2225ca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_42b190d8-0162-4434-b5c1-a8d4fdba129e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentTransitionReport_42b190d8-0162-4434-b5c1-a8d4fdba129e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_c01dfcbe-8097-4ea3-a801-b0b2191004e1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFileNumber_c01dfcbe-8097-4ea3-a801-b0b2191004e1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_48291de2-fac5-4e70-a451-6529be3bb3f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityRegistrantName_48291de2-fac5-4e70-a451-6529be3bb3f9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_d154d097-cf9b-4af6-88df-22a568386dc1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_d154d097-cf9b-4af6-88df-22a568386dc1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_05893cfd-d15f-463a-89b3-061cce60a74d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_05893cfd-d15f-463a-89b3-061cce60a74d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_84ef361b-bb75-4f40-a038-49dba1292958" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_84ef361b-bb75-4f40-a038-49dba1292958" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2_35826611-867b-47f3-9a6e-19b5372e78f3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2_35826611-867b-47f3-9a6e-19b5372e78f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_2a433048-ca4e-4c64-8680-b456fbf98444" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_2a433048-ca4e-4c64-8680-b456fbf98444" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_854a0bea-cc08-4412-b01d-689537fed1b7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_854a0bea-cc08-4412-b01d-689537fed1b7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_18c91d69-24a4-47f6-b2aa-d9ad21e0497a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_18c91d69-24a4-47f6-b2aa-d9ad21e0497a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_61958433-eaff-4ca3-9996-36c891a4881f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_CityAreaCode_61958433-eaff-4ca3-9996-36c891a4881f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_e104cf9b-94db-40e5-bfb0-0a38a586b963" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_LocalPhoneNumber_e104cf9b-94db-40e5-bfb0-0a38a586b963" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_0b5ba440-2d08-434c-b480-968812d05373" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_Security12bTitle_0b5ba440-2d08-434c-b480-968812d05373" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_ba839413-235c-4bd9-ac66-3b868039542e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_TradingSymbol_ba839413-235c-4bd9-ac66-3b868039542e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_9ae3f94f-c8cc-4b94-9024-cb0f14f0e5bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_SecurityExchangeName_9ae3f94f-c8cc-4b94-9024-cb0f14f0e5bd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_ec61b94e-0ff0-4ae6-9b3d-b77748bc8ef0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_ec61b94e-0ff0-4ae6-9b3d-b77748bc8ef0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_bf1cc982-246c-46b1-b923-8de5edfe8fed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_bf1cc982-246c-46b1-b923-8de5edfe8fed" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_0000fff5-6ee2-4a2d-a99d-391cfbb08987" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityFilerCategory_0000fff5-6ee2-4a2d-a99d-391cfbb08987" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_25a0ef5c-e7fd-4418-9813-cae4107d3f22" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntitySmallBusiness_25a0ef5c-e7fd-4418-9813-cae4107d3f22" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_4ace3a7c-feeb-4ec8-acec-7d159f8d3062" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_4ace3a7c-feeb-4ec8-acec-7d159f8d3062" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod_f40043cb-18cb-44ee-82aa-e808e65682cd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityExTransitionPeriod_f40043cb-18cb-44ee-82aa-e808e65682cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_70cd2348-0529-491b-83ce-add516e0dca7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityShellCompany_70cd2348-0529-491b-83ce-add516e0dca7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_443c4986-84c1-4455-a3d7-def221b8dcfe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_443c4986-84c1-4455-a3d7-def221b8dcfe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_dcb8ce08-6991-46d9-9674-257d11f5dff0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_dcb8ce08-6991-46d9-9674-257d11f5dff0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_3d16ad26-626b-41a6-92de-fb07080c17dd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_3d16ad26-626b-41a6-92de-fb07080c17dd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_ac58cef2-cad8-42b8-b086-13ef24b297ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_ac58cef2-cad8-42b8-b086-13ef24b297ba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_a1e282a0-fb9b-425a-bc52-f82e500c43c3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_a1e282a0-fb9b-425a-bc52-f82e500c43c3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_dce4a3dd-c473-4980-a9ca-10af866ae5dc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityInformationLineItems_7d7d0527-98cd-4fc1-b66e-17197205b134" xlink:to="loc_dei_AmendmentFlag_dce4a3dd-c473-4980-a9ca-10af866ae5dc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_d631b5d9-a6b4-4991-9724-04ec241b23f6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_49529ee0-e43d-4832-a68c-22877be77f65" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_d631b5d9-a6b4-4991-9724-04ec241b23f6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_49529ee0-e43d-4832-a68c-22877be77f65" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_ceadee2e-d431-4afd-8439-ebe93d480529" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_49529ee0-e43d-4832-a68c-22877be77f65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_ceadee2e-d431-4afd-8439-ebe93d480529" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3284a085-b530-4292-86d0-85b48bca7736" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_ceadee2e-d431-4afd-8439-ebe93d480529" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3284a085-b530-4292-86d0-85b48bca7736" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_aa0d48f7-3c81-45be-b671-d07ce2550062" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3284a085-b530-4292-86d0-85b48bca7736" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_aa0d48f7-3c81-45be-b671-d07ce2550062" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_cddc0c35-a6c5-49b9-bc9d-a7f9143704ac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_3284a085-b530-4292-86d0-85b48bca7736" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_cddc0c35-a6c5-49b9-bc9d-a7f9143704ac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_bd1a77b4-c7d0-45b5-9909-b1d7918aa36c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_49529ee0-e43d-4832-a68c-22877be77f65" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_bd1a77b4-c7d0-45b5-9909-b1d7918aa36c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_53bcf5cf-2d6c-4ed2-8be7-f1d14c3e8d01" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_bd1a77b4-c7d0-45b5-9909-b1d7918aa36c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_53bcf5cf-2d6c-4ed2-8be7-f1d14c3e8d01" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SubsidiariesMember_9297cbd8-0f40-40e4-b781-8e2c82e9a72d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_53bcf5cf-2d6c-4ed2-8be7-f1d14c3e8d01" xlink:to="loc_srt_SubsidiariesMember_9297cbd8-0f40-40e4-b781-8e2c82e9a72d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyEntitiesMember_5167cc43-1178-4947-bf6c-ea045dc47ce2" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyEntitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_53bcf5cf-2d6c-4ed2-8be7-f1d14c3e8d01" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyEntitiesMember_5167cc43-1178-4947-bf6c-ea045dc47ce2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_PartnershipOfSubsidiaryMember_65ed5194-7b4b-46bc-82be-58f962e70fc0" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_PartnershipOfSubsidiaryMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_53bcf5cf-2d6c-4ed2-8be7-f1d14c3e8d01" xlink:to="loc_step_PartnershipOfSubsidiaryMember_65ed5194-7b4b-46bc-82be-58f962e70fc0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_c83d4647-e7a4-451a-9c40-045ab9c5f460" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_53bcf5cf-2d6c-4ed2-8be7-f1d14c3e8d01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_c83d4647-e7a4-451a-9c40-045ab9c5f460" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2d9b5d69-082c-4b35-9339-e78fdc5d3771" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_49529ee0-e43d-4832-a68c-22877be77f65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2d9b5d69-082c-4b35-9339-e78fdc5d3771" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1c43198e-8173-422c-8d11-4bd1e3755054" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2d9b5d69-082c-4b35-9339-e78fdc5d3771" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1c43198e-8173-422c-8d11-4bd1e3755054" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_85cb1160-74a5-42a1-bea4-2630c274fb04" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1c43198e-8173-422c-8d11-4bd1e3755054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_85cb1160-74a5-42a1-bea4-2630c274fb04" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCash_7c980a40-a0b6-4c0e-a6ff-4a866ea0eb9f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCash"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1c43198e-8173-422c-8d11-4bd1e3755054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCash_7c980a40-a0b6-4c0e-a6ff-4a866ea0eb9f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet_1dc6acc6-f230-42d7-a8c7-477c761a1f6c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1c43198e-8173-422c-8d11-4bd1e3755054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNet_1dc6acc6-f230-42d7-a8c7-477c761a1f6c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties_990d85a1-7eae-4e24-9ade-c29827811c30" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1c43198e-8173-422c-8d11-4bd1e3755054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties_990d85a1-7eae-4e24-9ade-c29827811c30" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_835fa689-78c2-417b-83b9-da39d90373de" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1c43198e-8173-422c-8d11-4bd1e3755054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_835fa689-78c2-417b-83b9-da39d90373de" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentsExcludingAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_44ebfc90-fa41-4663-9e2f-4b7fabdfddd0" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_EquityMethodInvestmentsExcludingAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_835fa689-78c2-417b-83b9-da39d90373de" xlink:to="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentsExcludingAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_44ebfc90-fa41-4663-9e2f-4b7fabdfddd0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentsAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_c219fe75-e50f-4b4f-aeff-83b5ff387b47" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_EquityMethodInvestmentsAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_835fa689-78c2-417b-83b9-da39d90373de" xlink:to="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentsAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_c219fe75-e50f-4b4f-aeff-83b5ff387b47" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentsInFundsAndAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_5bcf897f-aebe-4518-baab-9de30eacc066" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyInvestmentsInFundsAndAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsAbstract_835fa689-78c2-417b-83b9-da39d90373de" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentsInFundsAndAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_5bcf897f-aebe-4518-baab-9de30eacc066" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_79a20e39-c50e-4b29-9444-3b79c2968629" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1c43198e-8173-422c-8d11-4bd1e3755054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_79a20e39-c50e-4b29-9444-3b79c2968629" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_d5b1aaf6-efdb-4e12-8d7d-8eb62634c720" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1c43198e-8173-422c-8d11-4bd1e3755054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_d5b1aaf6-efdb-4e12-8d7d-8eb62634c720" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_b4908d2e-9186-4e42-b987-1daee1b07d99" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1c43198e-8173-422c-8d11-4bd1e3755054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_b4908d2e-9186-4e42-b987-1daee1b07d99" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_0bb7989e-d3f3-412d-9040-c981e066ff29" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1c43198e-8173-422c-8d11-4bd1e3755054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_0bb7989e-d3f3-412d-9040-c981e066ff29" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_d34311fc-1389-411d-923d-1ea1320181d1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1c43198e-8173-422c-8d11-4bd1e3755054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_d34311fc-1389-411d-923d-1ea1320181d1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_bbc48669-1c12-4d7b-9cf2-2d1ca2a44dc5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_1c43198e-8173-422c-8d11-4bd1e3755054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_bbc48669-1c12-4d7b-9cf2-2d1ca2a44dc5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2d9b5d69-082c-4b35-9339-e78fdc5d3771" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndOtherAccruedLiabilities_32ca6004-d91e-4c3c-b7c9-3e9b02e72192" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndOtherAccruedLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndOtherAccruedLiabilities_32ca6004-d91e-4c3c-b7c9-3e9b02e72192" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_2f4a89ea-7940-45d7-92ca-c4f7010f578d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_2f4a89ea-7940-45d7-92ca-c4f7010f578d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentAccruedCarriedInterestRelatedCompensationPayable_39d6c26f-30cc-49cc-a5ec-a12451692dd6" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_EquityMethodInvestmentAccruedCarriedInterestRelatedCompensationPayable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentAccruedCarriedInterestRelatedCompensationPayable_39d6c26f-30cc-49cc-a5ec-a12451692dd6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentAccruedCarriedInterestRelatedCompensationPayable_d7a5cdd7-0b4b-4569-8837-fd8508be97bc" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyInvestmentAccruedCarriedInterestRelatedCompensationPayable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentAccruedCarriedInterestRelatedCompensationPayable_d7a5cdd7-0b4b-4569-8837-fd8508be97bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_dbe5fc3d-15bf-45b5-a5ba-1d89cdb0f93b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_dbe5fc3d-15bf-45b5-a5ba-1d89cdb0f93b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_3d2f8718-1af9-4058-b890-4f223a358842" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_3d2f8718-1af9-4058-b890-4f223a358842" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_d73bc915-e333-4511-8ded-f0e1a2e6ce7c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_d73bc915-e333-4511-8ded-f0e1a2e6ce7c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_44846f04-a89f-487c-a14f-2f4e7f692c8c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_44846f04-a89f-487c-a14f-2f4e7f692c8c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_7ad1ec7f-069f-4683-82d4-68db3ee7c7a1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_7ad1ec7f-069f-4683-82d4-68db3ee7c7a1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_f9552728-f6be-4583-aa11-d432a8af54e6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_f9552728-f6be-4583-aa11-d432a8af54e6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_6a59e7fe-0667-4824-a9c1-5129b7afd94d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_6a59e7fe-0667-4824-a9c1-5129b7afd94d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_50e56289-551f-4725-8da3-c92353928d18" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_50e56289-551f-4725-8da3-c92353928d18" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_f47b0243-a8d4-4fcd-b304-4345643519bd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_f47b0243-a8d4-4fcd-b304-4345643519bd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_a13911d1-efee-4c1a-a244-0f7fe8da19c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_a13911d1-efee-4c1a-a244-0f7fe8da19c5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_64bd5840-4180-4c5b-a183-858fd2dcea68" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_64bd5840-4180-4c5b-a183-858fd2dcea68" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_a41bb401-31a6-458d-a845-5a0aded4d98a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_a41bb401-31a6-458d-a845-5a0aded4d98a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_e350f56b-e71d-42be-bc90-12f79bdc75b6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_d68b5a2b-f2a2-463f-b9ec-ecdb0df7ee95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_e350f56b-e71d-42be-bc90-12f79bdc75b6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_acfd60fe-b9b9-4463-b7a1-113afef4f6ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_f1625655-6e99-483a-b5aa-0d1ae8bdb0ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_acfd60fe-b9b9-4463-b7a1-113afef4f6ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_f1625655-6e99-483a-b5aa-0d1ae8bdb0ea" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5912ca8e-5273-4d20-9107-f85614da8200" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_f1625655-6e99-483a-b5aa-0d1ae8bdb0ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5912ca8e-5273-4d20-9107-f85614da8200" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8a97924a-f20d-4d7e-9a55-3b9aab01cdf8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5912ca8e-5273-4d20-9107-f85614da8200" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8a97924a-f20d-4d7e-9a55-3b9aab01cdf8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_498128aa-8428-4b03-9790-ede9d12b1e1e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8a97924a-f20d-4d7e-9a55-3b9aab01cdf8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_498128aa-8428-4b03-9790-ede9d12b1e1e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_e3f372a8-bd1d-468e-b7ca-124071b80e14" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8a97924a-f20d-4d7e-9a55-3b9aab01cdf8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_e3f372a8-bd1d-468e-b7ca-124071b80e14" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_aa6d491e-5587-4aee-a410-be74d66c10b2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_f1625655-6e99-483a-b5aa-0d1ae8bdb0ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_aa6d491e-5587-4aee-a410-be74d66c10b2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_b199f165-40bb-4f1d-a36b-e9e29ba490d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_aa6d491e-5587-4aee-a410-be74d66c10b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_b199f165-40bb-4f1d-a36b-e9e29ba490d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_023b8d50-d2ee-41f5-987a-af401a0cabd5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_aa6d491e-5587-4aee-a410-be74d66c10b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_023b8d50-d2ee-41f5-987a-af401a0cabd5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_f7ecb61a-a001-44bb-9eac-fdbcdd7d470a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_aa6d491e-5587-4aee-a410-be74d66c10b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_f7ecb61a-a001-44bb-9eac-fdbcdd7d470a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_1f359f2d-634f-470d-afb2-98b7cfb58f42" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_aa6d491e-5587-4aee-a410-be74d66c10b2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_1f359f2d-634f-470d-afb2-98b7cfb58f42" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofIncomeLossUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofIncomeLossUnaudited"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofIncomeLossUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_b2f44cd8-73b3-42de-a7a5-be090d3aa9d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_920160ff-6fbb-4d7f-8cc9-250b6f87212d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_b2f44cd8-73b3-42de-a7a5-be090d3aa9d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_920160ff-6fbb-4d7f-8cc9-250b6f87212d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_cd212ad5-b4ce-4519-bd26-8f489d09389c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_920160ff-6fbb-4d7f-8cc9-250b6f87212d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_cd212ad5-b4ce-4519-bd26-8f489d09389c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_70298e7e-73f0-441a-988b-a9dee66ceb29" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_cd212ad5-b4ce-4519-bd26-8f489d09389c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_70298e7e-73f0-441a-988b-a9dee66ceb29" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetMember_28cf82b9-cd2a-489a-81b9-385e3e2ebc2a" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_70298e7e-73f0-441a-988b-a9dee66ceb29" xlink:to="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetMember_28cf82b9-cd2a-489a-81b9-385e3e2ebc2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_IncentiveFeesMember_0c5dce48-f4da-4d84-8956-a7680b26f669" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_IncentiveFeesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_70298e7e-73f0-441a-988b-a9dee66ceb29" xlink:to="loc_step_IncentiveFeesMember_0c5dce48-f4da-4d84-8956-a7680b26f669" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_CarriedInterestAllocationRealizedMember_173dcb6e-f2b2-4e2a-9ec7-09d79c58e901" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_CarriedInterestAllocationRealizedMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_70298e7e-73f0-441a-988b-a9dee66ceb29" xlink:to="loc_step_CarriedInterestAllocationRealizedMember_173dcb6e-f2b2-4e2a-9ec7-09d79c58e901" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_CarriedInterestAllocationUnrealizedMember_c618ba66-e6e3-415e-a148-b0205025e741" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_CarriedInterestAllocationUnrealizedMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_70298e7e-73f0-441a-988b-a9dee66ceb29" xlink:to="loc_step_CarriedInterestAllocationUnrealizedMember_c618ba66-e6e3-415e-a148-b0205025e741" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember_3e31dcf7-29c3-463f-b0c8-3a7ae0ca1976" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_70298e7e-73f0-441a-988b-a9dee66ceb29" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember_3e31dcf7-29c3-463f-b0c8-3a7ae0ca1976" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_06c9a563-3aae-4b7b-a93b-42363b4fa657" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_920160ff-6fbb-4d7f-8cc9-250b6f87212d" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_06c9a563-3aae-4b7b-a93b-42363b4fa657" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_359cf192-6568-4447-bbf6-0485bbd65ed3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_06c9a563-3aae-4b7b-a93b-42363b4fa657" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_359cf192-6568-4447-bbf6-0485bbd65ed3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SubsidiariesMember_13e726d8-6e2c-45d2-ba56-8b416872e1d8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_359cf192-6568-4447-bbf6-0485bbd65ed3" xlink:to="loc_srt_SubsidiariesMember_13e726d8-6e2c-45d2-ba56-8b416872e1d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyEntitiesMember_d446613e-46b8-45de-8d53-f6c1700f946e" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyEntitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_359cf192-6568-4447-bbf6-0485bbd65ed3" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyEntitiesMember_d446613e-46b8-45de-8d53-f6c1700f946e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_PartnershipOfSubsidiaryMember_600e647c-7bc9-4341-8770-b852d119f9f9" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_PartnershipOfSubsidiaryMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_359cf192-6568-4447-bbf6-0485bbd65ed3" xlink:to="loc_step_PartnershipOfSubsidiaryMember_600e647c-7bc9-4341-8770-b852d119f9f9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e868cad6-c422-4a13-bc1d-73192e4be164" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_920160ff-6fbb-4d7f-8cc9-250b6f87212d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e868cad6-c422-4a13-bc1d-73192e4be164" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_1d2dc7bf-32cb-4976-b8dd-799ef9658538" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e868cad6-c422-4a13-bc1d-73192e4be164" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_1d2dc7bf-32cb-4976-b8dd-799ef9658538" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_82163361-2f0b-481d-99ba-251b1cd194c4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_1d2dc7bf-32cb-4976-b8dd-799ef9658538" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_82163361-2f0b-481d-99ba-251b1cd194c4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAbstract_e8a8f16a-a9ea-4086-a29f-ce0939e77a3b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_1d2dc7bf-32cb-4976-b8dd-799ef9658538" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAbstract_e8a8f16a-a9ea-4086-a29f-ce0939e77a3b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueNotFromContractWithCustomer_b5d7737e-1584-426c-aa45-48edfbf8dabf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueNotFromContractWithCustomer"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAbstract_e8a8f16a-a9ea-4086-a29f-ce0939e77a3b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueNotFromContractWithCustomer_b5d7737e-1584-426c-aa45-48edfbf8dabf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_dacc510f-2676-4bef-aebe-e95314dfdfda" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_1d2dc7bf-32cb-4976-b8dd-799ef9658538" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_dacc510f-2676-4bef-aebe-e95314dfdfda" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_bbe6729a-6b77-47e0-bdaa-7c45051d58f3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e868cad6-c422-4a13-bc1d-73192e4be164" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_bbe6729a-6b77-47e0-bdaa-7c45051d58f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpenseAbstract_7324c54c-3029-43e5-ae9c-2581d37853d8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpenseAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_bbe6729a-6b77-47e0-bdaa-7c45051d58f3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpenseAbstract_7324c54c-3029-43e5-ae9c-2581d37853d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_CompensationExpenseCashBasedCompensationAndBenefits_9fe2f084-9a7c-466e-a6d0-5434b6d85021" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_CompensationExpenseCashBasedCompensationAndBenefits"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpenseAbstract_7324c54c-3029-43e5-ae9c-2581d37853d8" xlink:to="loc_step_CompensationExpenseCashBasedCompensationAndBenefits_9fe2f084-9a7c-466e-a6d0-5434b6d85021" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_a97fcfbb-37ef-4199-8132-d20a350d70cb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpenseAbstract_7324c54c-3029-43e5-ae9c-2581d37853d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_a97fcfbb-37ef-4199-8132-d20a350d70cb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAllocationAndClassificationInFinancialStatementsAbstract_6c1d4f84-503f-447e-b610-1357af76e50d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAllocationAndClassificationInFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpenseAbstract_7324c54c-3029-43e5-ae9c-2581d37853d8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAllocationAndClassificationInFinancialStatementsAbstract_6c1d4f84-503f-447e-b610-1357af76e50d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_PerformanceFeeRelatedCompensationRelatedToCarriedInterestAllocationRealized_af5f33ae-aaa0-431c-8353-3857a4be0333" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_PerformanceFeeRelatedCompensationRelatedToCarriedInterestAllocationRealized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAllocationAndClassificationInFinancialStatementsAbstract_6c1d4f84-503f-447e-b610-1357af76e50d" xlink:to="loc_step_PerformanceFeeRelatedCompensationRelatedToCarriedInterestAllocationRealized_af5f33ae-aaa0-431c-8353-3857a4be0333" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_PerformanceFeeRelatedCompensationRelatedToCarriedInterestAllocationUnrealized_ec057c5d-281d-438e-84bf-fa68bcfc1ff9" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_PerformanceFeeRelatedCompensationRelatedToCarriedInterestAllocationUnrealized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAllocationAndClassificationInFinancialStatementsAbstract_6c1d4f84-503f-447e-b610-1357af76e50d" xlink:to="loc_step_PerformanceFeeRelatedCompensationRelatedToCarriedInterestAllocationUnrealized_ec057c5d-281d-438e-84bf-fa68bcfc1ff9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_PerformanceFeeRelatedCompensationRelatedToCarriedInterestAllocation_a3d5c9c6-eb65-440a-aca1-5d9e53e25e20" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_PerformanceFeeRelatedCompensationRelatedToCarriedInterestAllocation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationAllocationAndClassificationInFinancialStatementsAbstract_6c1d4f84-503f-447e-b610-1357af76e50d" xlink:to="loc_step_PerformanceFeeRelatedCompensationRelatedToCarriedInterestAllocation_a3d5c9c6-eb65-440a-aca1-5d9e53e25e20" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_CompensationAndBenefitsExpense_dffe0d2d-1f2c-4b5c-8273-7643ed314d41" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_CompensationAndBenefitsExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpenseAbstract_7324c54c-3029-43e5-ae9c-2581d37853d8" xlink:to="loc_step_CompensationAndBenefitsExpense_dffe0d2d-1f2c-4b5c-8273-7643ed314d41" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyPerformanceFeeRelatedCompensationRelatedToCarriedInterestAllocation_8b3365ea-56d3-4f56-b802-9928ffbabae8" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyPerformanceFeeRelatedCompensationRelatedToCarriedInterestAllocation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpenseAbstract_7324c54c-3029-43e5-ae9c-2581d37853d8" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyPerformanceFeeRelatedCompensationRelatedToCarriedInterestAllocation_8b3365ea-56d3-4f56-b802-9928ffbabae8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_15bac77d-3ecd-488b-9341-75c60b32f06b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_bbe6729a-6b77-47e0-bdaa-7c45051d58f3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_15bac77d-3ecd-488b-9341-75c60b32f06b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_8852fab3-e9e3-416f-8165-b84f0556752a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_bbe6729a-6b77-47e0-bdaa-7c45051d58f3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_8852fab3-e9e3-416f-8165-b84f0556752a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_bfb21869-92ad-4aea-8a65-8ca8fd6c51ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e868cad6-c422-4a13-bc1d-73192e4be164" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_bfb21869-92ad-4aea-8a65-8ca8fd6c51ed" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_7879b30f-2ba1-4cca-bdc7-4e699a98d7d1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_bfb21869-92ad-4aea-8a65-8ca8fd6c51ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_7879b30f-2ba1-4cca-bdc7-4e699a98d7d1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentIncome_06484ab8-8ecf-4f70