We called ourselves Pinnacle for a reason.
Like our clients, we're a group of highly ambitious minds with an aim to build trusted relationships with our clients; whom are like our extended family. We're aligned by and adhere to a core set of values: excellence, integrity and care. And, unlike many in our industry, our advice is not investment driven. So, our interest and approach is never self-invested.
Nora Fairbanks
Director
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About Nora
Nora is a co-founder and Director of Pinnacle Group. Nora has gained extensive international experience with private clients in London, Dublin and the United States of America before settling in Melbourne, Australia. Nora provides strategic and technical tax and succession advice to Australian and international clients, including high net worth individuals and large family groups.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Law (BCL) – University College of Dublin, Ireland
- Masters of Commercial Law (LLM) – University College of Dublin, Ireland
- Solicitor (non-practising) – Law Society of Ireland
- Solicitor (non-practising) – Law Society of England and Wales
- Attorney-at-Law (non-practising) –New York State, USA
- Chartered Taxation Adviser (CTA) – Tax Institute of Australia
- Australian Legal Practitioner – Victoria, Australia
- Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) - Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP)
- STEP Advanced Certificate in International Succession and Probate
- Notary Public Victoria Australia
Belinda Spence
Senior Associate
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About Nora
With over a decade of experience advising on complex tax and legal matters, Belinda’s tax expertise spans across multinational corporations and privately owned groups across all facets of direct and indirect tax, where she provides strategic, commercially focused guidance. Belinda takes a proactive approach to advising clients, focusing on delivering practical, tailored solutions that align with their business goals. Belinda holds a Juris Doctor from Bond University and is a Chartered Tax Adviser with the Tax Institute of Australia, combining legal acumen with deep tax insight to support our clients effectively.
Henry Bayliss
Associate
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About Henry
Henry is a lawyer proficient in assisting clients with commercial transactions and both state and federal taxation related matters. Holding a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Commerce from ACU, Henry takes a pragmatic approach to advising clients, providing solutions which consider their legal position, commercial reality and current objectives.
Rachel Xu
Principal Accountant
About Rachel
Rachel has over 20 years of experience working with high net wealth private family groups from a wide range of industries. Her experience spans the spectrum of tax compliance and strategic advisory, with particular depth in managing the regulatory and reporting obligation in various jurisdictions.
She is passionate about working closely with multigenerational families to provide integrated advice across tax, asset protection, succession planning, philanthropy and intergroup cashflow management. Her role often bridges the gap between technical compliance and broader strategic planning, delivering solutions that are both compliant and commercial practical.
Qualifications
- Certified Practising Accountant (CPA Australia)
- Charted Tax Adviser (CTA)
- Registered Tax Agent
- Bachelor of Accountancy (RMIT)
- Master of Taxation (UNSW)
Samara Smith
Client Governance Manager
About Samara
With over 24 years of experience in administration and nearly a decade at Pinnacle Advisory Group, Samara brings deep expertise in client governance and regulatory support. She specializes in compliance, and operational management of both domestic and offshore structures. Her role encompasses the coordination of complex administrative processes, including the establishment and oversight of provider relationships, and the management of foreign trustee and director engagements. Known for her client-focused approach, Samara ensures that every structure is managed with the highest standards of compliance and care.