The Financial Action Task Force has appointed Indian official Vivek Aggarwal as its vice-president for the 2026-2027 term. The decision was taken at the group's plenary meeting in Paris.
The FATF Plenary selected Culture Ministry Secretary Vivek Aggarwal on Friday. He will serve from July 2026 to June 2027 and succeed UK national Giles Thomson.
Aggarwal is a 1994-batch IAS officer who has previously headed India's delegation to the FATF and directed the Financial Intelligence Unit. The appointment marks the first time an Indian has held the vice-presidency.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the move a major win for India. The Culture and Finance ministries described it as a landmark recognition of India's role in combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
Aggarwal said he was honoured by the appointment and looked forward to working with the FATF network. Delegates from more than 200 jurisdictions attended the Paris meeting held from June 17 to 19.