-b536-58c20f60f830" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyInvestmentIncome"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_bfb21869-92ad-4aea-8a65-8ca8fd6c51ed" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentIncome_06484ab8-8ecf-4f70-b536-58c20f60f830" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_1076d4aa-0496-4bd4-829f-d9afea917a26" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_bfb21869-92ad-4aea-8a65-8ca8fd6c51ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest_1076d4aa-0496-4bd4-829f-d9afea917a26" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_12c32108-0b48-46e6-a134-1213d10a29a3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_bfb21869-92ad-4aea-8a65-8ca8fd6c51ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_12c32108-0b48-46e6-a134-1213d10a29a3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_bb3c6d41-b99a-4149-839f-e8750807924b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_bfb21869-92ad-4aea-8a65-8ca8fd6c51ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_bb3c6d41-b99a-4149-839f-e8750807924b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_4a9954f0-2c25-4c08-89c4-d313cf157c16" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_bfb21869-92ad-4aea-8a65-8ca8fd6c51ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_4a9954f0-2c25-4c08-89c4-d313cf157c16" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_ec94979f-8b07-4a37-8d11-efa602f4a55b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e868cad6-c422-4a13-bc1d-73192e4be164" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_ec94979f-8b07-4a37-8d11-efa602f4a55b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5c45fb8b-424d-4600-a347-25db45b89340" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e868cad6-c422-4a13-bc1d-73192e4be164" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5c45fb8b-424d-4600-a347-25db45b89340" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_47914f00-0b46-4e72-b5ae-64e25f4e0412" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e868cad6-c422-4a13-bc1d-73192e4be164" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_47914f00-0b46-4e72-b5ae-64e25f4e0412" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_04389946-18f2-4ffb-a4e8-3e08b7dc97c8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e868cad6-c422-4a13-bc1d-73192e4be164" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_04389946-18f2-4ffb-a4e8-3e08b7dc97c8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_45a91e56-3c58-4099-9d87-ff348fde0649" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e868cad6-c422-4a13-bc1d-73192e4be164" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_45a91e56-3c58-4099-9d87-ff348fde0649" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_2dc04aa6-3fae-468d-a5fc-9ac57085715e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e868cad6-c422-4a13-bc1d-73192e4be164" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_2dc04aa6-3fae-468d-a5fc-9ac57085715e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_186fc819-fd15-4f6c-8fe0-b10f1e6fe40f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_2dc04aa6-3fae-468d-a5fc-9ac57085715e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_186fc819-fd15-4f6c-8fe0-b10f1e6fe40f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_659b91a6-3155-41cd-baa3-6a5a2a066700" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_2dc04aa6-3fae-468d-a5fc-9ac57085715e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_659b91a6-3155-41cd-baa3-6a5a2a066700" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_8f67f4a4-301f-4b0a-b79f-b91625cacf36" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_e868cad6-c422-4a13-bc1d-73192e4be164" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_8f67f4a4-301f-4b0a-b79f-b91625cacf36" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_f2ca6f2d-b70c-4efc-b108-acbc8544b7f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_8f67f4a4-301f-4b0a-b79f-b91625cacf36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_f2ca6f2d-b70c-4efc-b108-acbc8544b7f4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_9e058a88-d9a8-4324-b1f6-3440a104f526" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedOtherDisclosuresAbstract_8f67f4a4-301f-4b0a-b79f-b91625cacf36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_9e058a88-d9a8-4324-b1f6-3440a104f526" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_2ed7e732-5610-44ed-b0e9-ca40eb7b0c03" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_40ac0443-3583-4047-8d3e-2859ab5998ef" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_2ed7e732-5610-44ed-b0e9-ca40eb7b0c03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_40ac0443-3583-4047-8d3e-2859ab5998ef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_c74902f4-236e-4a0d-86a3-18baba777b08" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_40ac0443-3583-4047-8d3e-2859ab5998ef" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_c74902f4-236e-4a0d-86a3-18baba777b08" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_dd2a1e4c-e46f-4015-bb47-ec6cff52693d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_c74902f4-236e-4a0d-86a3-18baba777b08" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_dd2a1e4c-e46f-4015-bb47-ec6cff52693d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SubsidiariesMember_90bac217-81a5-4cbf-bc4d-5c0acfc3562d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_dd2a1e4c-e46f-4015-bb47-ec6cff52693d" xlink:to="loc_srt_SubsidiariesMember_90bac217-81a5-4cbf-bc4d-5c0acfc3562d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyEntitiesMember_54ce56aa-296a-4b6d-b93b-19918f1d9812" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyEntitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_dd2a1e4c-e46f-4015-bb47-ec6cff52693d" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyEntitiesMember_54ce56aa-296a-4b6d-b93b-19918f1d9812" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_PartnershipOfSubsidiaryMember_2d3013f8-dcf2-4cf2-bd47-f726d2cb4d37" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_PartnershipOfSubsidiaryMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_dd2a1e4c-e46f-4015-bb47-ec6cff52693d" xlink:to="loc_step_PartnershipOfSubsidiaryMember_2d3013f8-dcf2-4cf2-bd47-f726d2cb4d37" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_a9f47614-d1fa-4b06-a2aa-44ef041504ee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_40ac0443-3583-4047-8d3e-2859ab5998ef" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_a9f47614-d1fa-4b06-a2aa-44ef041504ee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_128000ca-b8d0-4175-8b9a-d9264504b388" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_a9f47614-d1fa-4b06-a2aa-44ef041504ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_128000ca-b8d0-4175-8b9a-d9264504b388" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_0393c786-261d-4375-8345-34f9212b69bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_a9f47614-d1fa-4b06-a2aa-44ef041504ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_0393c786-261d-4375-8345-34f9212b69bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_d4ffcfa8-4008-4154-b694-a233d3ed6cf2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_0393c786-261d-4375-8345-34f9212b69bc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_d4ffcfa8-4008-4154-b694-a233d3ed6cf2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_f1eba8e3-2615-4053-be11-a7b857e1d5e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_a9f47614-d1fa-4b06-a2aa-44ef041504ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_f1eba8e3-2615-4053-be11-a7b857e1d5e9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_10373324-48a4-4dd5-bb70-670c4fa78245" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_a9f47614-d1fa-4b06-a2aa-44ef041504ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_10373324-48a4-4dd5-bb70-670c4fa78245" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_1bcfd49c-9166-440e-a54f-84a00e81a8c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_a9f47614-d1fa-4b06-a2aa-44ef041504ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_1bcfd49c-9166-440e-a54f-84a00e81a8c5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_6258a6f4-8716-4846-9ccd-5c0192cd63ee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_a9f47614-d1fa-4b06-a2aa-44ef041504ee" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_6258a6f4-8716-4846-9ccd-5c0192cd63ee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofStockholdersEquityUnaudited"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfPartnersCapitalAbstract_eaccfa4a-2a22-49f9-91ff-1319eac25605" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfPartnersCapitalAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_bc4700c7-421c-4cac-b50e-23140c77dadb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfPartnersCapitalAbstract_eaccfa4a-2a22-49f9-91ff-1319eac25605" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_bc4700c7-421c-4cac-b50e-23140c77dadb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_ef5a5caf-b44d-4555-8355-c6a020b08531" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_bc4700c7-421c-4cac-b50e-23140c77dadb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_ef5a5caf-b44d-4555-8355-c6a020b08531" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2e476507-7db9-4230-9073-8690a804ad9d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_ef5a5caf-b44d-4555-8355-c6a020b08531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2e476507-7db9-4230-9073-8690a804ad9d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_PartnersCapitalMember_50d0b514-db8c-4b65-b1ed-40d6202edaba" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_PartnersCapitalMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2e476507-7db9-4230-9073-8690a804ad9d" xlink:to="loc_step_PartnersCapitalMember_50d0b514-db8c-4b65-b1ed-40d6202edaba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_68f47315-9ac8-40e2-9cb0-3821a7058c9d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2e476507-7db9-4230-9073-8690a804ad9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_68f47315-9ac8-40e2-9cb0-3821a7058c9d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_5cd0814c-c3d7-499a-a842-5d1c22a949f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2e476507-7db9-4230-9073-8690a804ad9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_5cd0814c-c3d7-499a-a842-5d1c22a949f4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_6df4ad66-40d8-426e-9d4a-85632a9aae24" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2e476507-7db9-4230-9073-8690a804ad9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_6df4ad66-40d8-426e-9d4a-85632a9aae24" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_462cc45f-1078-4efc-abe3-6b3bad0688b1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2e476507-7db9-4230-9073-8690a804ad9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_462cc45f-1078-4efc-abe3-6b3bad0688b1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_a6f3472c-0e2f-4aa5-8fd8-96fae87d8906" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2e476507-7db9-4230-9073-8690a804ad9d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_a6f3472c-0e2f-4aa5-8fd8-96fae87d8906" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5a00a5be-06f2-4895-815e-1ebd53eed144" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_bc4700c7-421c-4cac-b50e-23140c77dadb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5a00a5be-06f2-4895-815e-1ebd53eed144" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_ab1ac637-5988-4272-8833-3c5afa15556d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_5a00a5be-06f2-4895-815e-1ebd53eed144" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_ab1ac637-5988-4272-8833-3c5afa15556d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_1f6b84d8-e647-4ef1-896a-bce52fb5677b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_ab1ac637-5988-4272-8833-3c5afa15556d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_1f6b84d8-e647-4ef1-896a-bce52fb5677b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_62b1d1c6-c174-4534-95e5-8f813ad91bee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_ab1ac637-5988-4272-8833-3c5afa15556d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_62b1d1c6-c174-4534-95e5-8f813ad91bee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_29a2b2b1-c65e-4705-b193-90aaf0ec6d02" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_ab1ac637-5988-4272-8833-3c5afa15556d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_29a2b2b1-c65e-4705-b193-90aaf0ec6d02" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_317c3458-0f7f-4208-98d4-e87eefd1d332" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_bc4700c7-421c-4cac-b50e-23140c77dadb" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_317c3458-0f7f-4208-98d4-e87eefd1d332" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6561827f-c9fd-438a-8309-d071f0e107a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_317c3458-0f7f-4208-98d4-e87eefd1d332" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6561827f-c9fd-438a-8309-d071f0e107a9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SubsidiariesMember_23000ad9-f0cb-4de0-8909-1526a3bcc8d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6561827f-c9fd-438a-8309-d071f0e107a9" xlink:to="loc_srt_SubsidiariesMember_23000ad9-f0cb-4de0-8909-1526a3bcc8d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyEntitiesMember_7840effd-e64c-408b-a89e-9056217e1a80" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyEntitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6561827f-c9fd-438a-8309-d071f0e107a9" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyEntitiesMember_7840effd-e64c-408b-a89e-9056217e1a80" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_PartnershipOfSubsidiaryMember_21abe36c-68e4-40fe-9759-49e4a726b208" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_PartnershipOfSubsidiaryMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_6561827f-c9fd-438a-8309-d071f0e107a9" xlink:to="loc_step_PartnershipOfSubsidiaryMember_21abe36c-68e4-40fe-9759-49e4a726b208" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis_e4052761-7eef-438e-b44f-47f5e219febd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_bc4700c7-421c-4cac-b50e-23140c77dadb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis_e4052761-7eef-438e-b44f-47f5e219febd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain_f64fb234-583f-4cf3-8264-be9fce29f4d2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis_e4052761-7eef-438e-b44f-47f5e219febd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain_f64fb234-583f-4cf3-8264-be9fce29f4d2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnerMember_06c30fbc-b3c2-4e92-a008-060ad9a69ba8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedPartnerMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain_f64fb234-583f-4cf3-8264-be9fce29f4d2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LimitedPartnerMember_06c30fbc-b3c2-4e92-a008-060ad9a69ba8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1659a195-91a1-4b36-97ac-b22bd52f524d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_bc4700c7-421c-4cac-b50e-23140c77dadb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1659a195-91a1-4b36-97ac-b22bd52f524d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1659a195-91a1-4b36-97ac-b22bd52f524d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_75a3a5f8-240f-4fe7-ac07-0b49b9e297b0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_75a3a5f8-240f-4fe7-ac07-0b49b9e297b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_29970b4a-a0f1-4d0f-bb05-d6331e16f581" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_29970b4a-a0f1-4d0f-bb05-d6331e16f581" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_59396096-b95c-46ae-a845-1e579233c19d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_59396096-b95c-46ae-a845-1e579233c19d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountContributions_8757a8af-b09b-4050-8b35-20aafadfa7e8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountContributions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountContributions_8757a8af-b09b-4050-8b35-20aafadfa7e8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_da7e728c-cf14-472d-8589-2a5e3da9ad3c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_da7e728c-cf14-472d-8589-2a5e3da9ad3c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_fefe035c-b34f-45e2-ba42-27acba0ab0e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders_fefe035c-b34f-45e2-ba42-27acba0ab0e9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions_ae63d08f-023f-4a0c-a78c-7c5266c052d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions_ae63d08f-023f-4a0c-a78c-7c5266c052d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_881fc949-5fa5-4fd9-9132-980a0b7f27e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash_881fc949-5fa5-4fd9-9132-980a0b7f27e5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross_5e4d3241-89ee-457b-9e66-0a5afde3d63b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross_5e4d3241-89ee-457b-9e66-0a5afde3d63b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions_97cf29ef-72dc-483d-bad5-5567b0a4d6ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueAcquisitions_97cf29ef-72dc-483d-bad5-5567b0a4d6ce" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_d8c1c13e-2092-466c-870b-d386aa8f6293" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecurities_d8c1c13e-2092-466c-870b-d386aa8f6293" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_8f48c171-f543-4cf6-9e39-889843b0fe72" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination_8f48c171-f543-4cf6-9e39-889843b0fe72" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalReallocationOfNoncontrollingInterest_a2e7ec6e-88d2-4ba9-9ed3-62b97af885a5" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalReallocationOfNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_step_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalReallocationOfNoncontrollingInterest_a2e7ec6e-88d2-4ba9-9ed3-62b97af885a5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalDeferredTaxEffectOfExchange_c9c371c0-ff4e-47bf-91f7-37fa1149a302" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalDeferredTaxEffectOfExchange"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_step_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalDeferredTaxEffectOfExchange_c9c371c0-ff4e-47bf-91f7-37fa1149a302" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_StockholdersEquityEffectOfReorganization_b01a8d76-9bdd-4818-a91f-a3507406e803" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_StockholdersEquityEffectOfReorganization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_step_StockholdersEquityEffectOfReorganization_b01a8d76-9bdd-4818-a91f-a3507406e803" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_e097e1e6-9477-4220-be14-d546ffa04e74" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues_e097e1e6-9477-4220-be14-d546ffa04e74" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalPurchaseOfPartnershipInterests_866548f9-ecd1-4a2b-9ba5-f336d7a20d22" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalPurchaseOfPartnershipInterests"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_step_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalPurchaseOfPartnershipInterests_866548f9-ecd1-4a2b-9ba5-f336d7a20d22" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_2800d039-d98e-4045-9c35-c77920dfead5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts_2800d039-d98e-4045-9c35-c77920dfead5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_f43e70cd-7249-4c3f-bd09-8835ceaa34f4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_10ffe1d0-d72e-4b7e-8d3e-74a84dc50ba4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_f43e70cd-7249-4c3f-bd09-8835ceaa34f4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward_c3932a99-dd66-4813-8c57-e87c04d9e831" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_1659a195-91a1-4b36-97ac-b22bd52f524d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward_c3932a99-dd66-4813-8c57-e87c04d9e831" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_38b99e6c-c07e-459e-accf-bd3dc031311f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward_c3932a99-dd66-4813-8c57-e87c04d9e831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_38b99e6c-c07e-459e-accf-bd3dc031311f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_871448a7-10cb-4997-a3db-4b5e654a315e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward_c3932a99-dd66-4813-8c57-e87c04d9e831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_871448a7-10cb-4997-a3db-4b5e654a315e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountContributions_b4d51ac6-445b-4afe-b540-42e983a87edd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountContributions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward_c3932a99-dd66-4813-8c57-e87c04d9e831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountContributions_b4d51ac6-445b-4afe-b540-42e983a87edd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitBasedCompensation_7e67a0cb-5aa2-4446-88a9-95aad475a81b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward_c3932a99-dd66-4813-8c57-e87c04d9e831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitBasedCompensation_7e67a0cb-5aa2-4446-88a9-95aad475a81b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountSaleOfUnits_2df06965-e6c2-4df2-a355-fc41bae339f1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountSaleOfUnits"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward_c3932a99-dd66-4813-8c57-e87c04d9e831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountSaleOfUnits_2df06965-e6c2-4df2-a355-fc41bae339f1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountTreasuryUnitsPurchases_ade046b5-fc3f-44e6-9796-4fb855ee05f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountTreasuryUnitsPurchases"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward_c3932a99-dd66-4813-8c57-e87c04d9e831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountTreasuryUnitsPurchases_ade046b5-fc3f-44e6-9796-4fb855ee05f7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountDistributions_34f1f58f-6370-45f9-aeff-1d9f8dd7addb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountDistributions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward_c3932a99-dd66-4813-8c57-e87c04d9e831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountDistributions_34f1f58f-6370-45f9-aeff-1d9f8dd7addb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_PartnersCapitalAccountReallocationBetweenControllingAndNonControllingInterest_c1d83095-cdf0-4391-8eac-c6286560b58f" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_PartnersCapitalAccountReallocationBetweenControllingAndNonControllingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward_c3932a99-dd66-4813-8c57-e87c04d9e831" xlink:to="loc_step_PartnersCapitalAccountReallocationBetweenControllingAndNonControllingInterest_c1d83095-cdf0-4391-8eac-c6286560b58f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_StockholdersEquityEffectOfReorganization_259395c3-8c3c-4db6-9be2-58cb36fac9ac" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_StockholdersEquityEffectOfReorganization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward_c3932a99-dd66-4813-8c57-e87c04d9e831" xlink:to="loc_step_StockholdersEquityEffectOfReorganization_259395c3-8c3c-4db6-9be2-58cb36fac9ac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_8e8e69a8-3171-433d-a857-7ea1a66177d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPartnersCapitalRollForward_c3932a99-dd66-4813-8c57-e87c04d9e831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_8e8e69a8-3171-433d-a857-7ea1a66177d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlowsUnaudited"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_bfec7529-72a0-42f6-a99d-902824477065" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_71ae03a1-a189-44e7-9182-1d9cd824ed6a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_bfec7529-72a0-42f6-a99d-902824477065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_71ae03a1-a189-44e7-9182-1d9cd824ed6a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_4a4b8087-01b2-4b2a-a051-683139c96693" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_71ae03a1-a189-44e7-9182-1d9cd824ed6a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_4a4b8087-01b2-4b2a-a051-683139c96693" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_f6db3a12-115a-4203-8d3b-749b9f5d9d8d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_71ae03a1-a189-44e7-9182-1d9cd824ed6a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_f6db3a12-115a-4203-8d3b-749b9f5d9d8d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_73d0eb43-f59f-48fa-bb98-9665ac1f6609" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_f6db3a12-115a-4203-8d3b-749b9f5d9d8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_73d0eb43-f59f-48fa-bb98-9665ac1f6609" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_CarriedInterestAllocationAndInvestmentIncomeUnrealizedGainLoss_d10cc294-2c4f-4841-a894-2a94118c2c8a" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_CarriedInterestAllocationAndInvestmentIncomeUnrealizedGainLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_f6db3a12-115a-4203-8d3b-749b9f5d9d8d" xlink:to="loc_step_CarriedInterestAllocationAndInvestmentIncomeUnrealizedGainLoss_d10cc294-2c4f-4841-a894-2a94118c2c8a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_PerformanceFeeRelatedCompensationRelatedToCarriedInterestAllocationUnrealized_1d7ec942-d8d9-4114-a791-3877cb2d96a6" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_PerformanceFeeRelatedCompensationRelatedToCarriedInterestAllocationUnrealized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_f6db3a12-115a-4203-8d3b-749b9f5d9d8d" xlink:to="loc_step_PerformanceFeeRelatedCompensationRelatedToCarriedInterestAllocationUnrealized_1d7ec942-d8d9-4114-a791-3877cb2d96a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_a99d1c41-391d-4bad-a20d-cd8596c2e853" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_f6db3a12-115a-4203-8d3b-749b9f5d9d8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_a99d1c41-391d-4bad-a20d-cd8596c2e853" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_9b70efdd-5a3d-4e3f-96dc-c1eb67895673" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_f6db3a12-115a-4203-8d3b-749b9f5d9d8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_9b70efdd-5a3d-4e3f-96dc-c1eb67895673" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits_0e534274-dc98-4668-a758-00bf4ca40a79" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_f6db3a12-115a-4203-8d3b-749b9f5d9d8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits_0e534274-dc98-4668-a758-00bf4ca40a79" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_fb66f09b-ff7a-4acb-9a1d-bcf5820e5edd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_f6db3a12-115a-4203-8d3b-749b9f5d9d8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncashIncomeExpense_fb66f09b-ff7a-4acb-9a1d-bcf5820e5edd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_b7b055de-b496-4251-abc7-e5782398134f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_f6db3a12-115a-4203-8d3b-749b9f5d9d8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_b7b055de-b496-4251-abc7-e5782398134f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_d6c14f76-15a6-4ca9-8443-edeab07bf894" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_b7b055de-b496-4251-abc7-e5782398134f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable_d6c14f76-15a6-4ca9-8443-edeab07bf894" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueFromRelatedParties_2037c233-c5d2-432e-a2f6-9509c27bfe3e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueFromRelatedParties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_b7b055de-b496-4251-abc7-e5782398134f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueFromRelatedParties_2037c233-c5d2-432e-a2f6-9509c27bfe3e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_5a57096f-b660-4150-9d0f-71000b80cb57" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_b7b055de-b496-4251-abc7-e5782398134f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_5a57096f-b660-4150-9d0f-71000b80cb57" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_236d1d27-e980-46d6-98ce-ebab23091267" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_b7b055de-b496-4251-abc7-e5782398134f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities_236d1d27-e980-46d6-98ce-ebab23091267" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities_d979dd54-a87e-4f14-8340-ad41a7752961" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_b7b055de-b496-4251-abc7-e5782398134f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities_d979dd54-a87e-4f14-8340-ad41a7752961" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedCarriedInterestRelatedCompensationPayable_08e2162c-4517-480a-9c79-01abab21b6d6" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedCarriedInterestRelatedCompensationPayable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_b7b055de-b496-4251-abc7-e5782398134f" xlink:to="loc_step_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedCarriedInterestRelatedCompensationPayable_08e2162c-4517-480a-9c79-01abab21b6d6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueToRelatedParties_cb8eb8a7-25f5-4d4d-8b6f-be66fb3c2706" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueToRelatedParties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_b7b055de-b496-4251-abc7-e5782398134f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDueToRelatedParties_cb8eb8a7-25f5-4d4d-8b6f-be66fb3c2706" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseRightOfUseAssetsNetOfLeaseLiabilities_167ea3a9-3ab0-41a2-897b-d7e9df5837b4" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseRightOfUseAssetsNetOfLeaseLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_b7b055de-b496-4251-abc7-e5782398134f" xlink:to="loc_step_IncreaseDecreaseInLeaseRightOfUseAssetsNetOfLeaseLiabilities_167ea3a9-3ab0-41a2-897b-d7e9df5837b4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_9fc03962-1f47-4402-ab03-06473480a8a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_b7b055de-b496-4251-abc7-e5782398134f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_9fc03962-1f47-4402-ab03-06473480a8a9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_ba2428bd-aff2-4e2b-a43d-c2a7e4d29f02" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_bfec7529-72a0-42f6-a99d-902824477065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_ba2428bd-aff2-4e2b-a43d-c2a7e4d29f02" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_c2338c16-9ab5-4792-8010-c7588d69fb03" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_ba2428bd-aff2-4e2b-a43d-c2a7e4d29f02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_c2338c16-9ab5-4792-8010-c7588d69fb03" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_ec3b85b1-77c8-44b5-b7dc-de3c33f9a782" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_ba2428bd-aff2-4e2b-a43d-c2a7e4d29f02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_ec3b85b1-77c8-44b5-b7dc-de3c33f9a782" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_628d7aec-1f8d-454d-9f85-7f7f5546d6e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_ba2428bd-aff2-4e2b-a43d-c2a7e4d29f02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired_628d7aec-1f8d-454d-9f85-7f7f5546d6e5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_2da6fccc-c43c-4906-b314-2c745810d876" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_ba2428bd-aff2-4e2b-a43d-c2a7e4d29f02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_2da6fccc-c43c-4906-b314-2c745810d876" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_543a535b-b112-4b43-804a-adae035fca96" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_ba2428bd-aff2-4e2b-a43d-c2a7e4d29f02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_543a535b-b112-4b43-804a-adae035fca96" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