India Secures FATF Vice-Presidency for First Time
India has achieved a significant milestone in the global fight against money laundering and terror financing. Senior bureaucrat Vivek Aggarwal has been elected as the Vice-President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the 2026-27 term, marking the first time an Indian official has held this position.
The decision was announced at the conclusion of the sixth and final FATF Plenary under the Mexican Presidency of Elisa de Anda Madrazo in Paris on Thursday. Aggarwal will take over from the UK's Giles Thomson, who has served as FATF Vice-President since July 2025.
Vivek Aggarwal's Background
Currently serving as Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Aggarwal brings extensive experience in financial intelligence and anti-money laundering frameworks to the role. He had earlier headed the Indian delegation to the FATF and also served as Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND), where he played a key role in strengthening India's efforts against illicit financial flows.
The Ministry of External Affairs termed the development a "major win for India", saying the appointment underscored New Delhi's commitment to a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism and its financing.
"As India continues to champion a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, Aggarwal's leadership role reinforces our relentless focus on combating global terrorist financing networks and dismantling illicit financial systems," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
FATF Plenary Outcomes
The election comes as the FATF concluded a three-day plenary meeting attended by representatives from more than 200 jurisdictions and observer organisations. During the meeting, members approved the priorities of the incoming UK Presidency and endorsed a series of initiatives aimed at tackling emerging threats, including the misuse of digital platforms and technological innovations for terrorist financing and money laundering.
Aggarwal's appointment marks one of the most prominent leadership roles held by an Indian official in the Paris-based watchdog, which sets global standards to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing. He is scheduled to assume office as FATF Vice-President from July for a one-year term.
