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Charles (Francois) Keou

Trade Finance Consultant (Freelance)

Charles Keou
London, United Kingdom

Experience

May 2025 - Present
10 months

Trade Finance Consultant (Freelance)

Silicon Valley Global PH Inc

  • Managing the full lifecycle of documentary credits, standby letters of credit, and collections to ensure timely settlement, and risk mitigation across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Delivering tailored solutions aligned with UCP 600, ISBP, and ICC guidelines to strengthen banking relationships and operational transparency.
  • Including pre-shipment and post-shipment financing, receivables discounting, and supply chain finance strategies to enhance client liquidity and streamline cash flow cycles.
  • By integrating paperless documentation systems and blockchain-backed validation tools, we significantly improve document accuracy, processing efficiency, and audit readiness.
  • To secure credit facilities and trade instruments, enabling clients to expand global operations while maintaining regulatory compliance, and financial agility.
Jan 2021 - Present
5 years 2 months

Stock Loan Originator

Stone Creek Global, Ltd (S.C.G.)

  • By identifying high-value lending opportunities, negotiating term sheets, and aligning risk parameters with both borrower profiles and internal credit guidelines.
  • Within hedge funds, family offices, and proprietary trading firms, delivering tailored stock loan solutions that enhance portfolio leverage and market entry flexibility.
  • To ensure seamless execution and settlement of securities lending transactions in compliance with FINRA, SEC, and global regulatory frameworks.
  • On borrower counterparties and underlying securities, ensuring transaction viability and adherence to collateral management protocols.
  • To monitor availability, borrow demand, and pricing trends, optimizing client loan positions, and capturing spread opportunities across multiple asset classes.
Nov 2015 - Jan 2020
4 years 3 months

Accounts Assistant

KBM Chartered Certified Accountants & Auditors

  • Prepared and processed invoices, expense claims, and journal entries in compliance with company policies and accounting standards, supporting timely month-end, and year-end closing activities.
  • Reconciled bank statements, supplier accounts, and petty cash transactions to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records, contributing to smooth audit processes and internal controls.
  • Assisted in the preparation of management reports and financial summaries, providing accurate data inputs for forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis.
  • Liaised with vendors, clients, and internal departments to resolve billing discrepancies, manage payment schedules, and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders.
  • Utilized accounting software such as QuickBooks to maintain up-to-date ledger entries, support accounts payable and receivable processes, and ensure compliance with tax requirements.
Jan 2015 - Apr 2015
4 months

Accounts Assistant

Osborne Certified Accountants

  • Supported daily accounting operations, including data entry, account reconciliations, and ledger maintenance, ensuring that financial transactions were recorded and aligned with internal controls.
  • assisted in the preparation of VAT returns, payroll summaries, and statutory filings, working closely with senior accountants to meet all regulatory and compliance deadlines.
  • Monitored accounts receivable and accounts payable activities, following up on outstanding invoices, processing supplier payments, and maintaining aged debtors and creditors reports.
  • Maintained organized financial records and digital documentation, supporting audit readiness, and enabling quick retrieval of transaction histories during internal and external reviews.
  • collaborated with finance teams to support budget tracking, cost analysis, and procurement processes, contributing to informed financial decision-making, and departmental efficiency.
Jul 2011 - Sep 2011
3 months

Career Academic Internship

Merton College Finance Department

  • Supported academic research and data collection efforts by organizing literature reviews, compiling reports, and presenting findings that contributed to departmental projects and faculty publications.
  • Assisted in the coordination of academic events, workshops, and career fairs, managing logistics and resource materials to enhance student engagement and professional development.
  • Maintained student records, internship databases, and placement documentation using Excel and campus management systems, ensuring accurate tracking and compliance with institutional policies.
  • Collaborated with career advisors and faculty to guide students on interview preparation, and internship search strategies, helping to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and career readiness.
  • Prepared and delivered presentations on career planning tools and industry trends to student cohorts, promoting awareness of employment pathways, and experiential learning opportunities.

Industries Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time. Longer bars indicate deeper hands-on experience, while shorter ones reflect targeted or project-based work.

Experienced in Banking and Finance (5 years) and Professional Services (4.5 years).

Banking and Finance
Professional Services

Business Areas Experience

The graph below provides a cumulative view of the freelancer's experience across multiple business areas, calculated from completed and active engagements. It highlights the areas where the freelancer has most frequently contributed to planning, execution, and delivery of business outcomes.

Experienced in Finance (5 years), Investments and M&A (5 years), Accounting (4.5 years), and Supply Chain Management (1 year).

Finance
Investments and M&A
Accounting
Supply Chain Management

Summary

Dynamic IT/Business Solutions Consultant with a proven ability to lead digital transformation initiatives by implementing enterprise-grade software solutions, and driving end-to-end business process enhancements. Skilled at fostering collaboration between technical teams and business stakeholders, ensuring precise requirement gathering, and flawless execution.

Armed with strong analytical acumen and a customer-first mindset, I am dedicated to delivering high-impact solutions that enhance operational efficiency, scalability, and competitive advantage.

Skills

  • Report Writing
  • File Organization
  • Communication
  • Team Collaboration
  • Resume Review
  • Time Management
  • Data Management
  • Student Engagement
  • Program Planning
  • Research Assistance
  • Presentation Skills
  • Database Management
  • Career Counseling
  • Administrative Support
  • Event Coordination
  • Professional Correspondence

Languages

English
Advanced
French
Advanced

Education

Oct 2019 - Jan 2021

University of Buckingham

MSc, Finance & Investment · Finance & Investment · Buckingham, United Kingdom

Sep 2011 - Jan 2015

University of East London (UEL)

BA (Hons), Accounting & Finance · Accounting & Finance · London, United Kingdom · 2:1

Profile

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.

Where is Charles based?

Charles is based in London, United Kingdom.

What languages does Charles speak?

Charles speaks the following languages: English (Advanced), French (Advanced).

How many years of experience does Charles have?

Charles has at least 10 years of experience. During this time, Charles has worked in at least 4 different roles and for 5 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 11 months. Note that Charles may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Charles be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Charles would be well-suited for roles such as: Trade Finance Consultant (Freelance), Stock Loan Originator, Accounts Assistant.

What is Charles's latest experience?

Charles's most recent position is Trade Finance Consultant (Freelance) at Silicon Valley Global PH Inc.

What companies has Charles worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Charles has worked for Silicon Valley Global PH Inc, Stone Creek Global and Ltd (S.C.G.).

Which industries is Charles most experienced in?

Charles is most experienced in industries like Banking and Finance, Professional Services, and Education.

Which business areas is Charles most experienced in?

Charles is most experienced in business areas like Finance, Investments, M&A & Venture Capital, and Accounting. Charles also has some experience in Supply Chain Management, Operations, and Research and Development (R&D).

Which industries has Charles worked in recently?

Charles has recently worked in industries like Banking and Finance.

Which business areas has Charles worked in recently?

Charles has recently worked in business areas like Finance, Investments, M&A & Venture Capital, and Supply Chain Management.

What is Charles's education?

Charles holds a Master in Finance & Investment from University of Buckingham and a Bachelor in Accounting & Finance from University of East London (UEL).

What is the availability of Charles?

Charles is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Charles?

Charles's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.

How to hire Charles?

To hire Charles, click the Meet button on the profile to request a meeting and discuss your project needs.

Average rates for similar positions

Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.

1000
750
500
250
Market avg: 750-910 €
The rates shown represent the typical market range for freelancers in this position based on recent contracts on our platform.
Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.