_d28ec76c-8e3f-4f79-99d7-dc1a1857f9eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_ba2428bd-aff2-4e2b-a43d-c2a7e4d29f02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_d28ec76c-8e3f-4f79-99d7-dc1a1857f9eb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_ac6a2b93-5015-4a82-8a89-4f24162c231d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_bfec7529-72a0-42f6-a99d-902824477065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_ac6a2b93-5015-4a82-8a89-4f24162c231d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_314384e0-6ad8-48f8-a021-51ed9057e2b0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_ac6a2b93-5015-4a82-8a89-4f24162c231d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_314384e0-6ad8-48f8-a021-51ed9057e2b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPartnershipContribution_dad9a727-7034-49d1-b485-e183558e7809" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPartnershipContribution"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_ac6a2b93-5015-4a82-8a89-4f24162c231d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPartnershipContribution_dad9a727-7034-49d1-b485-e183558e7809" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_e8518114-e3b1-4247-979f-8374ad44a8e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_ac6a2b93-5015-4a82-8a89-4f24162c231d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_e8518114-e3b1-4247-979f-8374ad44a8e0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit_d3431448-75b3-404a-a29e-a17a1ba62f23" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_ac6a2b93-5015-4a82-8a89-4f24162c231d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit_d3431448-75b3-404a-a29e-a17a1ba62f23" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_3639e7e8-6fab-46ca-abff-69e70e4b1b9b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_ac6a2b93-5015-4a82-8a89-4f24162c231d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_3639e7e8-6fab-46ca-abff-69e70e4b1b9b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders_9012fff1-9f42-47f6-853c-99e8bd405bd2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_ac6a2b93-5015-4a82-8a89-4f24162c231d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders_9012fff1-9f42-47f6-853c-99e8bd405bd2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_406ea0c2-84a4-45f4-bc1c-14c43278cd22" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_ac6a2b93-5015-4a82-8a89-4f24162c231d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_406ea0c2-84a4-45f4-bc1c-14c43278cd22" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfOtherLongTermDebt_643f7600-2f0d-47e5-a156-57f5b71df50b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfOtherLongTermDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_ac6a2b93-5015-4a82-8a89-4f24162c231d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfOtherLongTermDebt_643f7600-2f0d-47e5-a156-57f5b71df50b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermLinesOfCredit_f1566a1f-c1b2-44e4-bbab-05591687cedc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermLinesOfCredit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_ac6a2b93-5015-4a82-8a89-4f24162c231d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermLinesOfCredit_f1566a1f-c1b2-44e4-bbab-05591687cedc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest_4e483925-7dcc-4310-a4eb-93ec0103b72e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_ac6a2b93-5015-4a82-8a89-4f24162c231d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest_4e483925-7dcc-4310-a4eb-93ec0103b72e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_b73ab82f-d6af-48da-a981-93b38c95519b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_ac6a2b93-5015-4a82-8a89-4f24162c231d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_b73ab82f-d6af-48da-a981-93b38c95519b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_e9bc5a6c-a372-4ad3-b521-3f2e300f96b0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_ac6a2b93-5015-4a82-8a89-4f24162c231d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_e9bc5a6c-a372-4ad3-b521-3f2e300f96b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_b4c45e2a-4aa9-4324-8617-d845b77f8d2a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_ac6a2b93-5015-4a82-8a89-4f24162c231d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_b4c45e2a-4aa9-4324-8617-d845b77f8d2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_d77d3d35-974c-4c7f-aa89-99acf1449f16" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_bfec7529-72a0-42f6-a99d-902824477065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_d77d3d35-974c-4c7f-aa89-99acf1449f16" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_5e569e05-8b60-4051-ac9e-1d9e0460cca8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_bfec7529-72a0-42f6-a99d-902824477065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseIncludingExchangeRateEffect_5e569e05-8b60-4051-ac9e-1d9e0460cca8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_2ee18b03-9498-4f23-a7f0-03cd68ed8292" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_bfec7529-72a0-42f6-a99d-902824477065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_2ee18b03-9498-4f23-a7f0-03cd68ed8292" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_ed16092d-906e-4cf7-b680-394a2e66966b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_bfec7529-72a0-42f6-a99d-902824477065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_ed16092d-906e-4cf7-b680-394a2e66966b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_184fd0e1-c786-49cb-8e1d-15fb7e904154" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_bfec7529-72a0-42f6-a99d-902824477065" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_184fd0e1-c786-49cb-8e1d-15fb7e904154" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_1dc8b313-b3e1-44c5-b1fa-5dbae5894af0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_184fd0e1-c786-49cb-8e1d-15fb7e904154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_1dc8b313-b3e1-44c5-b1fa-5dbae5894af0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_DividendsIncurredButNotYetPaid_e42fa755-5c96-411f-a20b-f16a413c271c" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_DividendsIncurredButNotYetPaid"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_1dc8b313-b3e1-44c5-b1fa-5dbae5894af0" xlink:to="loc_step_DividendsIncurredButNotYetPaid_e42fa755-5c96-411f-a20b-f16a413c271c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_DeferredTaxEffectFromPurchaseOfUnitsNet_1582298e-7f9a-47e7-bcf1-c3019655e278" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_DeferredTaxEffectFromPurchaseOfUnitsNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_1dc8b313-b3e1-44c5-b1fa-5dbae5894af0" xlink:to="loc_step_DeferredTaxEffectFromPurchaseOfUnitsNet_1582298e-7f9a-47e7-bcf1-c3019655e278" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_StockIssuanceCostsIncurredButNotYetPaid_c907124b-3f58-449e-b4f2-8441960dd4fd" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_StockIssuanceCostsIncurredButNotYetPaid"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_1dc8b313-b3e1-44c5-b1fa-5dbae5894af0" xlink:to="loc_step_StockIssuanceCostsIncurredButNotYetPaid_c907124b-3f58-449e-b4f2-8441960dd4fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_a046f54d-c494-41e4-8fb8-e3a12f1db3ef" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_1dc8b313-b3e1-44c5-b1fa-5dbae5894af0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiability_a046f54d-c494-41e4-8fb8-e3a12f1db3ef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_StockIssuedForAcquisitions_ddab7e9b-2e4c-4cad-96c5-9ab0e65319fd" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_StockIssuedForAcquisitions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_1dc8b313-b3e1-44c5-b1fa-5dbae5894af0" xlink:to="loc_step_StockIssuedForAcquisitions_ddab7e9b-2e4c-4cad-96c5-9ab0e65319fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_PartnershipUnitsIssuedForAcquisition_313b37eb-bf71-4c7f-9485-05dd55960048" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_PartnershipUnitsIssuedForAcquisition"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NoncashInvestingAndFinancingItemsAbstract_1dc8b313-b3e1-44c5-b1fa-5dbae5894af0" xlink:to="loc_step_PartnershipUnitsIssuedForAcquisition_313b37eb-bf71-4c7f-9485-05dd55960048" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_6e38646b-2e36-49b8-bba1-8c93561985e6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_184fd0e1-c786-49cb-8e1d-15fb7e904154" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_6e38646b-2e36-49b8-bba1-8c93561985e6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_4cd1ecf2-57a8-4b13-baac-22ed0e059464" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_6e38646b-2e36-49b8-bba1-8c93561985e6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_4cd1ecf2-57a8-4b13-baac-22ed0e059464" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCash_2a447fcd-d990-4d24-ab6d-71422b7be022" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCash"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_6e38646b-2e36-49b8-bba1-8c93561985e6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCash_2a447fcd-d990-4d24-ab6d-71422b7be022" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_08985755-376d-4301-83ab-8b9d22c536a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsAbstract_6e38646b-2e36-49b8-bba1-8c93561985e6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_08985755-376d-4301-83ab-8b9d22c536a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/Organization" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#Organization"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/Organization" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_d0f66b33-9d28-4e29-8c8c-db657a461f96" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_8c6f3275-5408-4e73-aff5-1c5023550fb0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_d0f66b33-9d28-4e29-8c8c-db657a461f96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock_8c6f3275-5408-4e73-aff5-1c5023550fb0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/OrganizationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#OrganizationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/OrganizationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_f017c99e-b10e-4694-bc62-d1d0e9915dab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_cc3e0f6b-766c-4bb5-a0f9-d73d08b0300a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_f017c99e-b10e-4694-bc62-d1d0e9915dab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_cc3e0f6b-766c-4bb5-a0f9-d73d08b0300a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_043f08f2-e09f-4754-a37a-763760a3056e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_cc3e0f6b-766c-4bb5-a0f9-d73d08b0300a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_043f08f2-e09f-4754-a37a-763760a3056e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_8adce940-f6e8-4403-8eae-3d65a4ad5415" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_043f08f2-e09f-4754-a37a-763760a3056e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_8adce940-f6e8-4403-8eae-3d65a4ad5415" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IPOMember_7e7e2d67-9de8-41cb-a3b5-0fb4072af89e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IPOMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_8adce940-f6e8-4403-8eae-3d65a4ad5415" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IPOMember_7e7e2d67-9de8-41cb-a3b5-0fb4072af89e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis_bfae1451-fd26-42f1-89c1-de615b44b5d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_cc3e0f6b-766c-4bb5-a0f9-d73d08b0300a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis_bfae1451-fd26-42f1-89c1-de615b44b5d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain_17099c34-1519-406d-ba95-d1627c6c8054" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis_bfae1451-fd26-42f1-89c1-de615b44b5d9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain_17099c34-1519-406d-ba95-d1627c6c8054" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnerMember_95ae6e1b-4ac7-4e74-8f4b-f620fbcaa7ce" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralPartnerMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountNameDomain_17099c34-1519-406d-ba95-d1627c6c8054" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralPartnerMember_95ae6e1b-4ac7-4e74-8f4b-f620fbcaa7ce" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_24442b34-7ac9-4bc1-a6cf-785c49cb2bd2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_cc3e0f6b-766c-4bb5-a0f9-d73d08b0300a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_24442b34-7ac9-4bc1-a6cf-785c49cb2bd2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_e17ca585-b4f2-4fa2-a381-4926b33cfe90" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_24442b34-7ac9-4bc1-a6cf-785c49cb2bd2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_e17ca585-b4f2-4fa2-a381-4926b33cfe90" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_c17598e0-091c-47df-8665-a0c3510b28da" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_e17ca585-b4f2-4fa2-a381-4926b33cfe90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_c17598e0-091c-47df-8665-a0c3510b28da" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_25916d7b-74b6-48e6-a8e1-45acb7265a77" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_e17ca585-b4f2-4fa2-a381-4926b33cfe90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_25916d7b-74b6-48e6-a8e1-45acb7265a77" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_8a51514c-0fdd-48eb-b89e-056bd23ee9ad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_e17ca585-b4f2-4fa2-a381-4926b33cfe90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_8a51514c-0fdd-48eb-b89e-056bd23ee9ad" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_7fbe6adb-e7eb-461a-a352-354130143761" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_cc3e0f6b-766c-4bb5-a0f9-d73d08b0300a" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_7fbe6adb-e7eb-461a-a352-354130143761" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_2bc18ca0-2455-46a5-826d-8a20d903c6aa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_7fbe6adb-e7eb-461a-a352-354130143761" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_2bc18ca0-2455-46a5-826d-8a20d903c6aa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_BlockerEntitiesMember_dc682709-f2e4-4359-90d8-33784dcf22aa" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_BlockerEntitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_2bc18ca0-2455-46a5-826d-8a20d903c6aa" xlink:to="loc_step_BlockerEntitiesMember_dc682709-f2e4-4359-90d8-33784dcf22aa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_StepStoneGroupLPMember_8ef3b0ed-50a2-4b6b-9ba5-21dd9d3a8076" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_StepStoneGroupLPMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_2bc18ca0-2455-46a5-826d-8a20d903c6aa" xlink:to="loc_step_StepStoneGroupLPMember_8ef3b0ed-50a2-4b6b-9ba5-21dd9d3a8076" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2141a94d-80c2-47f2-9306-71f329fd72dc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_cc3e0f6b-766c-4bb5-a0f9-d73d08b0300a" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2141a94d-80c2-47f2-9306-71f329fd72dc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fb84788e-b93a-4e65-97a8-67da31479619" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_2141a94d-80c2-47f2-9306-71f329fd72dc" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fb84788e-b93a-4e65-97a8-67da31479619" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_OwnersMember_b57ae726-0552-491c-8612-991164258516" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_OwnersMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fb84788e-b93a-4e65-97a8-67da31479619" xlink:to="loc_step_OwnersMember_b57ae726-0552-491c-8612-991164258516" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_StepStoneGroupLPMember_11575eee-958c-44fc-a9ad-5077729a8a00" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_StepStoneGroupLPMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_fb84788e-b93a-4e65-97a8-67da31479619" xlink:to="loc_step_StepStoneGroupLPMember_11575eee-958c-44fc-a9ad-5077729a8a00" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockByUniqueDescriptionAxis_61c3b7e9-886d-4c6d-bb23-e78ed37dff65" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockByUniqueDescriptionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_cc3e0f6b-766c-4bb5-a0f9-d73d08b0300a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockByUniqueDescriptionAxis_61c3b7e9-886d-4c6d-bb23-e78ed37dff65" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockNameDomain_69d6aef4-ac31-4c98-abac-535ac4b46d0b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockByUniqueDescriptionAxis_61c3b7e9-886d-4c6d-bb23-e78ed37dff65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockNameDomain_69d6aef4-ac31-4c98-abac-535ac4b46d0b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ConversionOfClassBUnitsToClassBCommonStockMember_9beaa1da-62aa-46d8-b903-32a2b1a5d939" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ConversionOfClassBUnitsToClassBCommonStockMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockNameDomain_69d6aef4-ac31-4c98-abac-535ac4b46d0b" xlink:to="loc_step_ConversionOfClassBUnitsToClassBCommonStockMember_9beaa1da-62aa-46d8-b903-32a2b1a5d939" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_aaea378c-48bd-4d5f-8796-024fa0add889" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_cc3e0f6b-766c-4bb5-a0f9-d73d08b0300a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_aaea378c-48bd-4d5f-8796-024fa0add889" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_3b3d757d-c640-4e99-a093-ed9c18a9b477" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_aaea378c-48bd-4d5f-8796-024fa0add889" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_3b3d757d-c640-4e99-a093-ed9c18a9b477" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_PartnershipOfSubsidiaryMember_758ab39a-6eae-4199-af29-e1da9c5ed0e4" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_PartnershipOfSubsidiaryMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_3b3d757d-c640-4e99-a093-ed9c18a9b477" xlink:to="loc_step_PartnershipOfSubsidiaryMember_758ab39a-6eae-4199-af29-e1da9c5ed0e4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ce464fa4-2cbc-4250-a035-fd607c085719" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_cc3e0f6b-766c-4bb5-a0f9-d73d08b0300a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ce464fa4-2cbc-4250-a035-fd607c085719" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2f255e97-fd17-459c-9416-7cc01b8c5bb2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_ce464fa4-2cbc-4250-a035-fd607c085719" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2f255e97-fd17-459c-9416-7cc01b8c5bb2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_GreenspringMember_2078ef63-bfe7-4071-9ab6-d82d44f847da" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_GreenspringMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2f255e97-fd17-459c-9416-7cc01b8c5bb2" xlink:to="loc_step_GreenspringMember_2078ef63-bfe7-4071-9ab6-d82d44f847da" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_cc3e0f6b-766c-4bb5-a0f9-d73d08b0300a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares_bd296b5c-dfe0-42b1-bb7c-c896ac957476" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares_bd296b5c-dfe0-42b1-bb7c-c896ac957476" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_CumulativePercentageOwnershipAfterAllTransactions_9faba62c-f1bd-4b5b-ab83-831fbe2d994c" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_CumulativePercentageOwnershipAfterAllTransactions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:to="loc_step_CumulativePercentageOwnershipAfterAllTransactions_9faba62c-f1bd-4b5b-ab83-831fbe2d994c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_NumberOfSharesOwnedAfterAllTransactions_7437c2d9-6025-4764-ad8c-dd85336f6ff5" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_NumberOfSharesOwnedAfterAllTransactions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:to="loc_step_NumberOfSharesOwnedAfterAllTransactions_7437c2d9-6025-4764-ad8c-dd85336f6ff5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1_02fa6777-18bd-475f-9a8c-336cbb7b4347" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesConverted1_02fa6777-18bd-475f-9a8c-336cbb7b4347" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_10c18592-19df-47b8-bc80-7e171e47a7f2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_10c18592-19df-47b8-bc80-7e171e47a7f2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare_89c69d4d-2ab8-4bd4-badc-84664a107dd6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare_89c69d4d-2ab8-4bd4-badc-84664a107dd6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction_622127da-842e-4c8d-af10-23e475640e89" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockConsiderationReceivedOnTransaction_622127da-842e-4c8d-af10-23e475640e89" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_bc155a21-b5c2-4234-81fd-c0be52a1c519" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts_bc155a21-b5c2-4234-81fd-c0be52a1c519" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders_0c3d3197-025c-4840-b666-2542368bd129" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders_0c3d3197-025c-4840-b666-2542368bd129" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_NumberOfPartnershipUnitsAcquired_82b6c419-1a24-4bda-81f5-69f42f85891d" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_NumberOfPartnershipUnitsAcquired"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:to="loc_step_NumberOfPartnershipUnitsAcquired_82b6c419-1a24-4bda-81f5-69f42f85891d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_0ea46298-a200-4390-a153-41da7da1b630" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_0ea46298-a200-4390-a153-41da7da1b630" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ConversionOfStockConversionBasis_b4ccdd7e-7f56-4bcd-84a3-f9b791da2ab0" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ConversionOfStockConversionBasis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:to="loc_step_ConversionOfStockConversionBasis_b4ccdd7e-7f56-4bcd-84a3-f9b791da2ab0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPManagingMemberOrGeneralPartnerOwnershipInterest_a5790407-45be-404c-bd06-0a8147908e3d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPManagingMemberOrGeneralPartnerOwnershipInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPManagingMemberOrGeneralPartnerOwnershipInterest_a5790407-45be-404c-bd06-0a8147908e3d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_CommonStockNumberOfVotes_f86ceb94-552f-4291-8bf5-5cd9c648dae9" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_CommonStockNumberOfVotes"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:to="loc_step_CommonStockNumberOfVotes_f86ceb94-552f-4291-8bf5-5cd9c648dae9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_EconomicOwnershipInterest_16fb293d-f7a9-41b7-8ce1-846a84afbbfc" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_EconomicOwnershipInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_e1f9b19e-6d3b-4d7a-aea1-d9532f6291d4" xlink:to="loc_step_EconomicOwnershipInterest_16fb293d-f7a9-41b7-8ce1-846a84afbbfc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_cbb7bb3f-ee38-4c32-9c5a-af4fda00c52e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_40c21e1e-2cc5-4af5-9e67-fc86ca9751e0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_cbb7bb3f-ee38-4c32-9c5a-af4fda00c52e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_40c21e1e-2cc5-4af5-9e67-fc86ca9751e0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_230018a1-a3e2-439c-8713-7ff9039cbf98" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_230018a1-a3e2-439c-8713-7ff9039cbf98" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription_5d59dbcf-38e9-45a8-b740-585509bedf5c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PriorPeriodReclassificationAdjustmentDescription_5d59dbcf-38e9-45a8-b740-585509bedf5c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_4b360433-979e-4be6-ac07-a3b757f0652e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_4b360433-979e-4be6-ac07-a3b757f0652e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationSubsidiariesOrOtherInvestmentsConsolidatedEntitiesPolicy_eb1196fb-3337-40af-a469-9fed07f244c1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationSubsidiariesOrOtherInvestmentsConsolidatedEntitiesPolicy"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationSubsidiariesOrOtherInvestmentsConsolidatedEntitiesPolicy_eb1196fb-3337-40af-a469-9fed07f244c1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiscalPeriod_87261bf4-e033-4a1b-bce2-43d678a12dc9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiscalPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiscalPeriod_87261bf4-e033-4a1b-bce2-43d678a12dc9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_224cf837-f64e-428f-ad28-66657b161757" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_224cf837-f64e-428f-ad28-66657b161757" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_331046b7-ef6d-465b-b8f5-71c79a185fb4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsPolicy_331046b7-ef6d-465b-b8f5-71c79a185fb4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentPolicyTextBlock_7b33fb50-8f00-404c-be43-052ebad1af0f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentPolicyTextBlock_7b33fb50-8f00-404c-be43-052ebad1af0f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_21dde9b9-6c92-4e14-8bc4-c79077723476" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeLeasesPolicyTextBlock_21dde9b9-6c92-4e14-8bc4-c79077723476" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsPolicy_dc518378-9c4b-4321-8a20-d4a7eff7b5a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsPolicy"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationsPolicy_dc518378-9c4b-4321-8a20-d4a7eff7b5a0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock_258e4328-93c4-43df-b731-454e769cb6d8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsPolicyTextBlock_258e4328-93c4-43df-b731-454e769cb6d8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock_eea190e9-918c-4ec8-a9f9-228ccb676d84" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock_eea190e9-918c-4ec8-a9f9-228ccb676d84" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_c7f8a31b-3032-4dfa-94e1-2a8123e97eae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationOptionAndIncentivePlansPolicy_c7f8a31b-3032-4dfa-94e1-2a8123e97eae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_9904673f-e5ff-44da-bbe2-2c747c642cc1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_9904673f-e5ff-44da-bbe2-2c747c642cc1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_TaxReceivableAgreementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_54d87d68-b2bf-430a-ac91-fa56e082fe00" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_TaxReceivableAgreementPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_step_TaxReceivableAgreementPolicyPolicyTextBlock_54d87d68-b2bf-430a-ac91-fa56e082fe00" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomePolicyPolicyTextBlock_5db0efaf-e748-42ad-a36f-3ab39169ef5a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomePolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomePolicyPolicyTextBlock_5db0efaf-e748-42ad-a36f-3ab39169ef5a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_6ec7c1c5-ec38-4b8a-a4cb-0677669feb5c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_6ec7c1c5-ec38-4b8a-a4cb-0677669feb5c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_9c064e32-ebfe-46c0-8e06-614747ce5444" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_2b450d2d-91c2-4a18-8df7-259823d50b0e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_9c064e32-ebfe-46c0-8e06-614747ce5444" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_6a2af230-9198-40c2-aa65-9148702dd328" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_6d7812c4-bce9-4254-a420-515e1c82c31d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_6a2af230-9198-40c2-aa65-9148702dd328" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_6d7812c4-bce9-4254-a420-515e1c82c31d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0f33ee2c-6233-4f9f-b0fb-677d1a94ebfe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_7c580054-6405-4070-9748-564d133bc4ab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0f33ee2c-6233-4f9f-b0fb-677d1a94ebfe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_7c580054-6405-4070-9748-564d133bc4ab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_704d3590-ee49-4ab6-92a3-855ddbb377f0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0f33ee2c-6233-4f9f-b0fb-677d1a94ebfe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_704d3590-ee49-4ab6-92a3-855ddbb377f0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncentiveFeesAsPercentageOfNetInvestmentIncome_33c7fd7e-9239-4de1-89f8-6378a3566324" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncentiveFeesAsPercentageOfNetInvestmentIncome"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0f33ee2c-6233-4f9f-b0fb-677d1a94ebfe" xlink:to="loc_step_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncentiveFeesAsPercentageOfNetInvestmentIncome_33c7fd7e-9239-4de1-89f8-6378a3566324" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_450f2ad4-639e-417f-9f58-6f0c0fccf34a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0f33ee2c-6233-4f9f-b0fb-677d1a94ebfe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_450f2ad4-639e-417f-9f58-6f0c0fccf34a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_d39e31b5-c597-473c-8fbd-1c721060384d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_450f2ad4-639e-417f-9f58-6f0c0fccf34a" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_d39e31b5-c597-473c-8fbd-1c721060384d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_934e5a82-a64c-4ce2-a3b8-35ceb1715c64" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_d39e31b5-c597-473c-8fbd-1c721060384d" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_934e5a82-a64c-4ce2-a3b8-35ceb1715c64" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_c8f8219f-714b-4566-8592-f883e0360cab" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_934e5a82-a64c-4ce2-a3b8-35ceb1715c64" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_c8f8219f-714b-4566-8592-f883e0360cab" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_058a00bb-0324-4a1c-ade4-206f12edc5ba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_934e5a82-a64c-4ce2-a3b8-35ceb1715c64" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_058a00bb-0324-4a1c-ade4-206f12edc5ba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_892448b2-8e64-4f44-aef4-a20f1567594a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable_450f2ad4-639e-417f-9f58-6f0c0fccf34a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_892448b2-8e64-4f44-aef4-a20f1567594a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_be6bbb81-6ea2-47b2-a98d-6cd32d72719d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_892448b2-8e64-4f44-aef4-a20f1567594a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_be6bbb81-6ea2-47b2-a98d-6cd32d72719d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived_60451b1d-fb9a-420d-8803-0b9dd70e4be5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_892448b2-8e64-4f44-aef4-a20f1567594a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived_60451b1d-fb9a-420d-8803-0b9dd70e4be5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_RevenueCarriedInterestAllocationAsPercentageOfCumulativeFundOrAccountPerformance_b497e9e8-ec1f-4c18-b445-d2a8cfcb60a7" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_RevenueCarriedInterestAllocationAsPercentageOfCumulativeFundOrAccountPerformance"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_892448b2-8e64-4f44-aef4-a20f1567594a" xlink:to="loc_step_RevenueCarriedInterestAllocationAsPercentageOfCumulativeFundOrAccountPerformance_b497e9e8-ec1f-4c18-b445-d2a8cfcb60a7