Major Win for India as Vivek Aggarwal Becomes FATF Vice President

Announcing the development at

“As India continues to advocate for a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, this leadership role reinforces our relentless focus on combating global terrorist financing networks and dismantling illicit financial systems,” the MEA said.

The ministry highlighted Aggarwal’s experience and noted that he had previously headed India’s delegation to the FATF and served as Director of the Indian Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND). It was stated that his expertise will help advance the FATF’s mission of protecting global financial integrity.

FATF is an intergovernmental body that sets international standards to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and other threats to the global financial system. Aggarwal’s election is expected to strengthen India’s relationship with the watchdog and increase its contribution to global efforts against financial crimes.

The Ministry of Culture also welcomed this development and said it reflects the trust and credibility India has gained among over 200 jurisdictions and underlines its growing influence in shaping policies on emerging risks such as digital payments and virtual assets.

Aggarwal, a 1994 batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, is currently serving as Secretary in the Ministry of Culture. Before assuming this role in April 2025, he served as Additional Secretary, Revenue Department, Ministry of Finance, where he headed FIU-IND and led India’s delegation to the FATF.

During his career spanning over three decades, he held key positions in finance, agriculture, urban development, infrastructure and public policy, and led key initiatives such as PM-KISAN, Digital Agriculture and Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.