How GIFT City can transform business opportunities in India

How GIFT City can transform business opportunities in India 

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Discover how IFSC at GIFT City is becoming a world-class financial center, unlocking unique opportunities for businesses and investors.  


In brief

  • GIFT City is becoming a significant hub for international finance, featuring a supportive regulatory environment and attractive tax benefits for enterprises.
  • This Report outlines various sectoral opportunities, offering insights to help businesses successfully engage with GIFT City's evolving market.
  • Emphasizing good governance and operational efficiency, GIFT City is set to draw global investments and promote innovation in India's financial landscape.

India’s progress over the last decade has been remarkable. The Indian economy is set to achieve the US$5 trillion vision established by the Hon’ble Prime Minister soon. The Government of India (GoI) recognizes that in a globalized world, global capital will act as an important driver of economic growth and a strong financial sector will be a key constituent in India’s growth story. 

The IFSC at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is rapidly evolving into a vibrant financial services hub. As global capital flows shift and India strengthens its position in international finance, the ecosystem at GIFT City is becoming an important cornerstone of this transformation journey. This dynamic environment is not only attracting domestic businesses but also drawing international investors seeking new opportunities to the Indian shores. With over 1,000 registered entities, IFSC at GIFT City is contributing significantly to India’s economic growth, positioning itself as a magnet for global capital and cross-border financial services.

The report ‘GIFT City advantage: Doing Business in India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)’ has been developed jointly by HSBC India and EY India. It offers a structured view of the regulatory, tax and operating environment that underpins the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City. 

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The report seeks to consolidate the regulatory ecosystem crafted by the GoI, International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and other regulators, bringing together key regulatory provisions, guidelines, tax incentives in GIFT City, etc., that shape the operational landscape for entities across various sectors. This consolidation not only simplifies the regulatory framework but also enhances accessibility for businesses looking to navigate this dynamic environment and make informed decisions.
 

The report is divided into eight sections that provide an overview of opportunities in GIFT City: 
 

  • Overview of IFSC at GIFT City
  • Current market presence in IFSC at GIFT City
  • Opportunities for financial services players like banks, fund management, insurance/reinsurance, capital market players, etc., in IFSC at GIFT City;
  • Opportunities for corporates /non-financial services players in IFSC at GIFT City;
  • Opportunities for Center of Excellence in IFSC at GIFT City;
  • Opportunities for individuals (resident and non-resident individuals); etc.

 

Each sectoral chapter highlights the key opportunities and provides sector specific insights, supported by relevant statistics and growth trends, enabling enterprises to have a broader view of the opportunities in GIFT City.
 

Authors:

Tejas Desai, Financial Services - Tax Leader, EY India

Jugal Kajaria, Partner, Tax and Regulatory Services, EY India

Jaiman Patel, Partner, GIFT City, EY India

 

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Summary

GIFT City is emerging as a key player in India's financial landscape, driven by progressive policies and advanced infrastructure. It offers diverse opportunities in sectors such as banking, fintech and alternative investments, along with data-driven insights and fiscal incentives. As IFSC at GIFT City matures, it positions itself as a competitive global financial center, inviting businesses to engage with its evolving ecosystem for long-term growth.


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