
Rui David Costa
Freelance Financial Crime Consultant | Transaction
Salary / Daily rate
Lisbon, Portugal
Mobility: Paris
Freelance
Can come onsite
Skills
Languages
About me
Intro
CAMS-certified Financial Crime consultant with 12+ years in AML/CTF and 20+ years in financial services transformation. Specialised in transaction monitoring design, including scenario development, calibration, and framework optimisation across banking and payments. Experienced in delivering large-scale FCC transformation programmes across UK and EU institutions. Recently leading TM framework design for a France-regulated EMI, aligning with ACPR expectations.
Work experience
Transaction Monitoring Lead / SME (Independent Consultant)
SwanFreelance
Jan 2026 - Present
10 months
Paris, France
Acting as Transaction Monitoring Lead for a France-regulated EMI/BaaS provider, supporting the design and structuring of its transaction monitoring framework in line with ACPR expectations. • Designed behaviour-led transaction monitoring framework across key risk domains (e.g. transaction patterns, velocity, counterparty behaviour) • Defined detection scenarios, including rule logic, segmentation, and threshold calibration across AML and fraud use cases • Established testing and calibration approach, including back-testing, alert volume analysis, and performance indicators • Analysed alert typologies and detection effectiveness to support optimisation of monitoring scenarios • Structured monitoring coverage aligned to risk segmentation and operational workflows (L1/L2/L3) • Defined governance for scenario lifecycle management (documentation, review cycles, change control) • Reviewed alignment between KYC/CDD assumptions and observed transaction behaviour, identifying gaps and improving monitoring coverage
Process & Operations Transformation Consultant (Independent)
Johnson & JohnsonFreelance
Apr 2025 - Present
1 year 7 months
Remote
Supporting end-to-end process mapping and operating model structuring within a regulated manufacturing environment. • Mapped complex operational workflows and identified control gaps, inefficiencies, and ownership issues • Applied structured analysis (4M: Man, Machine, Method, Materials) to assess risks and dependencies • Worked with cross-functional stakeholders (operations, IT, quality) to define improved target-state processes • Supported development of governance, documentation standards, and process transparency in a regulated environment
Programme Delivery Consultant – Compliance & Ops
Plenitude ConsultingFreelance
Sep 2016 - Dec 2025
9 years 4 months
London / Lisbon / Remote / Client Sites
Leading FCC transformation and transaction monitoring enhancements across UK and EU financial institutions. Designed AML risk assessment frameworks and MI/reporting dashboards to support regulatory engagement and board-level oversight. Supported transaction monitoring and screening system transformations, including scenario tuning, data alignment, and operational readiness. Contributed to monitoring optimisation initiatives, including alert volumes, detection effectiveness, and control alignment. Acted as PMO and coordination lead across compliance, technology, and operations for remediation and regulatory programmes. Key clients include Santander UK, AXA Group, and tier-one insurers.
Consultant – FCC Remediation (Short-Term Engagement)
Promontory Financial Group, an IBM CompanyFreelance
Oct 2018 - Dec 2018
3 months
71140 Maltat, France
Supported a short-term FCC remediation project for a local financial institution under regulatory scrutiny. Conducted review and enhancement of AML/sanctions controls and governance documentation. Provided hands-on advisory to compliance teams on risk mitigation and regulatory expectations. Delivered targeted recommendations aligned to EU and FATF standards under tight regulatory timelines.
Senior Manager – Financial Crime & Risk Consulting
KPMG UKFreelance
May 2015 - Oct 2016
1 year 6 months
London, UK
Led the implementation of a name screening system for a global bank, supporting vendor evaluation, data integration, and business requirements. Coordinated UAT, tuning, and rule calibration across multiple geographies to ensure screening effectiveness. Worked closely with compliance, technology, and operations teams to support go-live and post-deployment optimisation. Advised on global watchlist management and screening governance aligned with regulatory expectations. Coordinated rule calibration and tuning activities to improve detection effectiveness across screening scenarios. Produced risk documentation and process guidance to support audit readiness and regulatory response.
Consultant – FCC Programme Delivery & Advisory
Plenitude ConsultingFreelance
Jun 2013 - May 2015
2 years
London, UK
Delivered FCC programme support and advisory services to UK and European banking clients, focusing on AML, KYC, and onboarding transformation. Supported target operating model reviews and implementation of new client due diligence processes. Collaborated with first and second line stakeholders on remediation planning and risk control enhancements. Assisted in gap analysis and regulatory alignment in response to evolving AML and sanctions expectations. Contributed to documentation, MI requirements, and procedural design for onboarding and review workflows.
Manager – Contact Centre Strategy & Operating Model Lead
ISBAN Global Services - Grupo Santader
Aug 2011 - Jul 2013
2 years
London, UK
Led the redesign of Santander UK’s service strategy across customer channels, products, and segments. Oversaw target operating model definition and process alignment during the Rainbow Integration programme (migration of 2M+ customers from RBS). Conducted gap analysis, stakeholder coordination, and implementation planning for Telephony services. Worked closely with senior leaders across Retail, Business, and Select Banking to drive change delivery. Managed team of consultants across business analysis, process mapping, and solution design.
Senior Consultant
Deloitte
Sep 2008 - Aug 2011
3 years
Lisbon, Portugal
Delivered technology consulting and risk advisory support for banking, telecom, and public sector clients. Participated in systems integration and process automation projects within enterprise IT environments. Supported business requirements gathering, solution testing, and user training for regulatory systems. Built the foundation for later programme management and compliance transformation roles.
Product Promoter
Mediasolutions
May 2004 - Jul 2004
3 months
Assisted international press in setting up their wireless internet connection with PT WiFi during the Euro 2004 venue in several football stadiums throughout Portugal.
Education
British Council
Certificate of Proficiency in English
2007 - 2008
1 year 1 month
Instituto Superior Técnico
1999 - 2005
6 years 1 month
Licenses & certifications
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
Issued: Jun 2014
Portfolio