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_RevenueCarriedInterestAllocationMinimumReturnLevelsRequired_1c465c33-2c60-4738-8ee7-a1b12048bce3" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_RevenueCarriedInterestAllocationMinimumReturnLevelsRequired"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_892448b2-8e64-4f44-aef4-a20f1567594a" xlink:to="loc_step_RevenueCarriedInterestAllocationMinimumReturnLevelsRequired_1c465c33-2c60-4738-8ee7-a1b12048bce3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_RevenueLegacyCarriedInterestAllocationAsPercentageOfCumulativeFundOrAccountPerformance_3bb83a18-c785-45bc-bf66-1a7a535e0351" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_RevenueLegacyCarriedInterestAllocationAsPercentageOfCumulativeFundOrAccountPerformance"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems_892448b2-8e64-4f44-aef4-a20f1567594a" xlink:to="loc_step_RevenueLegacyCarriedInterestAllocationAsPercentageOfCumulativeFundOrAccountPerformance_3bb83a18-c785-45bc-bf66-1a7a535e0351" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_9c6af773-d306-4f3e-8df4-fa47d11c8870" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0f33ee2c-6233-4f9f-b0fb-677d1a94ebfe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_9c6af773-d306-4f3e-8df4-fa47d11c8870" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_b0424285-9b57-4018-8474-6603db9a29e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_0f33ee2c-6233-4f9f-b0fb-677d1a94ebfe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_b0424285-9b57-4018-8474-6603db9a29e2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesAOCIDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesAOCIDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesAOCIDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_5bad18f8-6be1-497c-898e-f63459595000" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_499dc71d-7985-406a-8fec-8144f84dfa86" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_5bad18f8-6be1-497c-898e-f63459595000" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_499dc71d-7985-406a-8fec-8144f84dfa86" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_eadbc2e7-7a32-4f31-b7b4-59e0599814a1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_499dc71d-7985-406a-8fec-8144f84dfa86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_eadbc2e7-7a32-4f31-b7b4-59e0599814a1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_720d03b5-50aa-456b-8795-022a126bcfae" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_eadbc2e7-7a32-4f31-b7b4-59e0599814a1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_720d03b5-50aa-456b-8795-022a126bcfae" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_b44c423b-2c9e-4e8d-9dbf-37073417c233" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_720d03b5-50aa-456b-8795-022a126bcfae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_b44c423b-2c9e-4e8d-9dbf-37073417c233" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_5c6d6198-dc47-474d-908a-038f9ca8dba6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_720d03b5-50aa-456b-8795-022a126bcfae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_5c6d6198-dc47-474d-908a-038f9ca8dba6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_33a0603e-5ea3-41ce-9e7a-2f0de73d78a4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_720d03b5-50aa-456b-8795-022a126bcfae" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_33a0603e-5ea3-41ce-9e7a-2f0de73d78a4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_bf9cbdd7-9dff-4837-9212-b7d1529a428c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_499dc71d-7985-406a-8fec-8144f84dfa86" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_bf9cbdd7-9dff-4837-9212-b7d1529a428c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_948bc24b-f800-4eca-821f-041d75edbca0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_bf9cbdd7-9dff-4837-9212-b7d1529a428c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_948bc24b-f800-4eca-821f-041d75edbca0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/Revenues" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#Revenues"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/Revenues" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_f47bdd51-2478-4248-aa4f-37fede91b52c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock_7be8c43c-77c4-42a7-b4fd-7eaf491b59e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_f47bdd51-2478-4248-aa4f-37fede91b52c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock_7be8c43c-77c4-42a7-b4fd-7eaf491b59e5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RevenuesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#RevenuesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RevenuesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_5d84e436-f5fb-4206-9e68-3c006f2dd1a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock_3c69584f-392c-497d-b7eb-0e67f68b07df" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_5d84e436-f5fb-4206-9e68-3c006f2dd1a0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock_3c69584f-392c-497d-b7eb-0e67f68b07df" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromExternalCustomersByGeographicAreasTableTextBlock_82066198-fd32-436f-b639-9bfdfe5b03f2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromExternalCustomersByGeographicAreasTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_5d84e436-f5fb-4206-9e68-3c006f2dd1a0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromExternalCustomersByGeographicAreasTableTextBlock_82066198-fd32-436f-b639-9bfdfe5b03f2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RevenuesScheduleofDisaggregationofRevenuebyProductOfferingDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#RevenuesScheduleofDisaggregationofRevenuebyProductOfferingDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RevenuesScheduleofDisaggregationofRevenuebyProductOfferingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_94a66f0b-fd3b-427e-856e-a3ad91d65546" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_86995eca-2b3a-458d-aad5-b0f354787e8b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_94a66f0b-fd3b-427e-856e-a3ad91d65546" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_86995eca-2b3a-458d-aad5-b0f354787e8b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_79bb41d5-8dc9-4cac-a380-c057cc43fe1a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_86995eca-2b3a-458d-aad5-b0f354787e8b" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_79bb41d5-8dc9-4cac-a380-c057cc43fe1a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_c2f74bc2-7cec-48e3-9230-509fa2cac50f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_79bb41d5-8dc9-4cac-a380-c057cc43fe1a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_c2f74bc2-7cec-48e3-9230-509fa2cac50f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetMember_27e4f1a1-87b7-4614-b2cf-a87762cb779b" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_c2f74bc2-7cec-48e3-9230-509fa2cac50f" xlink:to="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetMember_27e4f1a1-87b7-4614-b2cf-a87762cb779b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetFocusedCommingledFundsMember_421c2dad-10a9-4792-ac9f-fe5a25b58c2a" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetFocusedCommingledFundsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetMember_27e4f1a1-87b7-4614-b2cf-a87762cb779b" xlink:to="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetFocusedCommingledFundsMember_421c2dad-10a9-4792-ac9f-fe5a25b58c2a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetSeparatelyManagedAccountsMember_5249ff93-bf33-4a7f-8a79-f5a7608e3b00" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetSeparatelyManagedAccountsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetMember_27e4f1a1-87b7-4614-b2cf-a87762cb779b" xlink:to="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetSeparatelyManagedAccountsMember_5249ff93-bf33-4a7f-8a79-f5a7608e3b00" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetAdvisoryAndOtherServicesMember_6d62fd7c-7696-4af9-b68d-d0d5d0de62fe" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetAdvisoryAndOtherServicesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetMember_27e4f1a1-87b7-4614-b2cf-a87762cb779b" xlink:to="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetAdvisoryAndOtherServicesMember_6d62fd7c-7696-4af9-b68d-d0d5d0de62fe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetFundReimbursementRevenuesMember_4ab2783c-a2a0-459a-a7d7-4582440279e9" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetFundReimbursementRevenuesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetMember_27e4f1a1-87b7-4614-b2cf-a87762cb779b" xlink:to="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetFundReimbursementRevenuesMember_4ab2783c-a2a0-459a-a7d7-4582440279e9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_IncentiveFeesMember_d561d726-64b2-4690-a354-5d86f36e3be6" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_IncentiveFeesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_c2f74bc2-7cec-48e3-9230-509fa2cac50f" xlink:to="loc_step_IncentiveFeesMember_d561d726-64b2-4690-a354-5d86f36e3be6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_IncentiveFeesSeparatelyManagedAccountsMember_78056379-63bc-4bb5-80dc-c201002f3c6a" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_IncentiveFeesSeparatelyManagedAccountsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_step_IncentiveFeesMember_d561d726-64b2-4690-a354-5d86f36e3be6" xlink:to="loc_step_IncentiveFeesSeparatelyManagedAccountsMember_78056379-63bc-4bb5-80dc-c201002f3c6a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_IncentiveFeesFocusedCommingledFundsMember_c3eed1cd-888b-42a0-8470-0cfceb39d556" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_IncentiveFeesFocusedCommingledFundsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_step_IncentiveFeesMember_d561d726-64b2-4690-a354-5d86f36e3be6" xlink:to="loc_step_IncentiveFeesFocusedCommingledFundsMember_c3eed1cd-888b-42a0-8470-0cfceb39d556" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_CarriedInterestAllocationSeparatelyManagedAccountsMember_05a134c5-4870-4795-a121-ddfc528a28b9" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_CarriedInterestAllocationSeparatelyManagedAccountsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_c2f74bc2-7cec-48e3-9230-509fa2cac50f" xlink:to="loc_step_CarriedInterestAllocationSeparatelyManagedAccountsMember_05a134c5-4870-4795-a121-ddfc528a28b9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_CarriedInterestAllocationFocusedCommingledFundsMember_ce0f86e2-3c81-4cec-ab97-f2ae2c83a6c8" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_CarriedInterestAllocationFocusedCommingledFundsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_c2f74bc2-7cec-48e3-9230-509fa2cac50f" xlink:to="loc_step_CarriedInterestAllocationFocusedCommingledFundsMember_ce0f86e2-3c81-4cec-ab97-f2ae2c83a6c8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember_3e1c1870-012d-4680-a33f-ada090ac97d5" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_c2f74bc2-7cec-48e3-9230-509fa2cac50f" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember_3e1c1870-012d-4680-a33f-ada090ac97d5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationSeparatelyManagedAccountsMember_d6b38da8-e019-489a-9b78-cee3ed383968" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationSeparatelyManagedAccountsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember_3e1c1870-012d-4680-a33f-ada090ac97d5" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationSeparatelyManagedAccountsMember_d6b38da8-e019-489a-9b78-cee3ed383968" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationFocusedCommingledFundsMember_7d5f52c5-4036-4b54-bd31-527a5f8c0c4c" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationFocusedCommingledFundsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember_3e1c1870-012d-4680-a33f-ada090ac97d5" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationFocusedCommingledFundsMember_7d5f52c5-4036-4b54-bd31-527a5f8c0c4c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_1324e8c7-e18b-45ca-8a8c-1aae57e1ea4d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_86995eca-2b3a-458d-aad5-b0f354787e8b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_1324e8c7-e18b-45ca-8a8c-1aae57e1ea4d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_d7ebebd6-0d3c-4faf-b711-ae077a59a06a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_1324e8c7-e18b-45ca-8a8c-1aae57e1ea4d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax_d7ebebd6-0d3c-4faf-b711-ae077a59a06a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueNotFromContractWithCustomer_afd23979-bfe2-4e5f-bda3-28cdbe5de11c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueNotFromContractWithCustomer"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_1324e8c7-e18b-45ca-8a8c-1aae57e1ea4d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueNotFromContractWithCustomer_afd23979-bfe2-4e5f-bda3-28cdbe5de11c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RevenuesScheduleofDisaggregationofRevenuebyGeographicLocationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#RevenuesScheduleofDisaggregationofRevenuebyGeographicLocationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RevenuesScheduleofDisaggregationofRevenuebyGeographicLocationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_60fd667e-b1f1-4ecb-b6fc-70a0ebe11160" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_2f51ddc0-d54f-44e8-948b-0a3c12e1994f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_60fd667e-b1f1-4ecb-b6fc-70a0ebe11160" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_2f51ddc0-d54f-44e8-948b-0a3c12e1994f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_8af4be70-b232-47f8-a8f8-3a8c62d8b8eb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_2f51ddc0-d54f-44e8-948b-0a3c12e1994f" xlink:to="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_8af4be70-b232-47f8-a8f8-3a8c62d8b8eb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_55426766-6b92-4faf-83e0-e06cb8c9d857" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_8af4be70-b232-47f8-a8f8-3a8c62d8b8eb" xlink:to="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_55426766-6b92-4faf-83e0-e06cb8c9d857" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_country_US_7eef29cf-3a18-44c4-83fb-9ea878ccc62a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2021/country-2021.xsd#country_US"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_55426766-6b92-4faf-83e0-e06cb8c9d857" xlink:to="loc_country_US_7eef29cf-3a18-44c4-83fb-9ea878ccc62a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonUsMember_f07482db-6f0a-4548-99bd-04ee94928772" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonUsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_55426766-6b92-4faf-83e0-e06cb8c9d857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonUsMember_f07482db-6f0a-4548-99bd-04ee94928772" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_98ce236d-2843-4750-afa2-9cad8f3357e4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_2f51ddc0-d54f-44e8-948b-0a3c12e1994f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_98ce236d-2843-4750-afa2-9cad8f3357e4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_32587029-76f0-416d-8b12-fd4e9155b13c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_98ce236d-2843-4750-afa2-9cad8f3357e4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_32587029-76f0-416d-8b12-fd4e9155b13c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RevenuesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#RevenuesNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RevenuesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_790f1f9d-2768-434e-9006-94c715074a8d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability_c6bea329-194d-427b-8eaf-c0c08712261c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_790f1f9d-2768-434e-9006-94c715074a8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability_c6bea329-194d-427b-8eaf-c0c08712261c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized_f405f3d2-bb4d-42bb-8f4d-859d57921723" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_790f1f9d-2768-434e-9006-94c715074a8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized_f405f3d2-bb4d-42bb-8f4d-859d57921723" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/VariableInterestEntities" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#VariableInterestEntities"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/VariableInterestEntities" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_7348cb98-ff4c-4099-b3ea-ac8594c62265" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityDisclosureTextBlock_3d525d8f-a030-4e7d-9aee-fbb3c85dd6e4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_7348cb98-ff4c-4099-b3ea-ac8594c62265" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityDisclosureTextBlock_3d525d8f-a030-4e7d-9aee-fbb3c85dd6e4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#VariableInterestEntitiesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_dcddac6b-eeab-45c4-8b5b-43b19e97b164" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock_5275173e-d0ea-44cf-b048-bfe31d4db20a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_dcddac6b-eeab-45c4-8b5b-43b19e97b164" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock_5275173e-d0ea-44cf-b048-bfe31d4db20a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#VariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_c0c16fa4-d81f-4bcc-a11c-88fac2993cb3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_285ce9c5-1819-42e3-ad4d-236685c9766a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_c0c16fa4-d81f-4bcc-a11c-88fac2993cb3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_285ce9c5-1819-42e3-ad4d-236685c9766a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_94300c34-68d2-46ca-8068-bd4f57753c57" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_285ce9c5-1819-42e3-ad4d-236685c9766a" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_94300c34-68d2-46ca-8068-bd4f57753c57" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_0265640a-9d83-4560-9686-25fe0ad8936b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_94300c34-68d2-46ca-8068-bd4f57753c57" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_0265640a-9d83-4560-9686-25fe0ad8936b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_e40de482-4a5b-4d9b-9b0a-c849f1bd9f15" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_0265640a-9d83-4560-9686-25fe0ad8936b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_e40de482-4a5b-4d9b-9b0a-c849f1bd9f15" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_a23fa340-77ef-4a27-827d-7c2604f9b6b4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_285ce9c5-1819-42e3-ad4d-236685c9766a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_a23fa340-77ef-4a27-827d-7c2604f9b6b4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_7270b823-5438-4e00-a587-1b3abfbb1fca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_a23fa340-77ef-4a27-827d-7c2604f9b6b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_7270b823-5438-4e00-a587-1b3abfbb1fca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_8fbf618c-3908-48fd-8aa3-43cdc66129c8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_a23fa340-77ef-4a27-827d-7c2604f9b6b4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_8fbf618c-3908-48fd-8aa3-43cdc66129c8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#VariableInterestEntitiesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/VariableInterestEntitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_97d97318-c6c9-419d-b14d-3822aa0de1ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_1b739d06-3084-4fa1-bbb0-09c6067f891c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsAbstract_97d97318-c6c9-419d-b14d-3822aa0de1ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_1b739d06-3084-4fa1-bbb0-09c6067f891c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_e9c77d99-fc97-4bc3-8f58-b5aee71adb11" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_1b739d06-3084-4fa1-bbb0-09c6067f891c" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_e9c77d99-fc97-4bc3-8f58-b5aee71adb11" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_cb460def-81c7-40d5-bfc7-c60067321559" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_e9c77d99-fc97-4bc3-8f58-b5aee71adb11" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_cb460def-81c7-40d5-bfc7-c60067321559" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_e87e1579-b2bd-4859-8dce-095b7f762d98" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_cb460def-81c7-40d5-bfc7-c60067321559" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_e87e1579-b2bd-4859-8dce-095b7f762d98" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiarySubsidiariesMember_798293af-2f63-4d9d-929e-177c89c909cd" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiarySubsidiariesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_cb460def-81c7-40d5-bfc7-c60067321559" xlink:to="loc_step_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiarySubsidiariesMember_798293af-2f63-4d9d-929e-177c89c909cd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryLegacyEntitiesMember_3e179d8c-fbed-4e83-9e83-3669d425ecef" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryLegacyEntitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_cb460def-81c7-40d5-bfc7-c60067321559" xlink:to="loc_step_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryLegacyEntitiesMember_3e179d8c-fbed-4e83-9e83-3669d425ecef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_f9df03b2-cbf8-430c-b034-9ed2a7dbe2d5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_1b739d06-3084-4fa1-bbb0-09c6067f891c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_f9df03b2-cbf8-430c-b034-9ed2a7dbe2d5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentsExcludingAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_8fd63a3c-105c-418a-86a5-2bf49ae62f4b" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_EquityMethodInvestmentsExcludingAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_f9df03b2-cbf8-430c-b034-9ed2a7dbe2d5" xlink:to="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentsExcludingAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_8fd63a3c-105c-418a-86a5-2bf49ae62f4b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentsInFunds_6318a0e8-3162-4fa5-914d-d25a6eaf844d" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyInvestmentsInFunds"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_f9df03b2-cbf8-430c-b034-9ed2a7dbe2d5" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentsInFunds_6318a0e8-3162-4fa5-914d-d25a6eaf844d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties_398a8a30-adc7-4b9f-962e-000762ea5df7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_f9df03b2-cbf8-430c-b034-9ed2a7dbe2d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties_398a8a30-adc7-4b9f-962e-000762ea5df7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_8929f8a4-5954-478b-bdde-19638c45517b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_f9df03b2-cbf8-430c-b034-9ed2a7dbe2d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_8929f8a4-5954-478b-bdde-19638c45517b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_40d410e9-1e33-472c-8c76-31de4bc9735d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_f9df03b2-cbf8-430c-b034-9ed2a7dbe2d5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_40d410e9-1e33-472c-8c76-31de4bc9735d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/Investments" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#Investments"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/Investments" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_22ed0ada-cf22-4ea0-a5e1-f96eebe85b79" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock_ae4cafb6-5840-40c7-8ffc-2489bebde765" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_22ed0ada-cf22-4ea0-a5e1-f96eebe85b79" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsDisclosureTextBlock_ae4cafb6-5840-40c7-8ffc-2489bebde765" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/InvestmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#InvestmentsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/InvestmentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_e80c73c3-5fc8-4d8b-b7c8-4d2e9e47e661" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock_099e5e8e-bb2e-4da3-91ca-e1612c74fbe6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_e80c73c3-5fc8-4d8b-b7c8-4d2e9e47e661" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock_099e5e8e-bb2e-4da3-91ca-e1612c74fbe6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/InvestmentsEquityMethodInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#InvestmentsEquityMethodInvestmentsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/InvestmentsEquityMethodInvestmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_14d58965-befb-412b-947f-9e6e630fa639" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentsExcludingAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_3898931c-93d1-4dcc-8b55-a684811afed2" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_EquityMethodInvestmentsExcludingAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_14d58965-befb-412b-947f-9e6e630fa639" xlink:to="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentsExcludingAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_3898931c-93d1-4dcc-8b55-a684811afed2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentsAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_52fd625f-9b4a-4210-9764-0a1217c45118" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_EquityMethodInvestmentsAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_14d58965-befb-412b-947f-9e6e630fa639" xlink:to="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentsAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_52fd625f-9b4a-4210-9764-0a1217c45118" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentsInFundsAndAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_5413bc97-09ca-4d92-a7f0-ddc292e8e1de" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyInvestmentsInFundsAndAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_14d58965-befb-412b-947f-9e6e630fa639" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentsInFundsAndAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_5413bc97-09ca-4d92-a7f0-ddc292e8e1de" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_117249eb-880d-4c7d-9212-1c8d470444b9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_14d58965-befb-412b-947f-9e6e630fa639" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_117249eb-880d-4c7d-9212-1c8d470444b9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentsInFunds_fa2e2438-0ad7-4ca1-84de-9e7502e27b20" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyInvestmentsInFunds"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_14d58965-befb-412b-947f-9e6e630fa639" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentsInFunds_fa2e2438-0ad7-4ca1-84de-9e7502e27b20" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_28e89e77-a4eb-4ad3-b882-5c9153b2ca44" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_14d58965-befb-412b-947f-9e6e630fa639" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_28e89e77-a4eb-4ad3-b882-5c9153b2ca44" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/InvestmentsEquityMethodIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#InvestmentsEquityMethodIncomeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/InvestmentsEquityMethodIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_def681a5-096f-4cf1-b125-58ff3e937c9b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_49f90e48-1c96-443e-a0ea-c97a3c832716" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_def681a5-096f-4cf1-b125-58ff3e937c9b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_49f90e48-1c96-443e-a0ea-c97a3c832716" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_8abfb8b6-6230-4abc-9ef8-401e0a91a413" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_49f90e48-1c96-443e-a0ea-c97a3c832716" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_8abfb8b6-6230-4abc-9ef8-401e0a91a413" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_c33abe94-7530-4b00-9e8f-6c1507ae487c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_8abfb8b6-6230-4abc-9ef8-401e0a91a413" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_c33abe94-7530-4b00-9e8f-6c1507ae487c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember_5a9af8be-55e6-4473-a156-ca610594e997" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_c33abe94-7530-4b00-9e8f-6c1507ae487c" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember_5a9af8be-55e6-4473-a156-ca610594e997" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_a379ec78-fdf6-421b-baf8-262b514f8ca8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_49f90e48-1c96-443e-a0ea-c97a3c832716" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_a379ec78-fdf6-421b-baf8-262b514f8ca8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueNotFromContractWithCustomer_d5af5849-0e08-4eed-b409-4b1b356796ac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueNotFromContractWithCustomer"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_a379ec78-fdf6-421b-baf8-262b514f8ca8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueNotFromContractWithCustomer_d5af5849-0e08-4eed-b409-4b1b356796ac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_14c10849-7eec-43fb-a9c8-855ea30bd8d0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_a379ec78-fdf6-421b-baf8-262b514f8ca8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_14c10849-7eec-43fb-a9c8-855ea30bd8d0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentIncome_0acbf592-ace7-4e2e-8348-2a7a84d58d50" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyInvestmentIncome"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_a379ec78-fdf6-421b-baf8-262b514f8ca8" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentIncome_0acbf592-ace7-4e2e-8348-2a7a84d58d50" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_RevenueNotFromContractWithCustomerIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAndInvestmentIncome_94c793ff-bb6e-4e2b-80df-0782db77cf9f" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_RevenueNotFromContractWithCustomerIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAndInvestmentIncome"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_a379ec78-fdf6-421b-baf8-262b514f8ca8" xlink:to="loc_step_RevenueNotFromContractWithCustomerIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsAndInvestmentIncome_94c793ff-bb6e-4e2b-80df-0782db77cf9f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/InvestmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#InvestmentsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/InvestmentsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_c95a7dea-ec39-40a0-9743-2fc94e14cfe4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable_43adba01-6b0c-4722-b4ef-9463561fba07" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsAndJointVenturesAbstract_c95a7dea-ec39-40a0-9743-2fc94e14cfe4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable_43adba01-6b0c-4722-b4ef-9463561fba07" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_e4f85163-771f-4d11-86f7-9a562e111686" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable_43adba01-6b0c-4722-b4ef-9463561fba07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_e4f85163-771f-4d11-86f7-9a562e111686" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_b7e7f62f-b645-4117-8474-b5475c015cf0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_e4f85163-771f-4d11-86f7-9a562e111686" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_b7e7f62f-b645-4117-8474-b5475c015cf0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_158b6a04-3de6-43ac-8f93-8db80372eca7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_b