The Smart Choice for The Next Decade
By Gift City Advisor Editorial Team
For years, when Indian or global businesses thought of an “International Financial Centre,” they looked to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Singapore’s MAS, or London. These centers offered strong regulation, tax efficiency, and ease of doing business.
Today, India has its own answer: GIFT City, governed by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). With the introduction of the TechFin and Ancillary Services Regulations, 2025,
IFSCA has proven that it is not just catching up to its global peers—in many ways, it is surpassing them.
The Power of a Unified Regulator
One of the biggest pain points in other jurisdictions is regulatory fragmentation. In the US or mainland India, you might have to deal with separate bodies for banking, insurance, and capital markets.
IFSCA is unique. It is a Unified Regulator established under the IFSCA Act, 2019. It holds the powers of four domestic regulators (RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA) combined into one. This means a FinTech company offering a product that crosses banking and insurance lines only needs to talk to one authority.
This agility allows for faster approvals and a more cohesive regulatory environment. Also, depending on which type of business you want to start in Gift City, have to learn from the business setup service by GiftCityAdvisor.
Ease of Doing Business: The SWIT System
Time is money. Recognizing this, the 2025 Regulations emphasize the use of the Single Window IT System (SWIT). This online platform streamlines the application process for registration. Whether you are a TechFin startup or a global bank, your application is processed digitally, transparently, and efficiently.
Furthermore, the regulations include a “Power to Relax” clause. If a strict enforcement of a requirement hinders the development of the market, the Authority has the power to grant relaxations for valid reasons.
This pragmatic approach is a hallmark of a business-friendly regulator.
Global Standards: “Fit and Proper”
Critics often worry that new financial centres might become havens for lax compliance. IFSCA has pre-empted this by embedding strict “Fit and Proper” requirements into the law.
- Directors, Principal Officers, and Controlling Shareholders must demonstrate financial integrity, honesty, and a good reputation.
- Disqualifications are strict: anyone with a record of economic offenses or moral turpitude is barred. This rigor ensures that when you set up in GIFT City, you are joining an ecosystem of reputable, high quality entities, preserving your brand’s integrity.
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Futureproofing: Regulating the Unregulated
While many global centers are still debating how to regulate Web 3.0, Metaverse, and Tokenization, IFSCA has taken the lead. The Second Schedule of the 2025 regulations explicitly lists Tokenization support services, Quantum Tech, and Sustainable Tech as permitted activities.
By providing a legal framework for these frontier technologies, IFSCA offers legal certainty that is rare in the global market.
There are some policy changes also, Must Read: Top 5 Policy Changes That Will Reshape GIFT City in 2026
Why Partner with Gift City Advisor?
Entering a new jurisdiction, no matter how friendly, requires a guide. Gift City Advisor is that guide.
- Expert Team: We possess deep knowledge of the IFSCA Act and the nuances of the 2025 Regulations.
- Vast Experience: We have successfully assisted numerous entities—from Ancillary Service Providers to complex TechFin platforms—in obtaining their registration.
- Resolution Focus: We don’t just file papers; we liaise with the Authority to resolve queries and clarify business models.
GIFT City is standing at par with Dubai and Singapore. The infrastructure is ready, the regulations are robust, and the tax incentives are unmatched. The only missing piece is you.
Ready to unlock your global potential?
Contact Gift City Advisor today for a consultation.