Mr McCarthy was appointed Vice President of the World Bank in June 2008. He heads the Integrity Vice Presidency (INT), which is mandated to anticipate, detect, deter and prevent fraud and corruption in Bank Group-supported activities. INT ensures that funds are used for their intended purposes, thereby contributing to the World Bank’s core mission of promoting development and reducing poverty.

Since joining the World Bank, Mr McCarthy has spearheaded significant operational and organizational changes within INT that have increased the World Bank's capacity to address fraud and corruption. Under his leadership, INT focuses on promoting creative solutions in investigations, integrity due-diligence, litigation, forensic audits and settlements, to solidify the lending environment and provide assurance to World Bank shareholders. INT's newly-created Preventive Services Unit analyzes insights gained from investigations, and disseminates good practices to other Bank staff and governments in the form of structural precautions, fiduciary mechanisms, detection tools and regulatory advice. The recent increase in cooperation efforts with international stakeholders facilitates information sharing and joint action with other investigating and compliance institutions.

Prior to joining the World Bank, Mr McCarthy headed the Directorate of Special Operations (DSO) in South Africa. During his tenure, the DSO successfully prosecuted many entities involved in financial crime, organized criminal enterprises, grand corruption, urban terror and money rackets, generated millions of rands destined for criminal restraint, and interdicted drugs and other contraband worth billions.

Previously, Mr McCarthy had been appointed Director of Public Prosecutions in South Africa. He is a lawyer by profession and holds a Baccalaureus Artium (BA), Bachelor of Law (B Juris), and LLB (Bachelor of Laws).