7e7f62f-b645-4117-8474-b5475c015cf0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_158b6a04-3de6-43ac-8f93-8db80372eca7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_be95f921-2755-484e-89c6-0e2f7bb5acc8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable_43adba01-6b0c-4722-b4ef-9463561fba07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_be95f921-2755-484e-89c6-0e2f7bb5acc8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_061c4605-cb9b-4b48-84f8-17a63d83a01d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_be95f921-2755-484e-89c6-0e2f7bb5acc8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_061c4605-cb9b-4b48-84f8-17a63d83a01d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_SeparatelyManagedAccountConcentrationRiskMember_d8b25a56-7c1b-4303-a0be-2690b96928f3" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_SeparatelyManagedAccountConcentrationRiskMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_061c4605-cb9b-4b48-84f8-17a63d83a01d" xlink:to="loc_step_SeparatelyManagedAccountConcentrationRiskMember_d8b25a56-7c1b-4303-a0be-2690b96928f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ComingledFundsConcentrationRiskMember_fca7852a-5649-4b83-a84b-7b5621192dac" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ComingledFundsConcentrationRiskMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_061c4605-cb9b-4b48-84f8-17a63d83a01d" xlink:to="loc_step_ComingledFundsConcentrationRiskMember_fca7852a-5649-4b83-a84b-7b5621192dac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_99691d12-a8e7-4b90-94de-781172250f0f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable_43adba01-6b0c-4722-b4ef-9463561fba07" xlink:to="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_99691d12-a8e7-4b90-94de-781172250f0f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_df0a852f-4126-4501-8d6f-24e7f0c6d37e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_99691d12-a8e7-4b90-94de-781172250f0f" xlink:to="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_df0a852f-4126-4501-8d6f-24e7f0c6d37e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ThreeInvestmentsMember_ae6a157c-60da-4161-850f-71716c23caf0" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ThreeInvestmentsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_df0a852f-4126-4501-8d6f-24e7f0c6d37e" xlink:to="loc_step_ThreeInvestmentsMember_ae6a157c-60da-4161-850f-71716c23caf0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_TwoInvestmentsMember_6bd56947-515e-4462-a512-ee3f8268db46" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_TwoInvestmentsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_df0a852f-4126-4501-8d6f-24e7f0c6d37e" xlink:to="loc_step_TwoInvestmentsMember_6bd56947-515e-4462-a512-ee3f8268db46" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_b1e05e0a-901d-4542-a9d6-bf424a32c37e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable_43adba01-6b0c-4722-b4ef-9463561fba07" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_b1e05e0a-901d-4542-a9d6-bf424a32c37e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d76a0bba-630d-431f-af27-3604b2919ae1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_b1e05e0a-901d-4542-a9d6-bf424a32c37e" xlink:to="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d76a0bba-630d-431f-af27-3604b2919ae1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember_4e36737d-c7f8-48e0-b41f-588b43dc91c0" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_d76a0bba-630d-431f-af27-3604b2919ae1" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember_4e36737d-c7f8-48e0-b41f-588b43dc91c0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_7634da7b-0354-48a6-8e90-aa9afe30aba7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable_43adba01-6b0c-4722-b4ef-9463561fba07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_7634da7b-0354-48a6-8e90-aa9afe30aba7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1f97d9e7-4093-477e-bd9d-e351a6c35c7b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_7634da7b-0354-48a6-8e90-aa9afe30aba7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1f97d9e7-4093-477e-bd9d-e351a6c35c7b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_2603f018-22d7-40e4-88a0-d7ed6b894ef5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_AffiliatedEntityMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1f97d9e7-4093-477e-bd9d-e351a6c35c7b" xlink:to="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_2603f018-22d7-40e4-88a0-d7ed6b894ef5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_83b62dfe-9591-424c-b418-2f7b7f96ca49" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable_43adba01-6b0c-4722-b4ef-9463561fba07" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_83b62dfe-9591-424c-b418-2f7b7f96ca49" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_800a3062-b54b-4009-8e54-f30944f698b6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis_83b62dfe-9591-424c-b418-2f7b7f96ca49" xlink:to="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_800a3062-b54b-4009-8e54-f30944f698b6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyEntitiesMember_ce9545d9-96c1-4b5e-bc84-d53a9cd0637c" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyEntitiesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_800a3062-b54b-4009-8e54-f30944f698b6" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyEntitiesMember_ce9545d9-96c1-4b5e-bc84-d53a9cd0637c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductInformationLineItems_a8641f79-9959-4260-8843-f589924ab53e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductInformationLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfProductInformationTable_43adba01-6b0c-4722-b4ef-9463561fba07" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductInformationLineItems_a8641f79-9959-4260-8843-f589924ab53e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_7e76ed98-bea8-462e-ae73-6e45a1dcf0f2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductInformationLineItems_a8641f79-9959-4260-8843-f589924ab53e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_7e76ed98-bea8-462e-ae73-6e45a1dcf0f2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentAccruedCarriedInterestRelatedCompensationPayable_b624ed67-0e18-4d6b-b337-e3a0593db210" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_EquityMethodInvestmentAccruedCarriedInterestRelatedCompensationPayable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductInformationLineItems_a8641f79-9959-4260-8843-f589924ab53e" xlink:to="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentAccruedCarriedInterestRelatedCompensationPayable_b624ed67-0e18-4d6b-b337-e3a0593db210" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentsInFundsAndAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_467bc234-9662-4e6e-93ef-aab6ad809bbf" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyInvestmentsInFundsAndAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductInformationLineItems_a8641f79-9959-4260-8843-f589924ab53e" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyInvestmentsInFundsAndAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_467bc234-9662-4e6e-93ef-aab6ad809bbf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_cd14b973-7cda-478d-87db-0686fb155255" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductInformationLineItems_a8641f79-9959-4260-8843-f589924ab53e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_cd14b973-7cda-478d-87db-0686fb155255" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#FairValueMeasurements"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_1b8ecda8-618b-4fd4-81bc-da7262b1db2d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_4cb9e9f8-827f-4aae-9aae-cbbf61a183b0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_1b8ecda8-618b-4fd4-81bc-da7262b1db2d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock_4cb9e9f8-827f-4aae-9aae-cbbf61a183b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_88b54977-1418-4936-8a13-acf695524be6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock_7c76a621-00c8-4444-856e-f3147bc51bf0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_88b54977-1418-4936-8a13-acf695524be6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisTextBlock_7c76a621-00c8-4444-856e-f3147bc51bf0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_b9becff5-4b77-4b21-a776-8e7cb3dac938" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_88b54977-1418-4936-8a13-acf695524be6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTextBlock_b9becff5-4b77-4b21-a776-8e7cb3dac938" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsScheduleofFairValueofLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsScheduleofFairValueofLiabilitiesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsScheduleofFairValueofLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_4ee9038e-ccfe-4fd4-aa7a-5e4f486bd76f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_71ecca5e-6a93-446e-88f7-1245696ec9a9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_4ee9038e-ccfe-4fd4-aa7a-5e4f486bd76f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_71ecca5e-6a93-446e-88f7-1245696ec9a9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_9bbcc719-b422-4145-af62-aede8158f834" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_71ecca5e-6a93-446e-88f7-1245696ec9a9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_9bbcc719-b422-4145-af62-aede8158f834" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_09059e63-4d10-4680-bb6c-99f9f2dc3e37" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_9bbcc719-b422-4145-af62-aede8158f834" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_09059e63-4d10-4680-bb6c-99f9f2dc3e37" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_4afc9f31-fac3-4ee5-8e92-e929f0306009" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_09059e63-4d10-4680-bb6c-99f9f2dc3e37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_4afc9f31-fac3-4ee5-8e92-e929f0306009" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_0049c9f5-b7ce-46ab-8b76-18ec3a8cec52" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_71ecca5e-6a93-446e-88f7-1245696ec9a9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_0049c9f5-b7ce-46ab-8b76-18ec3a8cec52" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5f151666-6f35-4e70-b7fb-1939fe5f805b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_0049c9f5-b7ce-46ab-8b76-18ec3a8cec52" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5f151666-6f35-4e70-b7fb-1939fe5f805b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_0baaf610-5db7-4f4f-bcc0-9f5c5a2d5b04" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5f151666-6f35-4e70-b7fb-1939fe5f805b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_0baaf610-5db7-4f4f-bcc0-9f5c5a2d5b04" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_3683c24e-9164-4df4-ac31-70f3ec555780" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5f151666-6f35-4e70-b7fb-1939fe5f805b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_3683c24e-9164-4df4-ac31-70f3ec555780" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_b9107c7d-d08d-4a01-affe-2be1a485db4e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_5f151666-6f35-4e70-b7fb-1939fe5f805b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_b9107c7d-d08d-4a01-affe-2be1a485db4e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_5bbe749a-c421-48ae-b9f5-4c7d65cf7014" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_71ecca5e-6a93-446e-88f7-1245696ec9a9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_5bbe749a-c421-48ae-b9f5-4c7d65cf7014" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_118086c7-dd02-4dea-a71f-dd69535256a5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_5bbe749a-c421-48ae-b9f5-4c7d65cf7014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability_118086c7-dd02-4dea-a71f-dd69535256a5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_029a3f7b-1487-4cad-861a-1b6fd3842075" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems_5bbe749a-c421-48ae-b9f5-4c7d65cf7014" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_029a3f7b-1487-4cad-861a-1b6fd3842075" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsScheduleofChangesintheFairValueofLevelIIIFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsScheduleofChangesintheFairValueofLevelIIIFinancialInstrumentsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsScheduleofChangesintheFairValueofLevelIIIFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_502f9ea6-4204-4a0f-b00d-82e251b1d4d3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_80cb9fa8-41ac-464d-87cd-a1d1c543679c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_502f9ea6-4204-4a0f-b00d-82e251b1d4d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_80cb9fa8-41ac-464d-87cd-a1d1c543679c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_d70f1160-ef00-40fc-b96f-367794946305" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_80cb9fa8-41ac-464d-87cd-a1d1c543679c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_d70f1160-ef00-40fc-b96f-367794946305" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases_30faa36d-4696-4e12-aad6-4b2fe343130d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_80cb9fa8-41ac-464d-87cd-a1d1c543679c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityPurchases_30faa36d-4696-4e12-aad6-4b2fe343130d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_4e65c6a3-e273-4ca3-a4aa-cc434f5fa5a1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_80cb9fa8-41ac-464d-87cd-a1d1c543679c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_4e65c6a3-e273-4ca3-a4aa-cc434f5fa5a1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_f439455d-d475-40a5-a109-472b569f5cdd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_80cb9fa8-41ac-464d-87cd-a1d1c543679c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilitySettlements_f439455d-d475-40a5-a109-472b569f5cdd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_a34a01e2-d9c1-40cb-8a0f-7550a90236ad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_80cb9fa8-41ac-464d-87cd-a1d1c543679c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_a34a01e2-d9c1-40cb-8a0f-7550a90236ad" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_e6740351-d688-45c5-b3c8-a89256bca2fe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_502f9ea6-4204-4a0f-b00d-82e251b1d4d3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_e6740351-d688-45c5-b3c8-a89256bca2fe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_edc7f735-0847-4408-90ad-7d1c45b5d6d1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_2d7f7484-93ab-45b3-9b60-b97662b10168" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract_edc7f735-0847-4408-90ad-7d1c45b5d6d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_2d7f7484-93ab-45b3-9b60-b97662b10168" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_40262088-9e48-48be-998b-d7235f9093d0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_2d7f7484-93ab-45b3-9b60-b97662b10168" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_40262088-9e48-48be-998b-d7235f9093d0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_65f5efe4-c3a6-4dec-adde-a5046aac8860" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis_40262088-9e48-48be-998b-d7235f9093d0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_65f5efe4-c3a6-4dec-adde-a5046aac8860" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember_d1e1cf06-0921-43eb-9808-e0922d48d81b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_65f5efe4-c3a6-4dec-adde-a5046aac8860" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember_d1e1cf06-0921-43eb-9808-e0922d48d81b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeAxis_bb434a7b-ff22-42ef-85b1-46fd061d1cf5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_2d7f7484-93ab-45b3-9b60-b97662b10168" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeAxis_bb434a7b-ff22-42ef-85b1-46fd061d1cf5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RangeMember_c378d5f3-dcc9-47ef-932f-89d3453759bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeAxis_bb434a7b-ff22-42ef-85b1-46fd061d1cf5" xlink:to="loc_srt_RangeMember_c378d5f3-dcc9-47ef-932f-89d3453759bf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MinimumMember_84d127bb-6cbe-4986-8037-80a402e378e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_c378d5f3-dcc9-47ef-932f-89d3453759bf" xlink:to="loc_srt_MinimumMember_84d127bb-6cbe-4986-8037-80a402e378e9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_MaximumMember_8c7731b8-0742-4c80-9c6f-eae41478254f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RangeMember_c378d5f3-dcc9-47ef-932f-89d3453759bf" xlink:to="loc_srt_MaximumMember_8c7731b8-0742-4c80-9c6f-eae41478254f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_1032e686-fd6a-4f33-a90a-7732bc96e3c9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_2d7f7484-93ab-45b3-9b60-b97662b10168" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_1032e686-fd6a-4f33-a90a-7732bc96e3c9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_942d6ec6-8106-4736-a6ae-680fbe735c41" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_1032e686-fd6a-4f33-a90a-7732bc96e3c9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_942d6ec6-8106-4736-a6ae-680fbe735c41" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_GreenspringMember_4c33d4c5-3a9c-465e-8a04-3984e7b04588" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_GreenspringMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_942d6ec6-8106-4736-a6ae-680fbe735c41" xlink:to="loc_step_GreenspringMember_4c33d4c5-3a9c-465e-8a04-3984e7b04588" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_a0b748e2-c42d-4543-a4e4-c40a4bf81500" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_2d7f7484-93ab-45b3-9b60-b97662b10168" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_a0b748e2-c42d-4543-a4e4-c40a4bf81500" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_6499b5d8-6cc5-4529-a84b-1456567c73ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_a0b748e2-c42d-4543-a4e4-c40a4bf81500" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_6499b5d8-6cc5-4529-a84b-1456567c73ec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityMeasurementInput_7ee5c52b-089e-4373-a3c0-665149cdf148" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityMeasurementInput"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_a0b748e2-c42d-4543-a4e4-c40a4bf81500" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityMeasurementInput_7ee5c52b-089e-4373-a3c0-665149cdf148" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/IntangiblesandGoodwill" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#IntangiblesandGoodwill"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/IntangiblesandGoodwill" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_e41c34aa-15f6-434e-a7af-8a0db637c3c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_02ea4ed4-6808-4078-9fe5-fdaefd303d69" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_e41c34aa-15f6-434e-a7af-8a0db637c3c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_02ea4ed4-6808-4078-9fe5-fdaefd303d69" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/IntangiblesandGoodwillTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#IntangiblesandGoodwillTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/IntangiblesandGoodwillTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_be82ef76-e0a0-4a5b-a1da-15492572b8e9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_eb1b275c-df67-44d0-b25c-d7a5e45d1cbb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_be82ef76-e0a0-4a5b-a1da-15492572b8e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock_eb1b275c-df67-44d0-b25c-d7a5e45d1cbb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock_780d2757-dc08-4073-a692-85787874b098" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_be82ef76-e0a0-4a5b-a1da-15492572b8e9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock_780d2757-dc08-4073-a692-85787874b098" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/IntangiblesandGoodwillScheduleofIntangiblesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#IntangiblesandGoodwillScheduleofIntangiblesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/IntangiblesandGoodwillScheduleofIntangiblesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_df16d65f-fa8c-4996-8437-d8cfb2fd6432" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_f7f5c712-9b60-4946-a6aa-42d564d8b898" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_df16d65f-fa8c-4996-8437-d8cfb2fd6432" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_f7f5c712-9b60-4946-a6aa-42d564d8b898" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_aeb27105-2c44-497e-924a-eb95761bb78e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_f7f5c712-9b60-4946-a6aa-42d564d8b898" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_aeb27105-2c44-497e-924a-eb95761bb78e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_cf0e1a39-9d1a-411d-a031-c21cae5b6e28" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_aeb27105-2c44-497e-924a-eb95761bb78e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_cf0e1a39-9d1a-411d-a031-c21cae5b6e28" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ManagementContractsMember_4412cecc-3d06-4d38-98ab-f58ddf752988" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ManagementContractsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_cf0e1a39-9d1a-411d-a031-c21cae5b6e28" xlink:to="loc_step_ManagementContractsMember_4412cecc-3d06-4d38-98ab-f58ddf752988" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_2f782366-3e93-4a3b-9a1f-0677116d04c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_cf0e1a39-9d1a-411d-a031-c21cae5b6e28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_2f782366-3e93-4a3b-9a1f-0677116d04c6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember_5776cd13-3bb5-45bc-b402-72eb1a8749ac" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_cf0e1a39-9d1a-411d-a031-c21cae5b6e28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember_5776cd13-3bb5-45bc-b402-72eb1a8749ac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_2feb1f34-bae8-4f63-b8f0-175b523c2069" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_f7f5c712-9b60-4946-a6aa-42d564d8b898" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_2feb1f34-bae8-4f63-b8f0-175b523c2069" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_1c75428b-8eeb-4de3-b286-7534204b67c7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_2feb1f34-bae8-4f63-b8f0-175b523c2069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross_1c75428b-8eeb-4de3-b286-7534204b67c7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_04fc5f1b-5dc2-4551-8eda-7a49e8df909b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_2feb1f34-bae8-4f63-b8f0-175b523c2069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization_04fc5f1b-5dc2-4551-8eda-7a49e8df909b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_d7f9e4a9-5093-46f2-83bd-de19fa758f9d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_2feb1f34-bae8-4f63-b8f0-175b523c2069" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_d7f9e4a9-5093-46f2-83bd-de19fa758f9d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/IntangiblesandGoodwillNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#IntangiblesandGoodwillNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/IntangiblesandGoodwillNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_59f563e8-a834-49cb-8212-c28baa3e6940" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_2c9dd705-8c68-4574-95f3-dc5ac849cc48" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_59f563e8-a834-49cb-8212-c28baa3e6940" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_2c9dd705-8c68-4574-95f3-dc5ac849cc48" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_e3c2cebf-2c73-4cae-b92d-f1392af9acbd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_59f563e8-a834-49cb-8212-c28baa3e6940" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_e3c2cebf-2c73-4cae-b92d-f1392af9acbd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_1bfdeec1-7350-4929-9435-90b1660a1322" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_e3c2cebf-2c73-4cae-b92d-f1392af9acbd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_1bfdeec1-7350-4929-9435-90b1660a1322" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_c92bd3dd-1cd9-431a-af50-1835ea59fcaa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_1bfdeec1-7350-4929-9435-90b1660a1322" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_c92bd3dd-1cd9-431a-af50-1835ea59fcaa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ManagementContractsMember_6b45dd4c-257f-4ada-90c0-831b2347f36b" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ManagementContractsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_c92bd3dd-1cd9-431a-af50-1835ea59fcaa" xlink:to="loc_step_ManagementContractsMember_6b45dd4c-257f-4ada-90c0-831b2347f36b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_4557e248-da1e-435d-bbd4-3932630fd105" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_c92bd3dd-1cd9-431a-af50-1835ea59fcaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_4557e248-da1e-435d-bbd4-3932630fd105" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember_7dd121fc-7d65-415a-ba4f-5c1e363a178a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_c92bd3dd-1cd9-431a-af50-1835ea59fcaa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ServiceAgreementsMember_7dd121fc-7d65-415a-ba4f-5c1e363a178a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_b8ba6fa2-6d51-42c7-8dc6-ca8f1b51cc72" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_e3c2cebf-2c73-4cae-b92d-f1392af9acbd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_b8ba6fa2-6d51-42c7-8dc6-ca8f1b51cc72" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_64688668-1f75-4c32-b2a2-8cecee07550c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_b8ba6fa2-6d51-42c7-8dc6-ca8f1b51cc72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_64688668-1f75-4c32-b2a2-8cecee07550c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_GreenspringMember_365185b2-d626-4c4d-9811-4ca357d5e260" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_GreenspringMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_64688668-1f75-4c32-b2a2-8cecee07550c" xlink:to="loc_step_GreenspringMember_365185b2-d626-4c4d-9811-4ca357d5e260" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7ed98453-77db-4bd6-b2e7-85078e5a9a2c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTable_e3c2cebf-2c73-4cae-b92d-f1392af9acbd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7ed98453-77db-4bd6-b2e7-85078e5a9a2c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_805611a0-0eac-45b7-822f-33732ccbdc11" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7ed98453-77db-4bd6-b2e7-85078e5a9a2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_805611a0-0eac-45b7-822f-33732ccbdc11" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_b47dafa1-e2c4-40f5-9178-f3a23258cded" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7ed98453-77db-4bd6-b2e7-85078e5a9a2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_b47dafa1-e2c4-40f5-9178-f3a23258cded" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_b9bc819e-c1e0-4dd1-9691-783157a946dc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems_7ed98453-77db-4bd6-b2e7-85078e5a9a2c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_b9bc819e-c1e0-4dd1-9691-783157a946dc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/IntangiblesandGoodwillScheduleofIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#IntangiblesandGoodwillScheduleofIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/IntangiblesandGoodwillScheduleofIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_faddf772-b088-4add-a4c7-e727c635abd4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear_dd160f83-867a-4636-a791-f539f2ed6ea1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_faddf772-b088-4add-a4c7-e727c635abd4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear_dd160f83-867a-4636-a791-f539f2ed6ea1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_7c4fecda-394d-4fe0-adab-48249ffd23ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_faddf772-b088-4add-a4c7-e727c635abd4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths_7c4fecda-394d-4fe0-adab-48249ffd23ec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_ae6f9b16-fa4a-4ba0-9845-03b9086f445a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_faddf772-b088-4add-a4c7-e727c635abd4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_ae6f9b16-fa4a-4ba0-9845-03b9086f445a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_ca06a857-83a3-4c0a-bc32-fa657154b5e5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_faddf772-b088-4add-a4c7-e727c635abd4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_ca06a857-83a3-4c0a-bc32-fa657154b5e5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_021a0867-a866-4d42-abea-9ed8b2d333ee" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_faddf772-b088-4add-a4c7-e727c635abd4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_021a0867-a866-4d42-abea-9ed8b2d333ee" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetExpectedAmortizationAfterYearFour_f163322d-23f8-4200-b864-29f1cec74890" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetExpectedAmortizationAfterYearFour"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_faddf772-b088-4add-a4c7-e727c635abd4" xlink:to="loc_step_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetExpectedAmortizationAfterYearFour_f163322d-23f8-4200-b864-29f1cec74890" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_c08efe61-6a5a-407f-83d3-748ff6bb4b4d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureAbstract_faddf772-b088-4add-a4c7-e727c635abd4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_c08efe61-6a5a-407f-83d3-748ff6bb4b4d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/DebtObligations" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#DebtObligations"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/DebtObligations" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_28598267-40cb-48ee-bed9-2bd0378268df" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_2f79e4d6-7258-4f49-98c7-48664b894a25" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_28598267-40cb-48ee-bed9-2bd0378268df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_2f79e4d6-7258-4f49-98c7-48664b894a25" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/DebtObligationsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#DebtObligationsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/DebtObligationsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_fca159f4-16e9-4475-9926-0c4a60b7c350" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_22d1486b-8168-401b-86a3-f3bfb3d6baad" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_fca159f4-16e9-4475-9926-0c4a60b7c350" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDebtTableTextBlock_22d1486b-8168-401b-86a3-f3bfb3d6baad" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/DebtObligationsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#DebtObligationsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/DebtObligationsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_66cee528-b26a-4ff9-bd8c-7ae77a19793c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_eb2d858c-6d51-4052-9f1c-e27c898e5c12" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_66cee528-b26a-4ff9-bd8c-7ae77a19793c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_eb2d858c-6d51-4052-9f1c-e27c898e5c12" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_5e6d9b18-7320-4900-9a05-7576379dbf98" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_eb2d858c-6d51-4052-9f1c-e27c898e5c12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_5e6d9b18-7320-4900-9a05-7576379dbf98" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_4449a19f-9373-490f-9e91-9105a61ebb7e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