FATF Vice President for 2026–27: India has secured a significant position in the global fight against money laundering and terror financing after senior IAS officer Vivek Aggarwal was elected as the Vice President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The Ministry of External Affairs announced this milestone on Friday, hailing it as a “major win for India” amid its growing engagement on international financial stability. Aggarwal, a 1994-batch IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre will assume the prestigious role for the term July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
“Members approved the Priorities of the FATF under the incoming UK Presidency, and appointed Mr Vivek Aggarwal of India as the incoming Vice-President of the FATF (July 2026-June 2027),” the body said in a statement.
Vivek Aggarwal is no stranger to the intricate world of financial intelligence and anti-money laundering policy. With a wealth of experience as a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, he is currently serving as the Secretary in the Ministry of Culture. Prior to this, he held critical responsibilities as Additional Secretary in the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance.
He looks over aspects of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), economic security, GST administration and financial intelligence. Aggarwal’s deep expertise in tackling illicit financial flows led to his appointment as India’s Head of Delegation to FATF.
He also served as Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND), the country’s primary agency for analyzing suspicious financial transactions and co-ordinating the fight against money laundering and terror financing.
Throughout his distinguished career, he has held numerous senior positions across the state governments of Madhya Pradesh and Punjab, as well as within the Union Government, including roles in agriculture and revenue administration.
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The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) stands as the global benchmark in establishing and implementing international standards for combating money laundering, terror financing and the financing of weapons proliferation. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Paris, the FATF develops policy recommendations and scrutinizes member countries for their adherence to these measures.
Countries that fail to address significant issues within their financial systems are subject to enhanced monitoring, often referred to as being placed on the “grey list,” while those with the highest risk profile may face the “black list.” FATF evaluations can profoundly impact international investment, banking relationships, and access to global financial markets. India has consistently enhanced its participation within the FATF framework, engaging actively in policy-making, mutual evaluations and global initiatives aimed at countering illicit financial flows.
Officials suggest that Aggarwal’s election is a testament to the confidence placed in India’s capabilities and contributions by fellow member nations to strengthening the international financial system.
Major win for India in FATF!
Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Government of India, has been elected the Vice President of the Financial Action Task Force.
As India continues to champion a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, this leadership role reinforces our relentless…
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 19, 2026
“This is a major win for India,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal commented on the development. Aggarwal himself expressed his gratitude, stating the appointment is a recognition of India’s collective efforts to build a robust system against money laundering and terror financing. He added that he looks forward to collaborating with the FATF Global Network to foster a more secure, resilient, and inclusive international financial system.
When Aggarwal takes office on July 1, 2026, he will join the organization under the leadership of incoming President Giles Thomson of the United Kingdom. He will succeed the United Kingdom’s Giles Thomson, who has served as FATF Vice President since July 1, 2025.
On his appointment, Aggarwal stated, “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.”
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