India’s dominance on the global stage: Vivek Aggarwal elected as the new Vice President of FATF, know why this achievement is special

New Delhi: India has achieved a huge success on the global financial security front. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the largest organization to curb money laundering and terror funding at the international level, has appointed senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Vivek Aggarwal as its new vice-chairman.

Vivek Aggarwal’s tenure will be for the year 2026-27 and he will officially assume his post from July 1, 2026. He replaces current vice president Giles Thomson.

Who is Vivek Aggarwal?

Vivek Aggarwal is currently working as Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. He is a highly experienced IAS officer of 1994 batch of Madhya Pradesh cadre. He has previously led the Indian delegation to FATF, giving him deep experience in the functioning of this global organization.

On his appointment, Vivek Aggarwal said, “This proud achievement is a major international recognition of the strong measures taken by India against money laundering and terrorism financing and our strong mechanisms.”

What will be the role and responsibility in FATF?

Vivek Aggarwal has been selected for this post with the consent of the member countries in the FATF Plenary meeting. As Vice President, his main work will be.

To drive the strategies and actions of the organization in collaboration with the President of FATF. Will work to advance the objectives set to prevent financial crimes at the global level and will also monitor and review compliance with the rules by Member States.

Why is this victory very important for India?

The Paris-based FATF (established: 1989, by the G-7 countries) works to make financial systems around the world safe and transparent. Today more than 200 countries are connected to this network. India’s arrival at this top position is special in many ways.

This appointment is being seen across the world as India’s growing economic and security influence. In recent years, India has played a very active role in FATF on risks related to digital payments and virtual assets (Crypto etc.). India’s zero-tolerance policy against terror funding will now get further strength at the global level.