The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Plenary has appointed Culture Ministry Secretary Vivek Aggarwal as the next vice-president of the global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing watchdog for the 2026-2027 term.

“Members approved the priorities of the FATF under the incoming U.K. Presidency, and appointed Mr. Vivek Aggarwal of India as the incoming vice-president of the FATF (July 2026-June 2027),” said an FATF release.

Mr. Aggarwal will succeed Giles Thomson, who has served as FATF vice-president since July 1, 2025.

Currently serving as Secretary in the Culture Ministry, Mr. Aggarwal has headed India’s delegation to the FATF. He led a multidisciplinary team during India’s FATF Mutual Evaluation process.

His selection is being viewed as a significant development for India’s role in global financial governance and efforts to strengthen international cooperation on issues of anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and illicit financial flows.