New Delhi/Paris: In a major diplomatic and administrative achievement, senior IAS officer Vivek Aggarwal has been elected as the Vice President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), making him the first Indian ever to hold the prestigious position in the global anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing watchdog.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for India, which has increasingly taken a leading role in global efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and illicit financial networks. India has been a member of FATF since 2010.
The election took place during the FATF Plenary meeting held at the organization’s headquarters in Paris.
Major Win for India at FATF
The Ministry of External Affairs described the development as a major achievement for India.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the appointment reflects India’s growing leadership role in combating global terror financing and strengthening international financial integrity.
He noted that India continues to advocate a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism and has consistently pushed for stronger global mechanisms to disrupt financial networks supporting terror groups.
As FATF Vice President, Aggarwal will assist the FATF President in guiding the organization’s work and advancing international cooperation against financial crimes.
Who Is Vivek Aggarwal?
Mr Aggarwal is a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre and currently serves as Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Born on June 1, 1971, Aggarwal has built an administrative career spanning more than three decades across state and central government assignments.
Known for his expertise in financial governance, anti-money laundering regulations, public administration, digital governance, agriculture reforms, and urban development, he has held several high-profile positions in both Madhya Pradesh and the Government of India.
Educational Background
IAS Aggarwal possesses a strong academic foundation in commerce, law, and financial systems.
His qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
- Intermediate-level Company Secretary (CS) qualification from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India
- Specialized course in Globalisation and International Financial Systems from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Key Role in India’s FATF Engagement
Before becoming FATF Vice President, Mr Aggarwal played a central role in India’s engagement with the global watchdog.
He served as:
- Head of India’s FATF Delegation
- Director, Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND)
- Additional Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance
During his tenure in the Finance Ministry, he handled critical issues relating to:
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
- Financial intelligence
- Counter-terror financing
- GST administration
- Direct and indirect taxation matters
His experience in financial intelligence and anti-money laundering frameworks is widely considered a key factor behind his election.
Leadership During India’s FATF Mutual Evaluation
Mr Aggarwal played a significant role in India’s FATF Mutual Evaluation process, culminating in the release of India’s assessment report in 2024.
At the time, he was serving as Additional Secretary in the Union Finance Ministry while simultaneously holding additional charge as Director of FIU-IND.
The successful engagement strengthened India’s standing within the FATF framework and showcased the country’s efforts to strengthen financial transparency and regulatory compliance.
Career in Agriculture and Rural Development
Between 2019 and 2021, IAS Aggarwal served as Joint Secretary and later Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
During this period, he also functioned as:
- CEO, PM-KISAN Scheme
- CEO, National Farmer’s Welfare Programme Implementation Society
He led several flagship initiatives, including:
- Digital Agriculture Mission
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
- Technology-driven farmer welfare programmes
His work helped accelerate digital governance in the agricultural sector.
Long Association with Madhya Pradesh Administration
Mr Aggarwal has held numerous influential positions in Madhya Pradesh.
Secretary to the Chief Minister
From 2009 to 2018, he served as Secretary to the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, making him one of the longest-serving officers in that role.
Urban Development Reforms
Between 2015 and 2018, he served as:
- Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department
- Managing Director, MP Metro Rail Corporation
- Managing Director, MP Urban Development Company
During this period, he oversaw implementation of:
- Smart Cities Mission
- AMRUT Scheme
- PM Awas Yojana
- Urban sanitation initiatives
- Infrastructure Development
As Managing Director of MP Road Development Corporation and Secretary in the Public Works Department between 2010 and 2015, he contributed significantly to road infrastructure expansion and modernization.
Agriculture and Warehousing
From 2008 to 2010, he headed:
- MP Warehousing Corporation
- MP Agriculture Marketing Board
These assignments focused on strengthening agricultural logistics and market infrastructure.
District-Level Administrative Experience
Earlier in his career, Aggarwal served as District Collector and District Magistrate in several districts, including:
- Indore
- Ujjain
- Rajgarh
- Kapurthala
These field-level postings provided him extensive administrative experience across governance, revenue administration, law and order, and public service delivery.
Elevated to Chief Secretary Grade
In March 2025, the Madhya Pradesh government granted Aggarwal a proforma promotion to the Chief Secretary grade, recognizing his seniority and distinguished service.
Soon after, he was appointed Secretary in the Ministry of Culture.
He has also held additional charge as Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism.
Why His FATF Appointment Matters
IAS Aggarwal’s election comes at a time when global concerns over terror financing, money laundering, cyber-enabled financial crimes, and illicit cross-border transactions are growing.
His appointment gives India a stronger voice within one of the world’s most influential financial regulatory bodies.
For India, the development is significant because:
- It is the first time an Indian has become FATF Vice President.
- It strengthens India’s role in shaping global anti-money laundering standards.
- It reinforces India’s campaign against terrorist financing networks.
- It enhances India’s influence in international financial governance.
As FATF Vice President, Vivek Aggarwal is expected to play a key role in advancing international cooperation aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the global financial system while further elevating India’s profile in global financial policymaking.
About FATF
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an independent, Paris-based intergovernmental organisation that leads global action to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.Founded in 1989 by the G7 nations, it sets the international frameworks required to protect the global financial system from abuse by organised crime, corruption, and terrorism.
It leads global efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing by setting the universally recognized “40 Recommendations” that standardize international regulatory frameworks. Through a process of mutual peer evaluations, the FATF reviews compliance across more than 200 jurisdictions, holding non-compliant nations accountable using its high-profile Grey List for countries fixing systemic gaps and its Black List for high-risk nations subject to economic countermeasures. Led currently by President Giles Thomson, the organisation possesses no direct law enforcement or asset-seizure powers, relying instead on its member states to implement and enforce its security standards domestically.
