India has achieved a landmark position in global financial governance with the appointment of Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service officer (Madhya Pradesh cadre), as Vice-President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the term July 2026 through June 2027. This represents the first time India will hold the Vice-Presidency of the Paris-based inter-governmental body that sets global standards to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.
The appointment was made through election by the FATF Plenary and places an Indian official at the apex of the global standard-setting body. The Vice-President assists the President in steering the organization's work and carrying out its mandate. This elevation reflects India's growing credibility and trust within the FATF Global Network of more than 200 jurisdictions, building directly on India's strong performance in its most recent Mutual Evaluation and sustained contributions to shaping global policy on emerging risks including virtual asset service providers and digital payments.
Shri Aggarwal stated that the appointment recognizes India's collective effort and the strength of its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework, expressing commitment to work with the FATF Global Network to keep the international financial system safe, inclusive, and resilient. Revenue Secretary Shri Arvind Shrivatsava characterized this as a proud milestone that reaffirms India's continued commitment to strengthening the integrity of the international financial system.