Global expertise built for Australian businesses
Smart Currency Business helps Australian companies develop, implement and manage comprehensive FX risk strategies.
Backed by more than 20 years of global experience and over A$55bn in transactions managed for thousands of corporate clients worldwide.
Unlike banks and generic brokerages, our specialists work alongside your business beyond the point of execution, assisting with strategy, hedging policy and ongoing review. It’s the support structure you need when a 5-cent move in AUD/USD can reshape your quarter.
With more than 20 years of experience in the United Kingdom, we are now bringing that same depth of expertise to the Australian market.
A$bn+
transferred globally
k+
transactions managed
Credit rating
Our treasury managements solutions
Introducing SmartHedge PRO
SmartHedge PRO is our all-new currency management technology. Designed from the ground up by in-house specialists, our platform is a complete reinvention of existing software, featuring powerful solutions that add lasting value against a host of common pain points:
- Reporting and Valuations
- Day-to-day applications
- Long-term planning
"SmartHedge PRO clarifies the complex hedging arrangements our company has in place.
With regular reporting, instant valuations and access to key insights, SmartHedge PRO facilitates and strengthens our strategic approach to currency risk management."
Our senior management team
Charles Purdy
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Charles is the Smart Currency Group founder and Chief Executive Officer, bringing well over 20 years of diversified industry knowledge and experience to the company. He has operated in various positions such as, engineering on the initial design team for the Typhoon and Tornado fighters, working at PwC and has trained as a Chartered Accountant. Charles has also served as the Chief Financial Officer of a diamond-mining company operating in Namibia. It was his position as CFO there, that revealed how crucial currency strategies are to a business’ bottom line.
In the 1990s, Charles delved further into the currency exchange industry, joining a team that commenced operations in Eastern Europe (with the collapse of the Berlin Wall). As globalisation boomed, Charles saw the growing importance for companies to mitigate risk on their international payments. He also noticed the world was presenting a new wave of entrepreneurship not previously accessible, thus heeded the call.
As the founder of the Smart Currency Group, Charles uses his knowledge and experience of international business to help thousands of companies reduce their risk and improve the efficiency of their overseas trade. He is a firm believer that businesses require useful and relevant information, championing thought leadership within the sector.
Gautam Prem Kumar
General Manager - Australia
Spearheading Smart Currency’s launch in Australia, Gautam has held a number of executive positions across banking, foreign exchange and payments.
After more than a decade as Director of Transformation at American Express, Gautam moved into several compliance-focused rolls with Australian banks. Like Charles, he is an accountant by trade, holding a master’s degree and a CPA Australia accreditation.
Gautam is based in Sydney and will be at the forefront of Smart Currency’s expansion in Australia.
Alex Bennett
Managing Director
Alex has been with the Smart Group since 2008 and is responsible for all sales and marketing efforts. He has overseen more than 3000 client acquisitions and remains at the coalface in many client and affiliate conversations.
As Managing Director and the Co-Founder of Smart Currency Business, Alex ensures that Smart’s multi award-winning risk management service is constantly being delivered, developed and refined. His passion for the company’s culture to progress and strong drive for persistent innovation, are key forces that ensure Smart Currency Business grows from strength to strength.
Initiatives pioneered by Alex include the launch of ‘Smart Currency Options’ and the introduction of Smart’s ‘Business Services’.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Smart Currency Business do?
Smart Currency Business provides specialist FX and hedging solutions to Australian businesses trading internationally. For over 20 years, we’ve helped companies across the world insulate their profit margins from currency volatility and protect cashflow through tailored strategies.
Can Smart Currency Business help my business?
If your business pays overseas suppliers, sells goods or services abroad, or holds foreign-currency receivables, you are exposed to FX risk. We help Australian businesses manage that risk and build resilience into cashflow planning.
What is currency risk?
Currency risk is the chance that exchange rates move against you between agreeing a transaction and settling it. For an Australian importer buying in USD, a 3% fall in AUD/USD can wipe out an entire margin on a shipment. Our solutions are designed to neutralise that risk.
How can I manage currency risk?
There are several tools available. Forward contracts let you lock in an AUD rate for a future settlement. Market orders target a preferred rate. FX options offer flexibility at a premium. We analyse your exposures and design a programme fit for your business model.
Is my money safe with Smart Currency Business?
Client funds are held with Tier 1 banks and segregated from our operating funds. We operate as part of Smart Currency Group, one of the largest privately-owned currency platforms globally, with prudent governance and all profits reinvested in the business.
Who regulates or oversees your activities?
We are registered as Smart Currency Exchange Pty Ltd (ABN 16 684 888 177), trading as Smart Currency Business. Our Australian Financial Services Licence number 567215.
How do I get started with Smart Currency Business?
Registering for your free account takes only a few minutes. Complete the form and a specialist will be in touch to discuss your FX requirements and next steps.
Does Smart Currency Business offer ongoing support?
Unlike other providers, our expert team of account managers offer support beyond the execution of your trade. We will work with you to understand your objectives and risk appetite, offering tailored support that aligns with your KPIs into the future.
Live exchange rates and currency charts
View live and historic exchange rates and charts across thirty different currency pairings.
1300 779 106




