BDO Australia Appoints Daniel Rae as Partner

BDO Australia has appointed Daniel Rae as Partner in its International Trade and Customs team in Sydney, strengthening the firm’s advisory capabilities across international trade, customs, indirect tax and global supply chains.

The appointment was reported on September 16, 2026, and comes as Australian businesses face changing trade regulations, tariffs and supply-chain pressures.

Rae brings more than 20 years of professional experience across international trade, customs, indirect taxation and supply-chain operations.

In his new role at BDO Australia, he will advise businesses on customs and trade strategy, compliance, excise and trade facilitation.

His sector experience includes retail, life sciences, industrials, mining and resources, energy and alcohol. Before joining BDO Australia, Rae worked at KPMG Australia, where he served as a Director of Trade and Customs for more than two years. He initially joined KPMG as a Senior Consultant in 2019 and subsequently progressed to Manager, Senior Manager and Director. His career also includes senior in-house positions and supply-chain experience in Australia, China and New Zealand.

Commenting on the appointment, Grant Saxon, Office Managing Partner, BDO Sydney, said :

“International trade has become a much more challenging environment for Australian businesses, with changing regulation, tariffs and supply chain pressures creating both risks and opportunities.”

 He added that Rae brings “Deep technical expertise and practical commercial experience” that can support clients operating across international markets.

Saxon also highlighted Rae’s combination of advisory and industry experience, saying it gives him a strong understanding of the challenges businesses face when managing complex supply chains and regulatory requirements.

Daniel Rae, Partner, International Trade and Customs, BDO Australia, said his experience working inside international supply chains and later as an adviser has shaped his approach to supporting businesses.

“Trade and customs issues aren’t just technical or compliance matters they can have a real impact on how a business operates, its costs and its ability to grow,” Rae said.

He added that the trade environment is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable, making practical advice important for businesses managing international operations.

The appointment follows several recent moves by BDO Australia to expand its partnership and advisory capabilities.

The firm appointed two partners to its Project and Infrastructure Advisory practice in August, acquired a Brisbane-based EY partner in July, and made further partner and director appointments earlier in 2026.

Rae’s appointment therefore adds another senior professional with both consulting and industry experience to BDO Australia’s growing advisory platform, particularly in the increasingly complex areas of international trade, customs and supply-chain management.