Vivek Malek (vih-VAKE MA-lehk) (Republican), Missouri’s 48th State Treasurer, was sworn into office on January 17, 2023, after appointment by Governor Michael Parson to fill the unexpired term of State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick, who had been elected as Missouri’s 39th State Auditor in November 2022. Treasurer Malek was elected to a full term as State Treasurer in November 2024. He is the first person of color to serve in and be elected to statewide office in Missouri history. He is currently the highest-ranking Republican Indian-American in elected office in the United States. Treasurer Malek is the fourth immigrant to serve as Missouri State Treasurer after William Q. Dallmeyer, 1879-1881, and Jacob Friedrich Gmelich, 1905-1909, both German-born natives; and John Peter Didier, 1820-1821, a French-born native.
During his tenure, Treasurer Malek’s approach to success in his position has been centered on what he calls the “Three P’s.” First, protect taxpayers’ dollars. Second, provide opportunities through office programs; and Third, promote the promise of America.
As State Treasurer, Malek led the successful effort to protect Missouri state pension funds through disinvestment from communist China business enterprises out of concern that dealing with American adversaries represented an unnecessary risk. He has concentrated efforts to provide opportunities through the promotion of savings accounts for disabled people (MO ABLE) and those seeking education and training (MOST 529). In addition, Treasurer Malek has increased awareness of unclaimed property held by the state and has returned record amounts of money to rightful owners. Moreover, he has provided opportunities through promoting and expanding the state’s linked deposit program (MO BUCK$) to assist farmers and small business owners in securing loans below-market interest rates.
As a first-generation American, Treasurer Malek promotes the promise of America during his visits to various communities throughout the state. Arriving in Missouri on August 11, 2001, after the first plane trip of his life, he had two suitcases and $300 in his pocket. At Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, he worked as a graduate assistant and earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Later, Treasurer Malek received a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from the University of Illinois College of Law in Champaign.
Vivek Malik was born in Rohtak, Haryana, India. Haryana is among the northernmost states in India and is adjacent to Delhi, India’s national capital. He earned a bachelor’s degree and law degree from Mahrishi Dayanand University in Rohtak. Not unlike many immigrants to America, his surname was changed from Malik to Malek when he became a United States citizen in 2017 because the new spelling was closer to how his name is pronounced in India and due to the fact people often thought Malik was his first name.
After graduating from the University of Illinois College of Law, Treasurer Malek returned to Missouri and began practicing law in St. Louis. He built a successful business devoted to helping other legal immigrants achieve their American dreams. He was recognized by the Missouri Senate (2015) and Missouri House (2007) for his service and contributions to Missouri communities. He was awarded the Minority Business Leader Award by the St. Louis Business Journal in 2010, earned the Up and Coming Lawyers Award by Missouri Lawyers Media in 2010, and was recognized as Top 30 Under 30 by Business Today magazine in 2007, among other awards and recognitions. In January 2020, he was appointed by Governor Parson as a member of the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Governors. He served in this capacity until his appointment as State Treasurer.
Treasurer Malek begins his first full term after winning a competitive primary and general election. In August 2024, he defeated five candidates by carrying 106 of the state’s 114 counties and the City of St. Louis. He overwhelmingly won the Republican primary by defeating his nearest competitor in the race by a margin of 2 to 1. In November 2024, Treasurer Malek carried 111 of Missouri’s 114 counties and won the election by nearly 20 points.
Treasurer Malek and his wife Riju have three children: daughter Naija, son Viraj, and youngest daughter Myra.
