Professional Biography of Charles Pratten

Professional Qualifications:

• Diploma in Insurance Broking, Australia, 2003
• Diploma of Business, Australia, 1983
• Diploma in Marketing, Australia. 1989

Professional Memberships:

• Senior Associate, Australia and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIFF)
• Associate, Small Business Association of Australia

A Career of Expertise and Leadership:

Career Overview:

2019-Present:

Established Charles Pratten & Associates (Australia), partnering with various professional services firms as a project consultant.

Focus on business development strategies, corporate structuring, risk management, client mentorship, and dispute resolution.

Collaborate with organisations like the Asia Development Bank and McKinsey on strategic solutions, highlighting his ability to tackle complex challenges and foster key industry alliances.

Previous Roles:

1979-1984:

Farmers & Graziers Insurance Cooperative Company Limited (FGC) (Australia)

Began as a Cadet, advancing to Deputy Chief Underwriter. Led underwriting initiatives, policy development, and risk assessment.

1984-1985:

Lonrho PLC’ & Syndicate, Lloyds of London (UK)

Inhouse Deputy Underwriter for marine and aviation risks, focusing on risk assessment, policy negotiation, and reinsurance arrangements.

1985-1989:

Lonrho Société Anonyme Monégasque (Monaco)

Inhouse Director of aviation and marine Services, managing a fleet of aircraft and ships, overseeing operations across the Middle East and Africa.

1989-1991:

Credit Lyonnais (Jordan)

Private Client Business Manager, providing tailored wealth management and financial solutions for high-net-worth clients.

1992-1993:

Coutts Bank (Cayman Islands)

Private Client Manager, managing client relationships, trust structuring, and wealth preservation strategies for South American and Caribbean clients.

1995-2016:

Rural Insurance Limited (Australia)
Rural & General Insurance Broking Pty Ltd (Australia)

Underwriting: As Managing Director, transformed the company into a multifaceted insurance underwriting company backed by Lloyds of London, leading strategic planning, financial oversight, and market expansion.

Broking: As Managing Director, introduced direct small business insurance lines to Australia, developed innovative aviation and marine products, created new public liability policies for SMEs, and integrated international underwriting options for local businesses.

Career of Expertise

• Business Development and Strategic Planning
• Corporate Structuring and Trust Formation
• Risk Management and Policy Development
• Client Mentorship and SME Support
• Creditor Negotiations and Dispute Resolution
• Insurance Operations and Underwriting Expertise
• Market Analysis and Risk Assessment
• Client Relationship Management and Networking
• Financial Management and Wealth Preservation
• Compliance, Legal Matters, and Regulatory Adherence
• Strategic Leadership and Personnel Management
• Product Development and Marketing
• Technology Integration and Performance Reporting

Complimentary Expertise

Small Business Mentoring

Charles Pratten excels in guiding individuals through the complexities of starting and managing small business ventures. He understands that navigating these challenges can be daunting, so he works closely with clients to develop effective strategies tailored to their goals.

Charles can also match clients with essential professionals such as accountants, bookkeepers, and lawyers, ensuring that a client’s business is structured to minimise personal liabilities and manage risks effectively. Committed to getting things right from the outset, Charles has supported hundreds of small and larger organisations in developing affordable and comprehensive risk management programs, providing invaluable peace of mind and direction for their business success. For more information on Charles’s “matchmaking” services with professional providers like lawyers and accountants, please refer to his Consulting Services webpage.

Exceptional Communication Skills

Charles Pratten is renowned for his exceptional communication skills, making him a sought-after speaker at small business events. With a talent for clearly conveying both the opportunities and challenges of starting a small business, Charles provides invaluable insights that resonate with his audience. His ability to break down complex concepts and offer practical advice helps entrepreneurs and business owners navigate their ventures with confidence.

Whether discussing strategic planning, risk management, or industry trends, Charles’s engaging presentations are designed to inform, inspire, and prepare his audience for the realities of business ownership. His reputation as a knowledgeable and effective communicator underscores his commitment to empowering others in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Affordable Dispute Resolution

Charles Pratten offers affordable and effective dispute resolution services, often helping clients achieve their goals in an informal setting and avoiding the need for costly court or tribunal hearings. Charles’s approach emphasises understanding the underlying dynamics that give rise to disputes, which is a key feature of his mediation and resolution services. By addressing the root causes of conflicts and facilitating open, constructive dialogue, Charles helps parties reach mutually satisfactory agreements without escalating the matter further. His focus on practical solutions and maintaining positive relationships ensures that small business disputes are resolved efficiently and amicably, providing valuable support while keeping costs and stress to a minimum.