_5e6d9b18-7320-4900-9a05-7576379dbf98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_4449a19f-9373-490f-9e91-9105a61ebb7e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_bfc5a853-5fd5-4db1-98f5-17a667251dba" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_4449a19f-9373-490f-9e91-9105a61ebb7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_bfc5a853-5fd5-4db1-98f5-17a667251dba" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_adae7240-456b-4a89-9ac8-c68151c50d92" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_4449a19f-9373-490f-9e91-9105a61ebb7e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_adae7240-456b-4a89-9ac8-c68151c50d92" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_a3144026-4fc4-4355-ab73-a035d3416939" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_eb2d858c-6d51-4052-9f1c-e27c898e5c12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_a3144026-4fc4-4355-ab73-a035d3416939" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_0eeac8b7-bbf5-4dad-b1b2-414f96f0acc3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_a3144026-4fc4-4355-ab73-a035d3416939" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_0eeac8b7-bbf5-4dad-b1b2-414f96f0acc3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_74a4f162-c10c-4643-9ed8-aa147c17ec95" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_0eeac8b7-bbf5-4dad-b1b2-414f96f0acc3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_74a4f162-c10c-4643-9ed8-aa147c17ec95" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_025ace42-187a-4845-b541-b8a42eb52c02" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_eb2d858c-6d51-4052-9f1c-e27c898e5c12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_025ace42-187a-4845-b541-b8a42eb52c02" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_5340d15c-39af-498f-a568-28d49c70bc06" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_025ace42-187a-4845-b541-b8a42eb52c02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_5340d15c-39af-498f-a568-28d49c70bc06" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_NewYorkFederalReserveBankRateMember_e459cf3e-308a-4115-8738-787a877de532" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_NewYorkFederalReserveBankRateMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_5340d15c-39af-498f-a568-28d49c70bc06" xlink:to="loc_step_NewYorkFederalReserveBankRateMember_e459cf3e-308a-4115-8738-787a877de532" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_ac9046bd-c29d-40f9-9902-0ba73674839d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_5340d15c-39af-498f-a568-28d49c70bc06" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_ac9046bd-c29d-40f9-9902-0ba73674839d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LIBORRateMultipliedByStatutoryReserveRateMember_3bff18e2-d3f3-48ee-9d0b-4e5178dc7001" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LIBORRateMultipliedByStatutoryReserveRateMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_5340d15c-39af-498f-a568-28d49c70bc06" xlink:to="loc_step_LIBORRateMultipliedByStatutoryReserveRateMember_3bff18e2-d3f3-48ee-9d0b-4e5178dc7001" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_EuroInterbankOfferRateMultipliedByStatutoryReserveRateMember_d341bb2d-ce16-4ab8-832f-32705a407266" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_EuroInterbankOfferRateMultipliedByStatutoryReserveRateMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_5340d15c-39af-498f-a568-28d49c70bc06" xlink:to="loc_step_EuroInterbankOfferRateMultipliedByStatutoryReserveRateMember_d341bb2d-ce16-4ab8-832f-32705a407266" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_SterlingOvernightIndexAverageMember_25a659b6-bda8-4a29-b556-c244a263b460" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_SterlingOvernightIndexAverageMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_5340d15c-39af-498f-a568-28d49c70bc06" xlink:to="loc_step_SterlingOvernightIndexAverageMember_25a659b6-bda8-4a29-b556-c244a263b460" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_SwissAverageRateOvernightMember_46eae4f1-9cdb-4d9d-982f-af042968afb3" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_SwissAverageRateOvernightMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_5340d15c-39af-498f-a568-28d49c70bc06" xlink:to="loc_step_SwissAverageRateOvernightMember_46eae4f1-9cdb-4d9d-982f-af042968afb3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_AUDScreenRateMultipliedByStatutoryReserveRateMember_0768d594-7019-44eb-be74-c77981857475" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_AUDScreenRateMultipliedByStatutoryReserveRateMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_5340d15c-39af-498f-a568-28d49c70bc06" xlink:to="loc_step_AUDScreenRateMultipliedByStatutoryReserveRateMember_0768d594-7019-44eb-be74-c77981857475" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7667fb9c-23bc-481d-b218-27f52abab7b9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_eb2d858c-6d51-4052-9f1c-e27c898e5c12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7667fb9c-23bc-481d-b218-27f52abab7b9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_0fff00f6-868c-40bd-9832-084fe46f0cd6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7667fb9c-23bc-481d-b218-27f52abab7b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_0fff00f6-868c-40bd-9832-084fe46f0cd6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_89c159ef-2ea8-4d2a-a12f-9968060e7ba5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7667fb9c-23bc-481d-b218-27f52abab7b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_89c159ef-2ea8-4d2a-a12f-9968060e7ba5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_2e622286-5c8e-410a-b541-eb5bd03b0a1c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7667fb9c-23bc-481d-b218-27f52abab7b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_2e622286-5c8e-410a-b541-eb5bd03b0a1c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_DebtInstrumentBaseInterestRate_ac1068d9-03e3-4a0a-8b4e-b08e91f2f978" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_DebtInstrumentBaseInterestRate"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7667fb9c-23bc-481d-b218-27f52abab7b9" xlink:to="loc_step_DebtInstrumentBaseInterestRate_ac1068d9-03e3-4a0a-8b4e-b08e91f2f978" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_e90dcde6-cc2e-4c30-9e12-e9e60a39972c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7667fb9c-23bc-481d-b218-27f52abab7b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_e90dcde6-cc2e-4c30-9e12-e9e60a39972c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_d0044f9f-0e42-4f8b-94f9-9bd6efbc4a22" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7667fb9c-23bc-481d-b218-27f52abab7b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateAtPeriodEnd_d0044f9f-0e42-4f8b-94f9-9bd6efbc4a22" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentageSpreadOnBaseIfUtilizationGreaterThan50Percent_79f00d54-76d3-47af-836f-18135c3c9106" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentageSpreadOnBaseIfUtilizationGreaterThan50Percent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7667fb9c-23bc-481d-b218-27f52abab7b9" xlink:to="loc_step_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentageSpreadOnBaseIfUtilizationGreaterThan50Percent_79f00d54-76d3-47af-836f-18135c3c9106" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentageSpreadOnBaseIfUtilizationLessThan50Percent_3da9d824-7491-477c-b429-d192ed6d5556" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentageSpreadOnBaseIfUtilizationLessThan50Percent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7667fb9c-23bc-481d-b218-27f52abab7b9" xlink:to="loc_step_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentageSpreadOnBaseIfUtilizationLessThan50Percent_3da9d824-7491-477c-b429-d192ed6d5556" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_dd44cd27-ba18-44db-911d-d2de93586941" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_7667fb9c-23bc-481d-b218-27f52abab7b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_dd44cd27-ba18-44db-911d-d2de93586941" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/DebtObligationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#DebtObligationsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/DebtObligationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_a284cf8c-b8ed-4bda-ba07-19d161e17b44" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_9aeb18b8-59a0-4b81-b27d-f8897c3dfbe2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_a284cf8c-b8ed-4bda-ba07-19d161e17b44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_9aeb18b8-59a0-4b81-b27d-f8897c3dfbe2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_6eac86d1-3c1b-411b-9c51-aab18d52fea1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_a284cf8c-b8ed-4bda-ba07-19d161e17b44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_6eac86d1-3c1b-411b-9c51-aab18d52fea1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_9845c283-9149-406a-a2c2-fe703af80378" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_a284cf8c-b8ed-4bda-ba07-19d161e17b44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_9845c283-9149-406a-a2c2-fe703af80378" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EquityBasedCompensation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#EquityBasedCompensation"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EquityBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_aa31d5df-6a11-43f7-8b35-eea43d456d48" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_2dfe4eb3-1130-4598-a445-63d142cfa894" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_aa31d5df-6a11-43f7-8b35-eea43d456d48" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_2dfe4eb3-1130-4598-a445-63d142cfa894" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#EquityBasedCompensationTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_7cd50695-fb25-45c7-af81-7f2b01d97dc9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_8659a02c-8494-42e4-9b5a-669534822cc5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_7cd50695-fb25-45c7-af81-7f2b01d97dc9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNonvestedRestrictedStockUnitsActivityTableTextBlock_8659a02c-8494-42e4-9b5a-669534822cc5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#EquityBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_31709ee5-b057-4b41-bed2-d9891cd61071" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_d4b722e5-5b3b-4bb7-b08b-edc7f9948e10" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_31709ee5-b057-4b41-bed2-d9891cd61071" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_d4b722e5-5b3b-4bb7-b08b-edc7f9948e10" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_f2861e4b-7eb0-4116-8dd7-7c8223898996" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_d4b722e5-5b3b-4bb7-b08b-edc7f9948e10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_f2861e4b-7eb0-4116-8dd7-7c8223898996" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_7592f7a6-bd5b-4069-9e9e-4c6c68dca754" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_f2861e4b-7eb0-4116-8dd7-7c8223898996" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_7592f7a6-bd5b-4069-9e9e-4c6c68dca754" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ClassB2UnitMember_0a2d04ba-34c9-47da-895f-cde576a12be9" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ClassB2UnitMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_7592f7a6-bd5b-4069-9e9e-4c6c68dca754" xlink:to="loc_step_ClassB2UnitMember_0a2d04ba-34c9-47da-895f-cde576a12be9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_480bae2a-b5f7-4255-a4e6-23c2743ed987" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_d4b722e5-5b3b-4bb7-b08b-edc7f9948e10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_480bae2a-b5f7-4255-a4e6-23c2743ed987" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ConversionOfStockConversionBasis_054932aa-0d10-4b3f-87e1-67fe10316214" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ConversionOfStockConversionBasis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_480bae2a-b5f7-4255-a4e6-23c2743ed987" xlink:to="loc_step_ConversionOfStockConversionBasis_054932aa-0d10-4b3f-87e1-67fe10316214" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstanding_c82d8642-f3fd-45ff-878a-07b97b80b85e" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_480bae2a-b5f7-4255-a4e6-23c2743ed987" xlink:to="loc_step_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstanding_c82d8642-f3fd-45ff-878a-07b97b80b85e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_3deafbba-22bf-4fb3-a517-a40260bb12bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_480bae2a-b5f7-4255-a4e6-23c2743ed987" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_3deafbba-22bf-4fb3-a517-a40260bb12bf" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_12da4dad-c09b-4bf8-8daf-47eaab82607e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_480bae2a-b5f7-4255-a4e6-23c2743ed987" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_12da4dad-c09b-4bf8-8daf-47eaab82607e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVested_f7b14c26-2317-41a8-a8c8-bd27c0678fa2" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVested"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_480bae2a-b5f7-4255-a4e6-23c2743ed987" xlink:to="loc_step_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVested_f7b14c26-2317-41a8-a8c8-bd27c0678fa2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_5d593196-5bb2-42d5-b5b7-5eb7b334fab1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_480bae2a-b5f7-4255-a4e6-23c2743ed987" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_5d593196-5bb2-42d5-b5b7-5eb7b334fab1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_55b1f621-d271-4804-af90-f0980ffb1710" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_480bae2a-b5f7-4255-a4e6-23c2743ed987" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_55b1f621-d271-4804-af90-f0980ffb1710" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationUnvestedRSUsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#EquityBasedCompensationUnvestedRSUsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EquityBasedCompensationUnvestedRSUsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_61a1e348-7c60-4603-9eab-02e2119482a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_4f2fe712-8245-4836-900c-8340eb93c5e3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_61a1e348-7c60-4603-9eab-02e2119482a0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_4f2fe712-8245-4836-900c-8340eb93c5e3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_f8687d3b-62a2-489f-8a9f-4d17abe133b7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_4f2fe712-8245-4836-900c-8340eb93c5e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_f8687d3b-62a2-489f-8a9f-4d17abe133b7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_482107a3-94d3-4c53-a251-26811e38967f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_f8687d3b-62a2-489f-8a9f-4d17abe133b7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_482107a3-94d3-4c53-a251-26811e38967f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_0464f935-52f9-41aa-95e8-6c9a36135c05" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_482107a3-94d3-4c53-a251-26811e38967f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_0464f935-52f9-41aa-95e8-6c9a36135c05" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_16aa979f-27ae-48bd-bccd-ec7f631ea4fa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_4f2fe712-8245-4836-900c-8340eb93c5e3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_16aa979f-27ae-48bd-bccd-ec7f631ea4fa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0d29ad30-dd9c-4c3a-af88-1f918ce96bfe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_16aa979f-27ae-48bd-bccd-ec7f631ea4fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0d29ad30-dd9c-4c3a-af88-1f918ce96bfe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_c6619f22-e8e0-4dc1-8ea8-d9652ae0ef07" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0d29ad30-dd9c-4c3a-af88-1f918ce96bfe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_c6619f22-e8e0-4dc1-8ea8-d9652ae0ef07" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_be4c316c-6df5-430e-b70d-ad716e0cef37" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0d29ad30-dd9c-4c3a-af88-1f918ce96bfe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_be4c316c-6df5-430e-b70d-ad716e0cef37" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_b2e1998a-abca-44c0-80d9-a55e503c0d26" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0d29ad30-dd9c-4c3a-af88-1f918ce96bfe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_b2e1998a-abca-44c0-80d9-a55e503c0d26" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_716210d4-64fa-4794-bbda-b852a005eecd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0d29ad30-dd9c-4c3a-af88-1f918ce96bfe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_716210d4-64fa-4794-bbda-b852a005eecd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_8b1f3b5a-67f6-458c-a5d1-867dea2a54c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_0d29ad30-dd9c-4c3a-af88-1f918ce96bfe" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_8b1f3b5a-67f6-458c-a5d1-867dea2a54c0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_8977c7bb-14c5-4f6b-97b9-b7c413678ad4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_16aa979f-27ae-48bd-bccd-ec7f631ea4fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_8977c7bb-14c5-4f6b-97b9-b7c413678ad4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_fb89d364-8cc9-4024-807b-2ea58fa025c5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_8977c7bb-14c5-4f6b-97b9-b7c413678ad4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_fb89d364-8cc9-4024-807b-2ea58fa025c5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_167f2f5a-002b-4056-947a-43e45ef7fe7d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_8977c7bb-14c5-4f6b-97b9-b7c413678ad4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_167f2f5a-002b-4056-947a-43e45ef7fe7d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_d7976612-fab2-4f6a-b396-8cf9395b4082" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_8977c7bb-14c5-4f6b-97b9-b7c413678ad4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_d7976612-fab2-4f6a-b396-8cf9395b4082" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_9e989bd7-5843-47d0-af86-490bf6883c86" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_8977c7bb-14c5-4f6b-97b9-b7c413678ad4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_9e989bd7-5843-47d0-af86-490bf6883c86" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_efecb665-a0b5-419b-8338-4f6395781544" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_8977c7bb-14c5-4f6b-97b9-b7c413678ad4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_efecb665-a0b5-419b-8338-4f6395781544" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#IncomeTaxes"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_1380cad5-766e-462e-a3a9-f92838f5084e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_6989fbe7-2868-4ba8-9a4f-53127f9793c8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_1380cad5-766e-462e-a3a9-f92838f5084e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock_6989fbe7-2868-4ba8-9a4f-53127f9793c8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#IncomeTaxesDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_2f81859d-3afc-46f4-aef7-2fda3af09c6e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredTaxAssets_1275af8f-43d7-4dea-9ce2-0900cb01596d" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredTaxAssets"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_2f81859d-3afc-46f4-aef7-2fda3af09c6e" xlink:to="loc_step_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredTaxAssets_1275af8f-43d7-4dea-9ce2-0900cb01596d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_a01e3248-0361-458a-90c5-c2c4addc4cc1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_2f81859d-3afc-46f4-aef7-2fda3af09c6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount_a01e3248-0361-458a-90c5-c2c4addc4cc1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_3ea70fe5-0250-4a06-99e6-f3d081b8d0d6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_2f81859d-3afc-46f4-aef7-2fda3af09c6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_3ea70fe5-0250-4a06-99e6-f3d081b8d0d6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_DueToRelatedPartiesTaxReceivableAgreements_cb2f00a0-283d-4f45-b267-2687a39f1f09" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_DueToRelatedPartiesTaxReceivableAgreements"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_2f81859d-3afc-46f4-aef7-2fda3af09c6e" xlink:to="loc_step_DueToRelatedPartiesTaxReceivableAgreements_cb2f00a0-283d-4f45-b267-2687a39f1f09" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_c3b11b4e-402c-4302-99fe-9de680675469" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_2f81859d-3afc-46f4-aef7-2fda3af09c6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_c3b11b4e-402c-4302-99fe-9de680675469" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_3f0efc96-a3d0-41f6-8149-3f105e40ebed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_2f81859d-3afc-46f4-aef7-2fda3af09c6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_3f0efc96-a3d0-41f6-8149-3f105e40ebed" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_a625cd0d-ecbf-46d3-890a-a085afa31d0b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_3f0efc96-a3d0-41f6-8149-3f105e40ebed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_a625cd0d-ecbf-46d3-890a-a085afa31d0b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_73293abd-4343-4138-86d8-0b04fe330c4d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_a625cd0d-ecbf-46d3-890a-a085afa31d0b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_73293abd-4343-4138-86d8-0b04fe330c4d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_GreenspringMember_827d2c36-fb60-48df-8704-2c5b91855c0d" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_GreenspringMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_73293abd-4343-4138-86d8-0b04fe330c4d" xlink:to="loc_step_GreenspringMember_827d2c36-fb60-48df-8704-2c5b91855c0d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_51d907e8-9f7f-4ed5-815d-7c9817c83138" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_3f0efc96-a3d0-41f6-8149-3f105e40ebed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_51d907e8-9f7f-4ed5-815d-7c9817c83138" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_3e157116-a152-4158-874b-e4efb2a6026d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_51d907e8-9f7f-4ed5-815d-7c9817c83138" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_3e157116-a152-4158-874b-e4efb2a6026d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_87b4abe2-8c82-4566-80e8-284eb82461e7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_51d907e8-9f7f-4ed5-815d-7c9817c83138" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_87b4abe2-8c82-4566-80e8-284eb82461e7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_5c494c8d-cbba-4c3d-8d6f-b285006e5e11" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_2f81859d-3afc-46f4-aef7-2fda3af09c6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_5c494c8d-cbba-4c3d-8d6f-b285006e5e11" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SignificantChangeInUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIsReasonablyPossibleAmountOfUnrecordedBenefit_abe6cfe0-716f-4eff-9f00-fe453ffe2976" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SignificantChangeInUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIsReasonablyPossibleAmountOfUnrecordedBenefit"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureAbstract_2f81859d-3afc-46f4-aef7-2fda3af09c6e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SignificantChangeInUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIsReasonablyPossibleAmountOfUnrecordedBenefit_abe6cfe0-716f-4eff-9f00-fe453ffe2976" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#EarningsPerShare"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_43014df2-70bf-402e-a9c4-71717c885ac1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_f58bc81c-cdae-4cd1-b44d-9bb1546d43fe" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_43014df2-70bf-402e-a9c4-71717c885ac1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_f58bc81c-cdae-4cd1-b44d-9bb1546d43fe" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_b888f128-a10b-4a7a-a9e9-b01d4635a60b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_2d86bfe2-581d-47a1-affe-f45e020fc4b0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_b888f128-a10b-4a7a-a9e9-b01d4635a60b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_2d86bfe2-581d-47a1-affe-f45e020fc4b0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_1e00a94a-4e94-4c0e-928a-d6d567f36e8c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_92146445-7e8c-4fc5-87ed-727504bf7628" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_1e00a94a-4e94-4c0e-928a-d6d567f36e8c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_92146445-7e8c-4fc5-87ed-727504bf7628" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_01f714d1-6afc-4e2b-be67-d08f222c3771" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_92146445-7e8c-4fc5-87ed-727504bf7628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_01f714d1-6afc-4e2b-be67-d08f222c3771" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_d5a5e59d-6d6c-4f23-ada4-7aecc928f912" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_01f714d1-6afc-4e2b-be67-d08f222c3771" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_d5a5e59d-6d6c-4f23-ada4-7aecc928f912" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_f6d4576d-1630-43f4-9ccb-7a3001865df8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_d5a5e59d-6d6c-4f23-ada4-7aecc928f912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_f6d4576d-1630-43f4-9ccb-7a3001865df8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ClassB2UnitMember_d43e46b1-6b37-430b-83b1-89b7a205c1b4" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ClassB2UnitMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_d5a5e59d-6d6c-4f23-ada4-7aecc928f912" xlink:to="loc_step_ClassB2UnitMember_d43e46b1-6b37-430b-83b1-89b7a205c1b4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_f33a388d-bf66-4ace-a726-3aee124ec67f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTable_92146445-7e8c-4fc5-87ed-727504bf7628" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_f33a388d-bf66-4ace-a726-3aee124ec67f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDilutedAbstract_42e9e16e-e4aa-451f-b050-64a80d9af97e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDilutedAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_f33a388d-bf66-4ace-a726-3aee124ec67f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDilutedAbstract_42e9e16e-e4aa-451f-b050-64a80d9af97e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_fcd6f2db-16d1-4de7-a9cd-75d11a25140b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDilutedAbstract_42e9e16e-e4aa-451f-b050-64a80d9af97e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_fcd6f2db-16d1-4de7-a9cd-75d11a25140b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmountOfDilutiveSecuritiesStockOptionsAndRestrictiveStockUnits_1c1bebd4-6fe5-4e43-af82-011e24717b90" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmountOfDilutiveSecuritiesStockOptionsAndRestrictiveStockUnits"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDilutedAbstract_42e9e16e-e4aa-451f-b050-64a80d9af97e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmountOfDilutiveSecuritiesStockOptionsAndRestrictiveStockUnits_1c1bebd4-6fe5-4e43-af82-011e24717b90" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_9c0db9d0-16a0-4d95-9e0d-89a8c00d0c92" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDilutedAbstract_42e9e16e-e4aa-451f-b050-64a80d9af97e" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted_9c0db9d0-16a0-4d95-9e0d-89a8c00d0c92" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_1818e14d-ddea-4842-8628-054493721135" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_f33a388d-bf66-4ace-a726-3aee124ec67f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_1818e14d-ddea-4842-8628-054493721135" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_f8134c33-5ec5-442f-9702-59210b9f2506" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_1818e14d-ddea-4842-8628-054493721135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_f8134c33-5ec5-442f-9702-59210b9f2506" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_8f34d7ab-1147-4085-99d1-fbc28f21497c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_1818e14d-ddea-4842-8628-054493721135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_8f34d7ab-1147-4085-99d1-fbc28f21497c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_2eb2c802-f87c-48de-8b2c-7d0f61e0be28" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract_1818e14d-ddea-4842-8628-054493721135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_2eb2c802-f87c-48de-8b2c-7d0f61e0be28" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareReconciliationAbstract_78a1f0c1-824b-4a19-bb1a-902fbc8dc956" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareReconciliationAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicLineItems_f33a388d-bf66-4ace-a726-3aee124ec67f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareReconciliationAbstract_78a1f0c1-824b-4a19-bb1a-902fbc8dc956" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_adbe6ba9-317e-4b8e-8c77-63d40410353e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareReconciliationAbstract_78a1f0c1-824b-4a19-bb1a-902fbc8dc956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_adbe6ba9-317e-4b8e-8c77-63d40410353e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_6177f162-2674-4a77-817b-ac8c2499ce96" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareReconciliationAbstract_78a1f0c1-824b-4a19-bb1a-902fbc8dc956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_6177f162-2674-4a77-817b-ac8c2499ce96" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/EarningsPerShareNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_b5d774fd-a0f3-4c65-a2cb-b15594f584ed" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_4ee8eecd-c376-4e10-8a96-62cfa7c36817" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_b5d774fd-a0f3-4c65-a2cb-b15594f584ed" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_4ee8eecd-c376-4e10-8a96-62cfa7c36817" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_20be9f84-3aea-424b-b392-1173efbb17a8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_4ee8eecd-c376-4e10-8a96-62cfa7c36817" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_20be9f84-3aea-424b-b392-1173efbb17a8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_7bed816d-d8b2-48ad-b41a-a3876d45f31a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_20be9f84-3aea-424b-b392-1173efbb17a8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_7bed816d-d8b2-48ad-b41a-a3876d45f31a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_4e548654-537b-4d0f-9741-b5165f19cf44" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_7bed816d-d8b2-48ad-b41a-a3876d45f31a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_4e548654-537b-4d0f-9741-b5165f19cf44" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ClassB2UnitMember_bcf86ddb-ac3f-498b-91ae-40344dabc040" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ClassB2UnitMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_7bed816d-d8b2-48ad-b41a-a3876d45f31a" xlink:to="loc_step_ClassB2UnitMember_bcf86ddb-ac3f-498b-91ae-40344dabc040" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_b4c519a7-d17a-4fd1-b935-7d510439c3bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_7bed816d-d8b2-48ad-b41a-a3876d45f31a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_b4c519a7-d17a-4fd1-b935-7d510439c3bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_b7f056c3-b6f3-4f88-895e-0756c1530212" