Former Billabong surfwear boss Matthew Perrin has appeared in court charged with defrauding the Commonwealth Bank of $13.5 million.

Perrin, 40, of Bundall on the Gold Coast, was charged this week with fraud following a three-year investigation by the State Crime Operations Commands Fraud and Corporate Crime Group.

It's alleged he defrauded the bank in 2008 by providing false documents and a guarantee relating to mortgages taken out on a home on the Gold Coast.

Police are alleging Perrin forged the signature of his now ex-wife Nicole Bricknell.

During a brief appearance in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday, his lawyer Peter Shields said Perrin would plead not guilty to the single charge of fraud.

Perrin sought and was granted bail.

The crown did not oppose bail, but Mr Shields requested his client be allowed to retain his passport so he can travel overseas for a wedding in December.

He said Perrin was not a flight risk as he had significant ties to Queensland, had no criminal history and was willing to provide a surety.

However, the magistrate ruled there was no compelling reason for him to leave the country and ordered he surrender his passport.

He was released on bail without having to provide a surety.

Perrin is forbidden from contacting three witnesses, including Ms Bricknell.

The matter will be mentioned again in November.