India to hold vice-presidency of global financial crime watchdog FATF for first time

India will assume the vice-presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the first time, with Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, appointed to the post for the term from July 2026 to June 2027.

The appointment marks the first time India will hold the vice-presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Paris-based global financial crime watchdog established by the G7 in 1989.

Aggarwal, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, was elected by the FATF Plenary from among its members. As vice-president, he will assist the FATF president in steering the organisation's work and advancing its mandate.


According to a statement, India's elevation to the post reflects the credibility it has built within the FATF Global Network, which comprises more than 200 jurisdictions. The appointment follows India's recent mutual evaluation and its contributions to discussions on emerging risks, including those related to virtual asset service providers and digital payments.

"This appointment is a recognition of India's collective effort and of the strength of our anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorist-financing framework," Aggarwal said in the statement. He added that he looked forward to working with the FATF Global Network to help keep the international financial system safe, inclusive and resilient.

The Financial Action Task Force is an inter-governmental body that develops and promotes global standards aimed at preventing money laundering, terrorist financing and the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The FATF presidency runs for a two-year term, while the vice-president supports the president in carrying out the organisation's agenda.