India elected first vice-president of global anti-money laundering body FATF

India has secured a leadership position in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the first time, with Vivek Aggarwal, a senior Indian bureaucrat, being elected as the incoming vice-president of the global watchdog. Aggarwal, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, currently serving as Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, will assume the role from July 2026 to June 2027.

The FATF, an intergovernmental body established in 1989 by the G7 to combat money laundering, expanded its mandate in 2001 to include terrorist financing. It sets global standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) efforts. With 40 member countries and over 200 jurisdictions committed to its recommendations through regional bodies, the FATF plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the international financial system.

The Ministry of Finance, in a statement released late Friday, described the appointment as a “landmark recognition” of India’s growing leadership in the global fight against illicit financial flows. “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,” the ministry said.

Aggarwal’s election comes on the back of India’s strong performance in its most recent Mutual Evaluation by the FATF, as well as the country’s sustained contributions to shaping global policy on emerging risks, including those related to virtual asset service providers and digital payments. The vice-presidency also strengthens India’s prospects for assuming the presidency of the FATF when the next transition occurs after two years, officials indicated.

“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,” Aggarwal was quoted as saying in the ministry’s release.

Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivatsava called the development a “proud milestone” and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening the integrity of the international financial system. The vice-president of the FATF is elected by the FATF Plenary from among its members and assists the president in steering the organisation’s work.

The announcement was made at the conclusion of the sixth and final FATF plenary meeting under the Mexican Presidency of Elisa de Anda Madrazo on Friday. The plenary approved a series of new publications and initiatives aimed at helping countries stay alert to emerging risks and criminal methods, including the abuse of technological innovations, and to step up mitigation measures, particularly through strong coordination with the private sector.

Aggarwal previously played a key role in India’s mutual evaluation process at the FATF in 2024 when he served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. India became a member of the FATF in 2010, and this vice-presidency marks its first leadership role in the organisation.