Who is Vivek Aggarwal? IAS officer appointed as vice president of FATF in a first for India

Published 20 June 2026 · india

India on Friday secured the vice presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the country

India on Friday secured the vice presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the country in the global organisation responsible for setting standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. India has been a member of the FATF since 2010. According to an official statement, Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal was elected as the FATF vice president at the conclusion of the body's plenary meeting at its headquarters in Paris. The vice president is chosen by the FATF Plenary from among its members and supports the president in guiding and overseeing the organisation's work. Who is Vivek Aggarwal? Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 Who is Vivek Aggarwal and what are his qualifications? ⌵ Vivek Aggarwal is a 1994-batch IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, currently serving as the Union Culture Secretary. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce and Law from Panjab University and has studied at the London School of Economics. 2 What is the significance of India securing the vice presidency of the FATF? ⌵ India's vice presidency at the FATF marks a historic milestone, enhancing its role in global policy-making against money laundering and terrorist financing, and giving the country a stronger voice in international financial crime discussions.

3 How is Vivek Aggarwal contributing to FATF’s mission? ⌵ As vice president of the FATF, Vivek Aggarwal will support the president in guiding the organization's work, leveraging his experience as a former leader of India's FATF delegation to tackle global financial integrity challenges. 4 Why was India elected as vice president of the FATF now? ⌵ India was elected as vice president of the FATF to recognize its growing influence in combating financial crimes, demonstrating a significant commitment to international standards against money laundering and terrorist financing. 5 What role does the FATF play in global financial systems? ⌵ The FATF is the leading inter-governmental body that sets policies to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing, influencing regulations in over 200 jurisdictions by conducting mutual evaluations and establishing best practices. Aggarwal, a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has previously served as the head of India's delegation to the FATF and as Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Panjab University. He has also completed the Intermediate level of the Company Secretary (CS) programme from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.