Bruno is a Brazilian economist with two decades of experience in anti-corruption and pro-democracy activism. He is Executive Director and founder of Transparency International’s Brazilian national chapter, Transparência Internacional – Brasil. Bruno led TI Brazil during the largest anti-corruption operation in world history and the most serious crisis of Brazilian democracy since the military dictatorship in the 1960s, which culminated in the riots and attempted coup d’état in Brasília on January 8, 2023. During this period, Bruno and TI Brazil worked intensely mobilizing national and international actors in defence of the 2022 electoral process and the country’s democratic institutions.
Prior to TI Brazil, Bruno worked for the Americas Department at TI’s global Secretariat in Germany and coordinated TI’s Climate Finance Integrity Program in Mexico. He has authored and coordinated several TI research projects, policy papers and bills of law. An experienced political analyst and advocacy strategist, he regularly speaks at anti-corruption forums and is a frequent commentator in national and international press. In November 2023, he was elected to Transparency International’s Board of Directors. As a consequence of his anti-corruption work, Bruno has been frequently targeted by smear campaigns and judicial harassment. These experiences have also made him a vocal advocate for the protection of civic space and human rights defenders.
Bruno holds a double Master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Policy from the University of York in the UK, and in International Relations from the Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals (IBEI) in Spain.
What inspires me as an anti-corruption activist is the understanding of the most essential meaning of this cause. The fight against corruption is not an end in itself. It is a fight for rights. I am inspired by this essential meaning and deeply fulfilled when I see the results of my work translate into the protection and promotion of rights.Bruno Brandão