About Charlie

Charlie is a Private Wealth Adviser in the Brisbane office specialising in family advisory services.

Charlie in his own words

Where I come from in rural Queensland, family is everything.  From a young age my grandfather drummed into me that “family is the most important possession that you have.” My grandparents started a transport business specifically to pass on to their children, ‘keeping it in the family’. Today, that family business is over 75 years old, employs over 100 people, and provides vital services to rural communities.   Whilst I pursed a different career path, that sense of family has stayed with me.

In my own family, when my wife’s twin brother Anthony was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy as a baby, his parents were told that he would never walk or talk. Isolated and powerless in remote Western Australia, they had little choice but to move him away from them to Perth to receive the care he desperately needed. That heartbreaking decision devastated the family and continues to impact them to this day. Although Anthony received the highest quality care, nothing could replace being surrounded by family. I have seen first-hand what can happen to a family when everyone’s needs aren’t considered.

The values and experiences I gained through my family inform everything I do in my work and is why I always look at the bigger picture to provide the whole family unit with the right support and advice.

It is only when we understand the values, dynamics, issues, concerns, and dreams of each family unit that we can provide advice that truly changes lives.  We don’t see success purely as how much money a person accumulates.  Our aim for our clients is living a life of purpose and contentment. Our role is to assist them in defining what that means for them and to ensure they have sufficient resources to achieve it.

In forming the “Family Advisory Practice” within Shadforth, a group of advisers came together who share common values; a fierce commitment to our clients and to each other that is forged on trust and respect.  Creating this practice at Shadforth, one of Australia’s only certified fiduciary firms, provides us with the strength, expertise and support required to partner with our clients for generations.

My clients

I work with families and individuals who need an adviser that goes beyond the money and need to make financial decisions that absolutely must be right.  Whether it be:

• a family member that has received compensation for catastrophic personal injuries,
• a hard-working family that needs to work towards financial independence, or
• a business owner looking to sell or transition wealth to the next generation.

I work with clients that understand that the best decisions are made when all factors affecting them are considered, not just what looks good on paper.

Client success stories

Helping a family to find a future through tragedy, injury, and loss:

James suffered catastrophic injuries due to medical negligence and received over $10 million in compensation. We worked alongside the appointed Trustee and James’ wife Sally for 6 years to ensure that he received the proper care and lived a life of dignity. Sadly, James succumbed to his injuries in 2021.  We are now assisting Sally to not only ensure that the funds are properly structured, protected and invested for generations to come, but also in setting up a philanthropic foundation in James’ memory.

Planning for the transition of wealth for the next generation:

Michael and Sandra built up a very successful business and property portfolio during their career.  We worked closely with their accountant and solicitor to develop multiple trust structures, investing around $30 million in assets that will ultimately pass control to each of the children.  This strategy minimises an estate being challenged and allows us to work closely with the children to assist them in learning about how best to steward the wealth for the generations ahead.

Education and experience

• Harvard Business School – High Potential Leadership Program
• Bachelor of Business - Queensland University of Technology
• Diploma Financial Planning – Deakin University
• Barron's Top Financial Adviser in Australia 2024 and 2023
• Financial Standard Power 50 List 2023 - most influential advisers in Australia
• Financial Adviser of the Year – Money Management (2017)

What my clients say

"Charlie has provided me with continually sound advice tempered with realistic expectations over the medium and long term. I was also provided with modelling of various scenarios as I approach advanced age which guides me how to best look after my own and my family's interests.  He always makes himself available and I appreciate his personable nature and approach. I genuinely believe he has my best interests at heart and that level of trust has not been challenged in all the years that he has been my financial adviser."

Alan (client since 2010)

"Charlie Fraser seems human.  Meaning he can talk at an ordinary level that us non-investment people can understand. He is patient, exudes warmth and understanding that most 'experts' don't, and he is very approachable. He has excellent communication skills and is very proactive. I feel well cared for in my financial needs."

Naomi (client since 2011)

"Charlie is an excellent communicator and has the ability to explain complex investing techniques in easy-to-understand terms. He is always accessible to us and gives up the time when and where we need it.  He has transformed his own business through dedication and hard work to the success it is today and remains loyal to those of us that have been with him from the beginning."

Don and Jenny (client since 2003)