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_4ee8eecd-c376-4e10-8a96-62cfa7c36817" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_b7f056c3-b6f3-4f88-895e-0756c1530212" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_4be1dad7-0c86-4e76-b0be-e0362b3ebb0b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_b7f056c3-b6f3-4f88-895e-0756c1530212" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_4be1dad7-0c86-4e76-b0be-e0362b3ebb0b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_0282b34c-a483-4cb5-884d-db630960a93d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_4be1dad7-0c86-4e76-b0be-e0362b3ebb0b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_0282b34c-a483-4cb5-884d-db630960a93d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_bb09d986-a22e-43f5-8dd4-90aac259195e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_4be1dad7-0c86-4e76-b0be-e0362b3ebb0b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_bb09d986-a22e-43f5-8dd4-90aac259195e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_a54380fa-fe50-497c-994f-0e71ae0b99a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_4ee8eecd-c376-4e10-8a96-62cfa7c36817" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_a54380fa-fe50-497c-994f-0e71ae0b99a0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_d50215b5-3def-4e58-8f1b-722ea8fe20b2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_a54380fa-fe50-497c-994f-0e71ae0b99a0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_d50215b5-3def-4e58-8f1b-722ea8fe20b2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_4b09b559-8ff2-46a8-ac6c-4dac9538dc77" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_a54380fa-fe50-497c-994f-0e71ae0b99a0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_4b09b559-8ff2-46a8-ac6c-4dac9538dc77" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactions"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_b1d8d3eb-de9f-4198-bfea-adb7d29a83f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_3d68c22c-4267-42aa-adfa-bb0389e24d1f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_b1d8d3eb-de9f-4198-bfea-adb7d29a83f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock_3d68c22c-4267-42aa-adfa-bb0389e24d1f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RelatedPartyDisclosuresTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#RelatedPartyDisclosuresTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RelatedPartyDisclosuresTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_1d9094a5-c8fc-4337-8e5c-83b217ee4e1f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsTableTextBlock_7dc66594-bdce-415e-9a75-329bae13966b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_1d9094a5-c8fc-4337-8e5c-83b217ee4e1f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsTableTextBlock_7dc66594-bdce-415e-9a75-329bae13966b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RelatedPartyDisclosuresNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#RelatedPartyDisclosuresNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RelatedPartyDisclosuresNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_d4352663-93b1-48db-8bb4-699500a27fd8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_1e9e1c38-d4ec-4de4-8f4d-2d13bd9cb5df" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_d4352663-93b1-48db-8bb4-699500a27fd8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_1e9e1c38-d4ec-4de4-8f4d-2d13bd9cb5df" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_feae6b83-324b-4372-93e7-6670b0d7d6ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_1e9e1c38-d4ec-4de4-8f4d-2d13bd9cb5df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_feae6b83-324b-4372-93e7-6670b0d7d6ca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_7713b0c2-ee9f-4cf5-aa24-3a02ef78c7d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis_feae6b83-324b-4372-93e7-6670b0d7d6ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_7713b0c2-ee9f-4cf5-aa24-3a02ef78c7d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetMember_16113b00-5b05-450f-a111-7d930042ce19" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_7713b0c2-ee9f-4cf5-aa24-3a02ef78c7d9" xlink:to="loc_step_ManagementAndAdvisoryFeesNetMember_16113b00-5b05-450f-a111-7d930042ce19" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_CarriedInterestAllocationRevenuesMember_f90e3027-fa31-4f9d-a56c-4c75b418d25c" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_CarriedInterestAllocationRevenuesMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_7713b0c2-ee9f-4cf5-aa24-3a02ef78c7d9" xlink:to="loc_step_CarriedInterestAllocationRevenuesMember_f90e3027-fa31-4f9d-a56c-4c75b418d25c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_TaxReceivableAgreementMember_47d33168-7307-47ae-9d88-6e13c395204c" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_TaxReceivableAgreementMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_7713b0c2-ee9f-4cf5-aa24-3a02ef78c7d9" xlink:to="loc_step_TaxReceivableAgreementMember_47d33168-7307-47ae-9d88-6e13c395204c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember_bcc71c34-49ba-4857-a742-954ada5124e1" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_7713b0c2-ee9f-4cf5-aa24-3a02ef78c7d9" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyCarriedInterestAllocationMember_bcc71c34-49ba-4857-a742-954ada5124e1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_04a63faf-5bd3-46bb-82f7-942c7f23522a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_1e9e1c38-d4ec-4de4-8f4d-2d13bd9cb5df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_04a63faf-5bd3-46bb-82f7-942c7f23522a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_ee0fe057-fbbf-4de7-8500-7e7327000b98" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_04a63faf-5bd3-46bb-82f7-942c7f23522a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_ee0fe057-fbbf-4de7-8500-7e7327000b98" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember_57cb514b-89df-4aaf-a5d2-51d69807f5d9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_ee0fe057-fbbf-4de7-8500-7e7327000b98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember_57cb514b-89df-4aaf-a5d2-51d69807f5d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_40412a98-ec33-4632-911d-8ed4a3d45ce9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_AffiliatedEntityMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_ee0fe057-fbbf-4de7-8500-7e7327000b98" xlink:to="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_40412a98-ec33-4632-911d-8ed4a3d45ce9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_e856c45a-553a-4a93-99ed-f4daed25b1f9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_1e9e1c38-d4ec-4de4-8f4d-2d13bd9cb5df" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_e856c45a-553a-4a93-99ed-f4daed25b1f9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_eb14ebed-3e2c-46e6-8923-d33b4bb5801d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_e856c45a-553a-4a93-99ed-f4daed25b1f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties_eb14ebed-3e2c-46e6-8923-d33b4bb5801d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_08a80846-2492-4b02-b6c0-0a4da8384a99" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_e856c45a-553a-4a93-99ed-f4daed25b1f9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty_08a80846-2492-4b02-b6c0-0a4da8384a99" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsScheduleofRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsScheduleofRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsScheduleofRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_9958a83a-1722-43d8-b40d-ee3259ca69bf" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_0868f895-f632-4c06-9982-a740a1e54cd5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract_9958a83a-1722-43d8-b40d-ee3259ca69bf" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_0868f895-f632-4c06-9982-a740a1e54cd5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_08d2af2a-af3f-4125-b899-a2874bf0fe25" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_0868f895-f632-4c06-9982-a740a1e54cd5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_08d2af2a-af3f-4125-b899-a2874bf0fe25" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7c7e9792-0d04-4a25-9d8d-285302aa68ca" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_08d2af2a-af3f-4125-b899-a2874bf0fe25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7c7e9792-0d04-4a25-9d8d-285302aa68ca" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_41d53e0e-f28a-422e-9690-88c0409b9453" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_AffiliatedEntityMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7c7e9792-0d04-4a25-9d8d-285302aa68ca" xlink:to="loc_srt_AffiliatedEntityMember_41d53e0e-f28a-422e-9690-88c0409b9453" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember_7a507a2c-10c0-4eea-b85b-635e6cecadcb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7c7e9792-0d04-4a25-9d8d-285302aa68ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember_7a507a2c-10c0-4eea-b85b-635e6cecadcb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestorMember_d61ac88f-95c7-47e8-ab52-8429929a0052" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestorMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_7c7e9792-0d04-4a25-9d8d-285302aa68ca" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestorMember_d61ac88f-95c7-47e8-ab52-8429929a0052" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9af7770e-ad11-4491-9037-604793a94aff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable_0868f895-f632-4c06-9982-a740a1e54cd5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9af7770e-ad11-4491-9037-604793a94aff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties_b02c43e2-f5e4-4d0e-a7e6-e5a25ae642a6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9af7770e-ad11-4491-9037-604793a94aff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedParties_b02c43e2-f5e4-4d0e-a7e6-e5a25ae642a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_be6a6e67-3a15-48be-8252-a7e7bf5d4f3f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems_9af7770e-ad11-4491-9037-604793a94aff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_be6a6e67-3a15-48be-8252-a7e7bf5d4f3f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#StockholdersEquity"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_b34717f8-ada2-4100-80e6-bc4ca591d2ea" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_2d1a83b9-f2a9-454d-b810-ea27941dc725" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_b34717f8-ada2-4100-80e6-bc4ca591d2ea" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock_2d1a83b9-f2a9-454d-b810-ea27941dc725" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#StockholdersEquityTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/StockholdersEquityTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_4f8f9f8d-36de-485d-b4c5-569cdc08409c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTextBlock_01fcb930-742c-477e-b796-b36f7a5462bc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_4f8f9f8d-36de-485d-b4c5-569cdc08409c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTextBlock_01fcb930-742c-477e-b796-b36f7a5462bc" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/StockholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_db00a742-3b0f-47db-a8e9-f3bdb0129e91" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_NumberOfClassesOfCommonStockOutstanding_2d87486e-7018-4d70-8724-b6a39bddf6fd" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_NumberOfClassesOfCommonStockOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_db00a742-3b0f-47db-a8e9-f3bdb0129e91" xlink:to="loc_step_NumberOfClassesOfCommonStockOutstanding_2d87486e-7018-4d70-8724-b6a39bddf6fd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_7f9c5609-e0c0-4224-b349-c78311b8a13a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_db00a742-3b0f-47db-a8e9-f3bdb0129e91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_7f9c5609-e0c0-4224-b349-c78311b8a13a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_2d242ff7-b468-4710-8a95-93d5dbd0846a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_db00a742-3b0f-47db-a8e9-f3bdb0129e91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_2d242ff7-b468-4710-8a95-93d5dbd0846a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_d71684d2-51e5-420d-8ec0-bf09307f2ed9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_db00a742-3b0f-47db-a8e9-f3bdb0129e91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_d71684d2-51e5-420d-8ec0-bf09307f2ed9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_4fe654b9-9c17-4a6f-9dd6-dac38a8b137e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_db00a742-3b0f-47db-a8e9-f3bdb0129e91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_4fe654b9-9c17-4a6f-9dd6-dac38a8b137e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_65fee7c2-1031-42f4-9c94-cc5279b33e8d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_db00a742-3b0f-47db-a8e9-f3bdb0129e91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_65fee7c2-1031-42f4-9c94-cc5279b33e8d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_3c01e222-466b-4eb8-8d6b-27500e98f244" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_65fee7c2-1031-42f4-9c94-cc5279b33e8d" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_3c01e222-466b-4eb8-8d6b-27500e98f244" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_0667b3c7-16f8-4003-bca8-be8c4c44de91" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipAxis_3c01e222-466b-4eb8-8d6b-27500e98f244" xlink:to="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_0667b3c7-16f8-4003-bca8-be8c4c44de91" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_SRAMember_4d9fc362-0dba-4c79-ac3f-ab3095d973ac" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_SRAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_OwnershipDomain_0667b3c7-16f8-4003-bca8-be8c4c44de91" xlink:to="loc_step_SRAMember_4d9fc362-0dba-4c79-ac3f-ab3095d973ac" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_a02e3228-58a5-48a0-8297-0c26aa3aede4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_65fee7c2-1031-42f4-9c94-cc5279b33e8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_a02e3228-58a5-48a0-8297-0c26aa3aede4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9187e6e2-bf12-4da5-b95b-ee5719d2278c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_a02e3228-58a5-48a0-8297-0c26aa3aede4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9187e6e2-bf12-4da5-b95b-ee5719d2278c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_af82ea98-8d5a-41aa-ade7-1861072b0ad9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9187e6e2-bf12-4da5-b95b-ee5719d2278c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_af82ea98-8d5a-41aa-ade7-1861072b0ad9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_c183af03-f066-4368-896c-f2e0182d02f7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9187e6e2-bf12-4da5-b95b-ee5719d2278c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_c183af03-f066-4368-896c-f2e0182d02f7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_ce48f5be-e829-4ea5-a43a-84fad2e28db2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_9187e6e2-bf12-4da5-b95b-ee5719d2278c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_ce48f5be-e829-4ea5-a43a-84fad2e28db2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_99c652c2-b02c-480d-8263-209421631305" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_65fee7c2-1031-42f4-9c94-cc5279b33e8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_99c652c2-b02c-480d-8263-209421631305" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_bea242f9-2f13-42f0-bd30-dbbfb631111c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis_99c652c2-b02c-480d-8263-209421631305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_bea242f9-2f13-42f0-bd30-dbbfb631111c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_PublicOfferingMember_a03f1dbf-aac2-4fce-87ba-bf8cc60d544f" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_PublicOfferingMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_bea242f9-2f13-42f0-bd30-dbbfb631111c" xlink:to="loc_step_PublicOfferingMember_a03f1dbf-aac2-4fce-87ba-bf8cc60d544f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember_854c3c76-a47b-446e-9888-7af57a022b24" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_bea242f9-2f13-42f0-bd30-dbbfb631111c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember_854c3c76-a47b-446e-9888-7af57a022b24" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cbd8f7ba-3a8e-4121-bd7f-e7d61d16c917" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_65fee7c2-1031-42f4-9c94-cc5279b33e8d" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cbd8f7ba-3a8e-4121-bd7f-e7d61d16c917" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5cd74bf6-48a6-4abc-9c81-4ebf96dc0b44" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021/dei-2021.xsd#dei_EntityDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_cbd8f7ba-3a8e-4121-bd7f-e7d61d16c917" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5cd74bf6-48a6-4abc-9c81-4ebf96dc0b44" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_SRAMember_114f6810-f800-4c78-8243-966eb3f85de3" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_SRAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_5cd74bf6-48a6-4abc-9c81-4ebf96dc0b44" xlink:to="loc_step_SRAMember_114f6810-f800-4c78-8243-966eb3f85de3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7ce59097-1b0a-4efe-a19f-ed21a690d463" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_65fee7c2-1031-42f4-9c94-cc5279b33e8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7ce59097-1b0a-4efe-a19f-ed21a690d463" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_bb64ec0e-9b43-40ae-9b15-1af8ca2ca31f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_7ce59097-1b0a-4efe-a19f-ed21a690d463" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_bb64ec0e-9b43-40ae-9b15-1af8ca2ca31f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_GreenspringMember_a5faf3af-b396-4dc6-aebb-24c9c1613e7a" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_GreenspringMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_bb64ec0e-9b43-40ae-9b15-1af8ca2ca31f" xlink:to="loc_step_GreenspringMember_a5faf3af-b396-4dc6-aebb-24c9c1613e7a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_be60d210-f1e8-4d32-8af6-e8e2dc529524" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_65fee7c2-1031-42f4-9c94-cc5279b33e8d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_be60d210-f1e8-4d32-8af6-e8e2dc529524" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent_9fd51fa6-99b0-4371-abf9-045c56f4f051" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_be60d210-f1e8-4d32-8af6-e8e2dc529524" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent_9fd51fa6-99b0-4371-abf9-045c56f4f051" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners_f257c18f-d699-4080-9bb0-b12f09656319" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_be60d210-f1e8-4d32-8af6-e8e2dc529524" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners_f257c18f-d699-4080-9bb0-b12f09656319" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_0ac5da3f-d640-44fe-8aef-0b941dd263cb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_be60d210-f1e8-4d32-8af6-e8e2dc529524" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_0ac5da3f-d640-44fe-8aef-0b941dd263cb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ConversionOfStockConversionBasis_a7c44027-37e9-4d5f-825d-46a8f661b2d9" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ConversionOfStockConversionBasis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_be60d210-f1e8-4d32-8af6-e8e2dc529524" xlink:to="loc_step_ConversionOfStockConversionBasis_a7c44027-37e9-4d5f-825d-46a8f661b2d9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_StockholdersEquityShareExchangeSharesIssued_d0a88e5f-1a84-41ca-b139-218a9c594aed" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_StockholdersEquityShareExchangeSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_be60d210-f1e8-4d32-8af6-e8e2dc529524" xlink:to="loc_step_StockholdersEquityShareExchangeSharesIssued_d0a88e5f-1a84-41ca-b139-218a9c594aed" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_StockholdersEquityShareExchangeSharesExchanged_692658ca-9c12-46eb-baee-4e822223f416" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_StockholdersEquityShareExchangeSharesExchanged"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_be60d210-f1e8-4d32-8af6-e8e2dc529524" xlink:to="loc_step_StockholdersEquityShareExchangeSharesExchanged_692658ca-9c12-46eb-baee-4e822223f416" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_4d6a0d13-fdd3-4e11-ae2a-20e4528ede98" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_be60d210-f1e8-4d32-8af6-e8e2dc529524" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockNumberOfSharesIssuedInTransaction_4d6a0d13-fdd3-4e11-ae2a-20e4528ede98" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare_ce323abe-7216-4e6a-86ba-af57fed15a7a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_be60d210-f1e8-4d32-8af6-e8e2dc529524" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SaleOfStockPricePerShare_ce323abe-7216-4e6a-86ba-af57fed15a7a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders_c26081d7-3acf-4de9-a1ff-58daccc563ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_be60d210-f1e8-4d32-8af6-e8e2dc529524" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders_c26081d7-3acf-4de9-a1ff-58daccc563ec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_3dbe815b-3502-4cf1-aa03-15d9c65443ef" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_be60d210-f1e8-4d32-8af6-e8e2dc529524" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders_3dbe815b-3502-4cf1-aa03-15d9c65443ef" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_1c67ca14-1ee3-4e7f-8f02-40e6449b6f65" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_db00a742-3b0f-47db-a8e9-f3bdb0129e91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_1c67ca14-1ee3-4e7f-8f02-40e6449b6f65" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/StockholdersEquitySharesofStockOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#StockholdersEquitySharesofStockOutstandingDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/StockholdersEquitySharesofStockOutstandingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_3454884d-f124-4652-b0f2-3da1cd4ca7af" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_261bb3fd-a568-4890-aa56-89a6f19458bb" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityAbstract_3454884d-f124-4652-b0f2-3da1cd4ca7af" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_261bb3fd-a568-4890-aa56-89a6f19458bb" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_079e9433-7920-4e95-9417-719322287d22" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_261bb3fd-a568-4890-aa56-89a6f19458bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_079e9433-7920-4e95-9417-719322287d22" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_0adb95d7-32dc-4b38-acf2-9038acb6988a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_079e9433-7920-4e95-9417-719322287d22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_0adb95d7-32dc-4b38-acf2-9038acb6988a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_6c9b69ee-b57b-4c2b-8ccf-f334d4d5495f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_0adb95d7-32dc-4b38-acf2-9038acb6988a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_6c9b69ee-b57b-4c2b-8ccf-f334d4d5495f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_c354e74d-2c05-4944-861b-3fb0e7f2590f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassBMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_0adb95d7-32dc-4b38-acf2-9038acb6988a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassBMember_c354e74d-2c05-4944-861b-3fb0e7f2590f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_8dd07fa7-6451-48cc-a98c-a893f7c63352" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeSaleOfStockBySubsidiaryOrEquityInvesteeTable_261bb3fd-a568-4890-aa56-89a6f19458bb" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_8dd07fa7-6451-48cc-a98c-a893f7c63352" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ScheduleOfCommonStockOutstandingRollForward_d8ce9415-fab5-403c-a4fc-197a691bd533" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ScheduleOfCommonStockOutstandingRollForward"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockLineItems_8dd07fa7-6451-48cc-a98c-a893f7c63352" xlink:to="loc_step_ScheduleOfCommonStockOutstandingRollForward_d8ce9415-fab5-403c-a4fc-197a691bd533" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_f9e418bd-f908-4fa8-93ac-4c9fea8449fa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_step_ScheduleOfCommonStockOutstandingRollForward_d8ce9415-fab5-403c-a4fc-197a691bd533" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_f9e418bd-f908-4fa8-93ac-4c9fea8449fa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions_a1f8cb4e-9377-463f-aa0f-323c00e7ddd3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_step_ScheduleOfCommonStockOutstandingRollForward_d8ce9415-fab5-403c-a4fc-197a691bd533" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesAcquisitions_a1f8cb4e-9377-463f-aa0f-323c00e7ddd3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_StockholdersEquityUnitsExchangedInOfferingShares_1b3c85ad-63c9-46ef-9b39-d7c54f105dc6" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_StockholdersEquityUnitsExchangedInOfferingShares"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_step_ScheduleOfCommonStockOutstandingRollForward_d8ce9415-fab5-403c-a4fc-197a691bd533" xlink:to="loc_step_StockholdersEquityUnitsExchangedInOfferingShares_1b3c85ad-63c9-46ef-9b39-d7c54f105dc6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross_653753f9-2e4f-44d1-8e1f-93db61fd0a22" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_step_ScheduleOfCommonStockOutstandingRollForward_d8ce9415-fab5-403c-a4fc-197a691bd533" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross_653753f9-2e4f-44d1-8e1f-93db61fd0a22" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_9eb2efba-d6c8-4601-837a-f203bbd38009" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_step_ScheduleOfCommonStockOutstandingRollForward_d8ce9415-fab5-403c-a4fc-197a691bd533" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_9eb2efba-d6c8-4601-837a-f203bbd38009" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/BusinessCombinations" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#BusinessCombinations"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/BusinessCombinations" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract_c6ac9f7e-baf2-4e14-b795-2517d2bf117f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock_a2d6752e-1f6d-41f1-929d-5f3ef15a397d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract_c6ac9f7e-baf2-4e14-b795-2517d2bf117f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationDisclosureTextBlock_a2d6752e-1f6d-41f1-929d-5f3ef15a397d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/BusinessCombinationsTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#BusinessCombinationsTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/BusinessCombinationsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract_cc037470-bb3c-4c17-86f0-b15d1e6c3a5b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_8025ee88-b4d3-4aa2-baef-f600b7836c2f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract_cc037470-bb3c-4c17-86f0-b15d1e6c3a5b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTextBlock_8025ee88-b4d3-4aa2-baef-f600b7836c2f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock_b5f14978-5eb7-4eba-8021-9112c7952716" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract_cc037470-bb3c-4c17-86f0-b15d1e6c3a5b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaInformationTextBlock_b5f14978-5eb7-4eba-8021-9112c7952716" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/BusinessCombinationsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#BusinessCombinationsNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/BusinessCombinationsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract_917d4ebf-82f7-47c0-baac-c2c398a6cb5b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_66935d60-1336-41d7-ab6e-a673f3b7853f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract_917d4ebf-82f7-47c0-baac-c2c398a6cb5b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_66935d60-1336-41d7-ab6e-a673f3b7853f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_f0dd1606-d263-473f-b9c2-a14a2cfc17b6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_66935d60-1336-41d7-ab6e-a673f3b7853f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_f0dd1606-d263-473f-b9c2-a14a2cfc17b6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_503ade64-e80c-484c-a8ab-81dd43fce4ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_f0dd1606-d263-473f-b9c2-a14a2cfc17b6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_503ade64-e80c-484c-a8ab-81dd43fce4ff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_GreenspringMember_600846c3-dbe8-41ec-880b-1f710b2b43d0" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_GreenspringMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_503ade64-e80c-484c-a8ab-81dd43fce4ff" xlink:to="loc_step_GreenspringMember_600846c3-dbe8-41ec-880b-1f710b2b43d0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_9b948e22-52d9-43bd-9789-3de4518ca529" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_66935d60-1336-41d7-ab6e-a673f3b7853f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_9b948e22-52d9-43bd-9789-3de4518ca529" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_29c29a87-3896-4233-83aa-db72017f5081" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_9b948e22-52d9-43bd-9789-3de4518ca529" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_29c29a87-3896-4233-83aa-db72017f5081" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_b7605900-ca36-464e-9c42-238609dd0cec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_29c29a87-3896-4233-83aa-db72017f5081" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_b7605900-ca36-464e-9c42-238609dd0cec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_14d7009d-6528-4284-a2e8-f0a758e2d096" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_29c29a87-3896-4233-83aa-db72017f5081" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_14d7009d-6528-4284-a2e8-f0a758e2d096" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_b6214634-3db4-4fdc-b116-e3723aebcc63" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_66935d60-1336-41d7-ab6e-a673f3b7853f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_b6214634-3db4-4fdc-b116-e3723aebcc63" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_afa4c506-52dd-4e7f-a2ec-f7f8de4c74fa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_b6214634-3db4-4fdc-b116-e3723aebcc63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_afa4c506-52dd-4e7f-a2ec-f7f8de4c74fa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContractualRightsMember_998a8dd4-1a73-4cda-a5b6-11d61fddc17d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractualRightsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_afa4c506-52dd-4e7f-a2ec-f7f8de4c74fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContractualRightsMember_998a8dd4-1a73-4cda-a5b6-11d61fddc17d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_b81f4240-2760-4da3-8495-c50a52f96043" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_afa4c506-52dd-4e7f-a2ec-f7f8de4c74fa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_b81f4240-2760-4da3-8495-c50a52f96043" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_a050f17a-36e5-4733-a326-6ff8e47a53c0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_66935d60-1336-41d7-ab6e-a673f3b7853f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_a050f17a-36e5-4733-a326-6ff8e47a53c0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_59f96ad3-8efd-4892-b75d-e159f0f0c454" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