India Wins First Vice-Presidency of Global Anti-Money Laundering Watchdog FATF

India has achieved a milestone in global financial governance by securing the Vice-Presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the first time, the Ministry of Finance announced on Friday. This positions an Indian official in a key leadership role within the Paris-based intergovernmental body that sets international standards to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and the financing of weapons proliferation.

Vivek Aggarwal, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre and currently Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, has been elected as FATF Vice-President for the term from July 2026 to June 2027. His appointment was approved by the FATF Plenary, the organisation's highest decision-making body.

The Vice-President assists the FATF President in guiding the organisation’s work and shaping global policy responses to emerging financial threats. India’s elevation to the leadership reflects the confidence and trust it has earned within the FATF Global Network, which comprises more than 200 jurisdictions, according to the Ministry of Finance. Officials highlighted that the achievement follows India’s strong performance in its latest Mutual Evaluation and its active contribution to policy discussions on emerging financial risks, particularly those related to virtual asset service providers and digital payment systems.

Reacting to the appointment, Aggarwal said: "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."

Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava termed the election a proud milestone for the country, stating that the appointment reinforces India's commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the international financial system and strengthening global cooperation against financial crimes.

The development is seen as a major endorsement of India's expanding role in global financial governance at a time when cross-border financial crimes, illicit fund flows, and terrorism financing continue to pose serious challenges worldwide. Established in 1989, the FATF is the leading international body responsible for developing and promoting policies to combat financial crimes. Its recommendations serve as the benchmark for national regulatory frameworks across the globe. The FATF Presidency operates on a two-year term, with the Vice-President playing a key supporting role.

India's assumption of the FATF vice-presidency marks a new chapter in its engagement with global financial institutions and strengthens its voice in shaping international standards for financial security.