Advisor
The narrative around GIFT City IFSC has shifted dramatically from an ambitious blueprint to a tangible global financial hub.
No longer just a domestic Indian initiative, the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gandhinagar is actively drawing the attention, and the capital, of global finance leaders.
From government officials and regulators to international banking giants and consulting powerhouses, the consensus is clear: GIFT City has arrived. This post compiles the latest insights from these experts, revealing why this unique Indian ecosystem is now a compelling investment destination and a strategic imperative for global businesses and investments.
I. The “GIFT City Has Arrived” Moment: A Regulatory & Policy Triumph
The foundation of GIFT City’s ascent lies in its robust regulatory backing and strategic governmental vision, signaling confidence for those looking to start business in India.
Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister, India (Oct 7, 2025)
Launched the Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS), stating the move “places GIFT City among global financial hubs such as Hong Kong and Tokyo,“ by enabling real-time foreign currency transactions.
This high-profile launch directly links GIFT City to the league of established global financial centers, underscoring its pivotal role in international trade and finance.
For firms considering direct foreign investment opportunities, this move signifies a significant upgrade in operational efficiency and global connectivity for the International Financial Services Centre.
Anuradha Thakur, Economic Secretary, Govt. of India (Nov 17, 2025):
The IFSC at Gift City, she said, is “emerging as a global hub for financial services,” supported by regulatory sandboxes that allow experimentation under “robust safeguards for investor protection.”
Thakur’s statement reinforces the government’s view that GIFT City is actively evolving, not just as a financial hub but as a secure and innovative one. This commitment to both growth and robust oversight provides strong assurances for MNC companies in Gift City and foreign investors.
Dipesh Shah, Executive Director, IFSCA (Nov 1, 2025):
I would definitely answer positively that GIFT City has arrived. It is now in everyone’s interest to make it comparable to Singapore and other global financial centres—rapidly and decisively.
As a key figure in the regulatory body, Shah’s direct assertion that GIFT City “has arrived” carries significant weight. His comment highlights the collective ambition for the IFSC to rapidly achieve parity with global leaders, a sentiment that drives IFSCA registration and ongoing reforms.
II. The Offshore Advantage: Tax Certainty & Market Share Gains
The unique tax and regulatory framework of GIFT City is not just attracting new business; it’s actively rerouting existing global financial flows, making it a lucrative destination for global businesses and investments.
Tushar Sachade, Partner, Price Waterhouse & Co LLP (Nov 1, 2025):
Providing 15–20 years of certainty [on the 10-year tax holiday] would offer businesses a long-term horizon and greater confidence in setting up operations.
Sachade’s comment points to the overwhelming success of the 10-year tax holiday and the industry’s desire for even greater long-term certainty. This indicates that the core tax incentives are highly effective and drive significant interest in Gift City Investment setup service, with gift city consultants often advocating for such extensions.
Vivek Ramji Iyer, Partner, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP (Nov 14, 2025):
GIFT City is taking a larger share of the offshore borrowing market for Indian companies. That growth is ‘a warning call for more established centers like Hong Kong and Singapore.
Iyer’s powerful statement underscores GIFT City’s growing competitive threat to traditional offshore hubs. This is a clear signal that the IFSC’s blend of tax benefits and regulatory ease is actively diverting business from major global players, validating its role for those who start business in Gift City Gandhinagar.
Sachin Shah, Managing Director and Head of Strategy, Standard Chartered (India) (Nov 14, 2025):
Borrowers are increasingly preferring to borrow from GIFT City than global centers such as London, Singapore, Mauritius and Hong Kong.
Shah’s observation from a major international bank directly supports Iyer’s claim, providing tangible evidence of capital re-routing. This trend confirms the IFSC’s effectiveness in attracting offshore borrowing, highlighting its practical benefits for global finance.
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III. International Integration & Future Trajectory
Beyond immediate gains, experts are focused on how GIFT City is integrating with the global financial system and its long-term growth trajectory.
Mark E. Tucker, Group Chairman, HSBC Plc (Sep 15, 2025):
Appreciated India’s continued growth story, including the government’s focus on “broad regulatory reforms, and recent taxation reforms” in GIFT IFSC during a meeting with the FM.
The endorsement from the chairman of a global banking behemoth like HSBC signifies significant international confidence. Tucker’s recognition of regulatory and taxation reforms as crucial factors reinforces the stability and attractiveness of the IFSC for major global players.
This is precisely the kind of endorsement a gift city advisor would highlight.
Sanjeev Krishan, Chairperson, PwC India (Sep 29, 2025):
GIFT City represents a transformative opportunity for India… This is the moment to build on the strong policy framework and create a thriving global hub that reflects the ambitions of kal ka Bharat.
Krishan’s view positions GIFT City as a long-term, transformative project for India’s future, or “kal ka Bharat“. This long-term vision offers reassurance to MNC companies in Gift City that their investment is aligned with a national strategic asset.
Yashraj Erande, Head of Financial Institutions Practice, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) (Nov 14, 2025):
Ecosystems like DIFC and Hong Kong become very powerful when you have deep markets across multiple products… That is important for GIFT City to get to.
Erande offers a forward-looking perspective, acknowledging GIFT City’s progress while pointing to the next stage of evolution: deepening its multi-product market. This guidance is vital for the IFSCA and for gift city consultants helping firms strategize their long-term growth within the IFSC.
Conclusion: The Strategic Imperative for Global Players
The unanimous sentiment among leading financial experts and government policy-makers confirms that GIFT City IFSC has transitioned from an aspirational project to an undeniable force in global finance.
Its unique blend of tax incentives, streamlined IFSCA registration, and a proactive regulatory framework offers a compelling alternative to traditional offshore hubs.
As global businesses and investments seek greater efficiency and new growth avenues, the insights confirm that the IFSC provides both: a strategic gateway to India’s economic dynamism and a tax sanctuary for global operations.
For any corporates or financial services providers contemplating a move, the message is clear: the time to evaluate, plan, and execute a Gift City company registration is now, leveraging experienced gift city consultants to unlock this transformative global financial hub.