_a050f17a-36e5-4733-a326-6ff8e47a53c0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_59f96ad3-8efd-4892-b75d-e159f0f0c454" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_ac2cc6bf-85ea-4d9b-a35f-60624d9c2dec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_59f96ad3-8efd-4892-b75d-e159f0f0c454" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_ac2cc6bf-85ea-4d9b-a35f-60624d9c2dec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9a6daf5d-2889-4bd6-b773-c9451616019d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_66935d60-1336-41d7-ab6e-a673f3b7853f" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9a6daf5d-2889-4bd6-b773-c9451616019d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_5be260c1-ee69-47eb-86f8-18452a1efdf0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9a6daf5d-2889-4bd6-b773-c9451616019d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_5be260c1-ee69-47eb-86f8-18452a1efdf0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfWorkingCapitalAdjustment_c5c1c2cf-86bb-45f0-afcf-959ad7538de9" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfWorkingCapitalAdjustment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9a6daf5d-2889-4bd6-b773-c9451616019d" xlink:to="loc_step_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfWorkingCapitalAdjustment_c5c1c2cf-86bb-45f0-afcf-959ad7538de9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_2b53b7d0-dbb2-4bb4-94a9-8342510becc9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9a6daf5d-2889-4bd6-b773-c9451616019d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued_2b53b7d0-dbb2-4bb4-94a9-8342510becc9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/netLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInTheRangeOfOutcomesContingentConsiderationLiabilityValueHigh_65cc22d5-b122-441d-bdd1-571ed62a1058" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInTheRangeOfOutcomesContingentConsiderationLiabilityValueHigh"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9a6daf5d-2889-4bd6-b773-c9451616019d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInTheRangeOfOutcomesContingentConsiderationLiabilityValueHigh_65cc22d5-b122-441d-bdd1-571ed62a1058" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_d103a3f2-57f1-4a1d-9aad-6ed29f62acb8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9a6daf5d-2889-4bd6-b773-c9451616019d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts_d103a3f2-57f1-4a1d-9aad-6ed29f62acb8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_edd80282-b84d-4fc3-be7d-81e17f74afd7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9a6daf5d-2889-4bd6-b773-c9451616019d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_edd80282-b84d-4fc3-be7d-81e17f74afd7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_502d047c-9fe5-4186-b626-7e8ab1244444" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9a6daf5d-2889-4bd6-b773-c9451616019d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsWeightedAverageUsefulLife_502d047c-9fe5-4186-b626-7e8ab1244444" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_1afa01ee-08ee-4940-a3ad-0ad8e653dfb6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9a6daf5d-2889-4bd6-b773-c9451616019d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_1afa01ee-08ee-4940-a3ad-0ad8e653dfb6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_20776817-e41e-4c60-98d3-9208972194a6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9a6daf5d-2889-4bd6-b773-c9451616019d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_20776817-e41e-4c60-98d3-9208972194a6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_68420297-0319-411e-a217-abd675113fd4" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9a6daf5d-2889-4bd6-b773-c9451616019d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual_68420297-0319-411e-a217-abd675113fd4" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_17f71862-c2f0-4049-8ede-3ca62e3689f2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_9a6daf5d-2889-4bd6-b773-c9451616019d" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_17f71862-c2f0-4049-8ede-3ca62e3689f2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/BusinessCombinationsAggregatePurchasePriceDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#BusinessCombinationsAggregatePurchasePriceDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/BusinessCombinationsAggregatePurchasePriceDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract_fad4433f-f5ac-4d3f-a76d-44c4bdb26111" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7bc07cef-618e-41a8-b8b6-6e58ba6655c6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract_fad4433f-f5ac-4d3f-a76d-44c4bdb26111" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7bc07cef-618e-41a8-b8b6-6e58ba6655c6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_05b30eb8-91bc-43cd-b91a-9848d1e71ab8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7bc07cef-618e-41a8-b8b6-6e58ba6655c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_05b30eb8-91bc-43cd-b91a-9848d1e71ab8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_b8a6c152-049e-4261-a514-c0b1a62a9291" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_05b30eb8-91bc-43cd-b91a-9848d1e71ab8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_b8a6c152-049e-4261-a514-c0b1a62a9291" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_GreenspringMember_c1cbdbd8-61b5-41c5-8bda-87c60022e3a5" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_GreenspringMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_b8a6c152-049e-4261-a514-c0b1a62a9291" xlink:to="loc_step_GreenspringMember_c1cbdbd8-61b5-41c5-8bda-87c60022e3a5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_f0dcadf7-5216-4126-a402-a7a47ce3a402" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7bc07cef-618e-41a8-b8b6-6e58ba6655c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_f0dcadf7-5216-4126-a402-a7a47ce3a402" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_16f52945-fe11-45cb-a987-7b4c0f142f11" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_f0dcadf7-5216-4126-a402-a7a47ce3a402" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_16f52945-fe11-45cb-a987-7b4c0f142f11" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_3d07b5b0-e22e-41f4-9d09-3d6cc78caa34" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassAMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_16f52945-fe11-45cb-a987-7b4c0f142f11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassAMember_3d07b5b0-e22e-41f4-9d09-3d6cc78caa34" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_4be1192c-d8c9-416b-b49d-37b1541b2770" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonClassCMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_16f52945-fe11-45cb-a987-7b4c0f142f11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonClassCMember_4be1192c-d8c9-416b-b49d-37b1541b2770" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_785c40ba-0e3f-4b0a-9cb4-8fdd53d05ce7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_7bc07cef-618e-41a8-b8b6-6e58ba6655c6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_785c40ba-0e3f-4b0a-9cb4-8fdd53d05ce7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAbstract_871e75cc-29e9-4265-8b51-b6276e78a7ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_785c40ba-0e3f-4b0a-9cb4-8fdd53d05ce7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAbstract_871e75cc-29e9-4265-8b51-b6276e78a7ff" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_1154cd15-af8a-4b92-ab31-c4b58f874ce9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAbstract_871e75cc-29e9-4265-8b51-b6276e78a7ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_1154cd15-af8a-4b92-ab31-c4b58f874ce9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable_23b412c7-920d-4d4d-a123-08388ccbce8b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAbstract_871e75cc-29e9-4265-8b51-b6276e78a7ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable_23b412c7-920d-4d4d-a123-08388ccbce8b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_f1b16562-f6c8-451a-a4fb-64df13defb31" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAbstract_871e75cc-29e9-4265-8b51-b6276e78a7ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredLiabilitiesIncurred_f1b16562-f6c8-451a-a4fb-64df13defb31" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_127a499b-c973-4947-a47f-958187925a0b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredAbstract_871e75cc-29e9-4265-8b51-b6276e78a7ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1_127a499b-c973-4947-a47f-958187925a0b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/BusinessCombinationsEstimatedFairValuesofAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#BusinessCombinationsEstimatedFairValuesofAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/BusinessCombinationsEstimatedFairValuesofAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract_43f252ac-4921-4a61-826f-8cbc29b4e987" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_92168a39-7bfd-4529-b0e7-30e04a20098a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract_43f252ac-4921-4a61-826f-8cbc29b4e987" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_92168a39-7bfd-4529-b0e7-30e04a20098a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_a71721d7-4919-4d9b-a1bb-1eff74b955ec" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_92168a39-7bfd-4529-b0e7-30e04a20098a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_a71721d7-4919-4d9b-a1bb-1eff74b955ec" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_616fb344-4a88-4fee-9b9c-b12e2677238b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_a71721d7-4919-4d9b-a1bb-1eff74b955ec" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_616fb344-4a88-4fee-9b9c-b12e2677238b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_GreenspringMember_deafec3e-7e31-424c-8e3c-1d8f4e7a04e8" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_GreenspringMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_616fb344-4a88-4fee-9b9c-b12e2677238b" xlink:to="loc_step_GreenspringMember_deafec3e-7e31-424c-8e3c-1d8f4e7a04e8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_d5353634-3517-41fc-b041-69ce5af9ccf1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_92168a39-7bfd-4529-b0e7-30e04a20098a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_d5353634-3517-41fc-b041-69ce5af9ccf1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5e96e92a-75e0-44cf-9972-5c0f537c8faa" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_d5353634-3517-41fc-b041-69ce5af9ccf1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5e96e92a-75e0-44cf-9972-5c0f537c8faa" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ContractualRightsManagementContractsMember_f300f548-2e9d-46b0-a00c-2725ffbaae69" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ContractualRightsManagementContractsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5e96e92a-75e0-44cf-9972-5c0f537c8faa" xlink:to="loc_step_ContractualRightsManagementContractsMember_f300f548-2e9d-46b0-a00c-2725ffbaae69" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_072f36cb-48e1-43ba-92ae-477fae6d595e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5e96e92a-75e0-44cf-9972-5c0f537c8faa" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember_072f36cb-48e1-43ba-92ae-477fae6d595e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_ContractualRightsServiceAgreementsMember_77e7503b-c730-483b-bd4f-6923a0101eb0" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_ContractualRightsServiceAgreementsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_5e96e92a-75e0-44cf-9972-5c0f537c8faa" xlink:to="loc_step_ContractualRightsServiceAgreementsMember_77e7503b-c730-483b-bd4f-6923a0101eb0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_46d97eda-c20d-417d-b283-2b226083f7b9" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_92168a39-7bfd-4529-b0e7-30e04a20098a" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_46d97eda-c20d-417d-b283-2b226083f7b9" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_e5e4bb1a-a7a0-4868-961d-19b5ef2fd174" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_46d97eda-c20d-417d-b283-2b226083f7b9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_e5e4bb1a-a7a0-4868-961d-19b5ef2fd174" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsCashAndReceivables_736fdcc7-ccef-4197-a2f6-e0d67992b4d7" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsCashAndReceivables"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_e5e4bb1a-a7a0-4868-961d-19b5ef2fd174" xlink:to="loc_step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsCashAndReceivables_736fdcc7-ccef-4197-a2f6-e0d67992b4d7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLegacyInvestmentsInFundsAndAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_44c602a1-2966-41bc-a4c6-a14916659a35" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLegacyInvestmentsInFundsAndAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_e5e4bb1a-a7a0-4868-961d-19b5ef2fd174" xlink:to="loc_step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLegacyInvestmentsInFundsAndAccruedCarriedInterestAllocations_44c602a1-2966-41bc-a4c6-a14916659a35" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLeaseRightOfUseAssetsNet_9523ad91-0f7b-4cf0-884e-717011885ce6" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLeaseRightOfUseAssetsNet"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_e5e4bb1a-a7a0-4868-961d-19b5ef2fd174" xlink:to="loc_step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLeaseRightOfUseAssetsNet_9523ad91-0f7b-4cf0-884e-717011885ce6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssetsAndReceivables_79c10c80-dce6-48b7-a413-2e7742229784" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssetsAndReceivables"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_e5e4bb1a-a7a0-4868-961d-19b5ef2fd174" xlink:to="loc_step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssetsAndReceivables_79c10c80-dce6-48b7-a413-2e7742229784" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_480e3fdc-8df2-4dae-9aa2-f26f7439498a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_e5e4bb1a-a7a0-4868-961d-19b5ef2fd174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles_480e3fdc-8df2-4dae-9aa2-f26f7439498a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_2ed74680-eb8e-4d02-a6a8-25c2827197b5" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_e5e4bb1a-a7a0-4868-961d-19b5ef2fd174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_2ed74680-eb8e-4d02-a6a8-25c2827197b5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities_bf5ae2d4-822f-473d-9496-4456efc56d92" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_e5e4bb1a-a7a0-4868-961d-19b5ef2fd174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities_bf5ae2d4-822f-473d-9496-4456efc56d92" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccruedExpensesAndOther_f606707a-23a6-460d-9f0d-375494fba165" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccruedExpensesAndOther"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_e5e4bb1a-a7a0-4868-961d-19b5ef2fd174" xlink:to="loc_step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesAccruedExpensesAndOther_f606707a-23a6-460d-9f0d-375494fba165" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLegacyCarriedInterestRelatedCompensation_9c7a99d7-3190-44db-83f7-5c2986491a78" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLegacyCarriedInterestRelatedCompensation"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_e5e4bb1a-a7a0-4868-961d-19b5ef2fd174" xlink:to="loc_step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLegacyCarriedInterestRelatedCompensation_9c7a99d7-3190-44db-83f7-5c2986491a78" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLeaseLiabilities_57fe900a-225d-404e-b348-9548ff9569c5" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLeaseLiabilities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_e5e4bb1a-a7a0-4868-961d-19b5ef2fd174" xlink:to="loc_step_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLeaseLiabilities_57fe900a-225d-404e-b348-9548ff9569c5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_8b8ebc8c-daf2-42a8-b2a0-c51dc56b8b55" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_e5e4bb1a-a7a0-4868-961d-19b5ef2fd174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue_8b8ebc8c-daf2-42a8-b2a0-c51dc56b8b55" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterest_e8a3a81e-8551-446b-b310-3ba64b8cc96f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterest"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNetAbstract_e5e4bb1a-a7a0-4868-961d-19b5ef2fd174" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedLessNoncontrollingInterest_e8a3a81e-8551-446b-b310-3ba64b8cc96f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/BusinessCombinationsProFormaEffectDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#BusinessCombinationsProFormaEffectDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/BusinessCombinationsProFormaEffectDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract_4159382d-cc39-4766-a807-8b0ce666bd3b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaRevenueAndUnrealizedGainsLosses_c51bf0c0-4c77-4a9b-9fd3-d7524824a4df" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaRevenueAndUnrealizedGainsLosses"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract_4159382d-cc39-4766-a807-8b0ce666bd3b" xlink:to="loc_step_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaRevenueAndUnrealizedGainsLosses_c51bf0c0-4c77-4a9b-9fd3-d7524824a4df" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_426b5842-8f52-47be-b0ee-6a82bb1f21b8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAndAssetAcquisitionAbstract_4159382d-cc39-4766-a807-8b0ce666bd3b" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss_426b5842-8f52-47be-b0ee-6a82bb1f21b8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CommitmentandContingencies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#CommitmentandContingencies"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CommitmentandContingencies" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_5378c417-13f4-4064-92f4-85cf3bad37f8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_8181b395-2ed6-409a-b000-6fe231c8dfe6" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_5378c417-13f4-4064-92f4-85cf3bad37f8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_8181b395-2ed6-409a-b000-6fe231c8dfe6" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#CommitmentandContingenciesTables"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_5d9b6a52-606d-4a7f-af4c-d5cf61629d41" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_a824dfce-8bb2-4393-a74d-5539c32da005" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_5d9b6a52-606d-4a7f-af4c-d5cf61629d41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_a824dfce-8bb2-4393-a74d-5539c32da005" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_2b8a78b9-6734-40e6-947a-850722526ae8" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_5d9b6a52-606d-4a7f-af4c-d5cf61629d41" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_2b8a78b9-6734-40e6-947a-850722526ae8" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#CommitmentandContingenciesNarrativeDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a542520f-a7f1-4542-b1a1-ac888ac426ff" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_49693230-657c-48c3-a02c-e3ec5e152649" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_a542520f-a7f1-4542-b1a1-ac888ac426ff" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_49693230-657c-48c3-a02c-e3ec5e152649" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f53b6936-3d17-4b7a-9808-d82f4cb5ce70" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_49693230-657c-48c3-a02c-e3ec5e152649" xlink:to="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f53b6936-3d17-4b7a-9808-d82f4cb5ce70" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_236bcbab-203c-4844-a741-14b173c5eb06" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_CounterpartyNameAxis_f53b6936-3d17-4b7a-9808-d82f4cb5ce70" xlink:to="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_236bcbab-203c-4844-a741-14b173c5eb06" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LegacyFundsMember_599dc902-5d19-43f8-9096-b086814034c5" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LegacyFundsMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_236bcbab-203c-4844-a741-14b173c5eb06" xlink:to="loc_step_LegacyFundsMember_599dc902-5d19-43f8-9096-b086814034c5" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_cb86d01e-81c8-4c0f-9ece-1961fabbc4e2" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_49693230-657c-48c3-a02c-e3ec5e152649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_cb86d01e-81c8-4c0f-9ece-1961fabbc4e2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfCities_6df9e407-6d0c-4f4e-88eb-c8ddb1878090" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfCities"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_cb86d01e-81c8-4c0f-9ece-1961fabbc4e2" xlink:to="loc_step_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfCities_6df9e407-6d0c-4f4e-88eb-c8ddb1878090" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTotalLeasePaymentsDue_3b30915d-3ad3-4d84-9601-251ac3795853" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTotalLeasePaymentsDue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_cb86d01e-81c8-4c0f-9ece-1961fabbc4e2" xlink:to="loc_step_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTotalLeasePaymentsDue_3b30915d-3ad3-4d84-9601-251ac3795853" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1_43d2cf7f-ba69-4b48-9830-67f692717069" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_cb86d01e-81c8-4c0f-9ece-1961fabbc4e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedTermOfContract1_43d2cf7f-ba69-4b48-9830-67f692717069" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_8f28166c-466d-43f6-b4c4-2efb2742b47f" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_cb86d01e-81c8-4c0f-9ece-1961fabbc4e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_8f28166c-466d-43f6-b4c4-2efb2742b47f" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability_223ec257-574b-4dc4-a4bf-4a5898a142f3" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_cb86d01e-81c8-4c0f-9ece-1961fabbc4e2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability_223ec257-574b-4dc4-a4bf-4a5898a142f3" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentCarriedInterestAllocationsMaximumAmountSubjectToContingentRepayment_7668b5c9-e1d8-4c55-8307-65f5e01056e2" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_EquityMethodInvestmentCarriedInterestAllocationsMaximumAmountSubjectToContingentRepayment"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_cb86d01e-81c8-4c0f-9ece-1961fabbc4e2" xlink:to="loc_step_EquityMethodInvestmentCarriedInterestAllocationsMaximumAmountSubjectToContingentRepayment_7668b5c9-e1d8-4c55-8307-65f5e01056e2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesComponentsofLeaseExpenseandSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#CommitmentandContingenciesComponentsofLeaseExpenseandSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesComponentsofLeaseExpenseandSupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_b4fb0529-6802-425a-bf79-dd8c566e4436" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_b49605d8-368f-4c44-936a-374fcadef8d7" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_b4fb0529-6802-425a-bf79-dd8c566e4436" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_b49605d8-368f-4c44-936a-374fcadef8d7" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_17932a4b-85c7-4d9d-a04f-2e45a6ef56af" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_b4fb0529-6802-425a-bf79-dd8c566e4436" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_17932a4b-85c7-4d9d-a04f-2e45a6ef56af" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_bf213973-e521-4450-a063-78b3675e6932" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubleaseIncome"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_b4fb0529-6802-425a-bf79-dd8c566e4436" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_bf213973-e521-4450-a063-78b3675e6932" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCost_48444cb8-f9e2-4512-b473-e121edc5634e" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCost"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_b4fb0529-6802-425a-bf79-dd8c566e4436" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseCost_48444cb8-f9e2-4512-b473-e121edc5634e" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_CashPaidForAmountsIncludedInTheMeasurementOfLeaseLiabilitiesAbstract_2bf5731a-f798-4398-9355-55eec4a1e744" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_CashPaidForAmountsIncludedInTheMeasurementOfLeaseLiabilitiesAbstract"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_b4fb0529-6802-425a-bf79-dd8c566e4436" xlink:to="loc_step_CashPaidForAmountsIncludedInTheMeasurementOfLeaseLiabilitiesAbstract_2bf5731a-f798-4398-9355-55eec4a1e744" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_a12dc3dd-4990-4527-b12b-0176913d0631" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_step_CashPaidForAmountsIncludedInTheMeasurementOfLeaseLiabilitiesAbstract_2bf5731a-f798-4398-9355-55eec4a1e744" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_a12dc3dd-4990-4527-b12b-0176913d0631" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_4dd83c0b-05ea-4ebc-adbb-cfcc46f5c71c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_b4fb0529-6802-425a-bf79-dd8c566e4436" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_4dd83c0b-05ea-4ebc-adbb-cfcc46f5c71c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_ca500f0a-bae6-47c7-97bc-93e9bdcb5ef1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_b4fb0529-6802-425a-bf79-dd8c566e4436" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_ca500f0a-bae6-47c7-97bc-93e9bdcb5ef1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesOperatingLeaseMaturityDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#CommitmentandContingenciesOperatingLeaseMaturityDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesOperatingLeaseMaturityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_1707ba1d-3457-4cbe-acb2-4eb242a0c3dc" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_695ad1cb-2060-4a93-ab3f-ab8c1993e87b" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_1707ba1d-3457-4cbe-acb2-4eb242a0c3dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_695ad1cb-2060-4a93-ab3f-ab8c1993e87b" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_78076b37-4b94-4141-8fc6-88af347b8421" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_1707ba1d-3457-4cbe-acb2-4eb242a0c3dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_78076b37-4b94-4141-8fc6-88af347b8421" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_bba71034-d49c-44cb-b896-6547767f337a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_1707ba1d-3457-4cbe-acb2-4eb242a0c3dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_bba71034-d49c-44cb-b896-6547767f337a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_f09191b2-6e29-42df-92bc-3fba401e568a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_1707ba1d-3457-4cbe-acb2-4eb242a0c3dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_f09191b2-6e29-42df-92bc-3fba401e568a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_fa4aa9dc-d3a3-49ac-8f67-738b7186d120" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_1707ba1d-3457-4cbe-acb2-4eb242a0c3dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_fa4aa9dc-d3a3-49ac-8f67-738b7186d120" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_step_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour_c9f25038-f753-400c-b967-080d07f922a2" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#step_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_1707ba1d-3457-4cbe-acb2-4eb242a0c3dc" xlink:to="loc_step_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityToBePaidAfterYearFour_c9f25038-f753-400c-b967-080d07f922a2" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_b09ad27d-2ec3-46aa-9c75-0335490a260c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_1707ba1d-3457-4cbe-acb2-4eb242a0c3dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_b09ad27d-2ec3-46aa-9c75-0335490a260c" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_f60141c8-878d-4f36-90d1-c3f61ca1b572" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_1707ba1d-3457-4cbe-acb2-4eb242a0c3dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_f60141c8-878d-4f36-90d1-c3f61ca1b572" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_a563b224-ac11-4f92-b04f-329d4606325d" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_1707ba1d-3457-4cbe-acb2-4eb242a0c3dc" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_a563b224-ac11-4f92-b04f-329d4606325d" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesOperatingLeaseMaturityDetails_1" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#CommitmentandContingenciesOperatingLeaseMaturityDetails_1"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/CommitmentandContingenciesOperatingLeaseMaturityDetails_1" xlink:type="extended"/>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/SubsequentEvents" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#SubsequentEvents"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/SubsequentEvents" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_df54d9bc-a05c-46f6-af9b-aa28de52c0db" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_4b5786f6-342b-408f-a955-6c4d7ca8a00a" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_df54d9bc-a05c-46f6-af9b-aa28de52c0db" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_4b5786f6-342b-408f-a955-6c4d7ca8a00a" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="step-20210930.xsd#SubsequentEventsDetails"/>
  <link:presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.stepstonegroup.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_f34efce3-a898-44c3-ad75-54a11b5fa12c" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_49ac7c5c-076c-4877-b507-0c6e731340f1" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_f34efce3-a898-44c3-ad75-54a11b5fa12c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_49ac7c5c-076c-4877-b507-0c6e731340f1" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_c0f2e2f7-07c2-4038-99b9-da6df93eecdd" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_49ac7c5c-076c-4877-b507-0c6e731340f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_c0f2e2f7-07c2-4038-99b9-da6df93eecdd" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_f8c65d61-2932-4ca4-9129-6e67dec32845" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_c0f2e2f7-07c2-4038-99b9-da6df93eecdd" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_f8c65d61-2932-4ca4-9129-6e67dec32845" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_84e19467-1ba6-455f-b0db-80849ffe1531" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_f8c65d61-2932-4ca4-9129-6e67dec32845" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_84e19467-1ba6-455f-b0db-80849ffe1531" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_154675c8-53f5-4a2f-b95d-c58a431c6a02" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_49ac7c5c-076c-4877-b507-0c6e731340f1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_154675c8-53f5-4a2f-b95d-c58a431c6a02" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
    <link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableAmountPerShare_405d8324-daa2-4fd0-9458-4e9cae46f1a0" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableAmountPerShare"/>
    <link:presentationArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_154675c8-53f5-4a2f-b95d-c58a431c6a02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableAmountPerShare_405d8324-daa2-4fd0-9458-4e9cae46f1a0" xlink:type="arc" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel"/>
  </link:presentationLink>
</link:linkbase>
