Vivek Aggarwal | Photo Credit: Joan Sony Cherian _11565@Chennai

For the first time, an Indian will be the Vice President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal has been elected for the coveted post for 2026-27.

Aggarwal was earlier an additional secretary in the Finance Ministry and Head of the Indian Delegation to the FATF.  

“This appointment is a recognition of India’s collective effort and of the strength of our anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist-financing framework. I am deeply honoured to serve and look forward to working with the FATF Global Network to keep the international financial system safe, inclusive and resilient,” he said after the plenary elected him during the meeting at Paris.

Aggarwal is a 1994 batch Indian Administrative Service Officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre.

The Vice-President of the FATF is elected among its members and assists the President in steering the organisation’s work. India’s elevation to the vice-presidency reflects the credibility and trust the country has earned within the FATF Global Network of more than 200 jurisdictions. It builds directly on India’s strong showing in its most recent mutual evaluation, and on the country’s sustained contribution to shaping global policy on emerging risks, including those associated with virtual asset service providers and digital payments. “Shri Aggarwal will work towards solidifying India’s leadership in the FATF forum,” an official statement said.

Randhir Jaiswal, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson said: “As India continues to champion a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, this leadership role reinforces our relentless focus on combating global terrorist financing networks and dismantling illicit financial systems.” Further his profound expertise as the former Head of India’s FATF delegation and former Director of FIU-IND will advance FATF’s mandate to secure financial integrity.

Published on June 20, 2026