Who Is Vivek Aggarwal? 1994-Batch IAS Appointed As Global Terror Watchdog FATF's Vice President

Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal was on Friday appointed Vice President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), becoming the first Indian to hold the post in the global watchdog tasked with combating money laundering and terrorist financing. India has been a member of the FATF since 2010.Aggarwal's appointment was announced at the conclusion of the FATF Plenary held at the organisation's headquarters in Paris, according to an official statement. He will succeed the United Kingdom's Giles Thomson, who has served as FATF Vice President since July 1, 2025."Members approved the Priorities of the FATF under the incoming UK Presidency, and appointed Mr Vivek Aggarwal of India as the incoming Vice-President of the FATF (July 2026-June 2027),"

the body said in a statement.

A first For India

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. It builds directly on India’s strong showing in its most recent mutual evaluation and on the country’s sustained contribution to shaping global policy on emerging risks, including those associated with virtual asset service providers and digital payments. On his appointment, Aggarwal stated, “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.”

Who is Vivek Aggarwal?

Vivek Aggarwal, a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, previously led India's delegation to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and served as Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).With over three decades of administrative experience, Aggarwal has held several key positions at both the Centre and the state level. His extensive career spans sectors including finance, agriculture, urban development, infrastructure, and public policy.Before assuming charge as culture secretary in April 2025, Aggarwal was additional secretary in the department of revenue under the Ministry of Finance. During that period, he headed the Financial Intelligence Unit-India and led India's delegation to the Financial Action Task Force.Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed Aggarwal's appointment a "major win" for India and said that the position strengthens the country's continued efforts to fight global terrorist financing networks.The MEA spokesperson said that Aggarwal's "profound expertise" as the former head of India's FATF delegation will help the organisation move forward its mandate to secure financial integrity.