The legal framework of GIFT IFSC is designed to be globally competitive, with the IFSCA acting as the dynamic, unified regulator.

• Unified Regulatory Body: The IFSCA Act, 2019, establishes the IFSCA as the single regulator for all financial services, replacing the need for separate approvals from RBI, SEBI, or IRDAI.
• Offshore Status with Onshore Benefits: Entities in GIFT IFSC are treated as non-resident under Indian foreign exchange laws (FEMA), allowing them to transact freely in foreign currencies while benefiting from India's talent pool and operational cost advantages.
• Key Permitted Financial Services:
  • Fund Management: Setting up Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) to manage global capital.
  • Banking: Establishing IFSC Banking Units (IBUs) for offshore lending and deposit-taking.
  • Aircraft & Ship Leasing: A key growth area with highly favorable tax and regulatory policies.
  • Capital Markets: Trading in derivatives and other securities on the international exchanges.
• International Arbitration: GIFT City has a world-class arbitration centre to ensure swift and effective resolution of commercial disputes.

We facilitate smooth interactions with the key institutions that form the backbone of the GIFT IFSC ecosystem.

• International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA): Your primary regulator. We manage all applications, queries, and compliance reporting to the IFSCA.
• India INX & NSE IFSC: The two international stock exchanges operating within the IFSC. We provide legal support for listing, trading, and compliance with exchange regulations.
• India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX): The official gateway for importing gold and silver into India. We assist jewelers and traders with setting up on the IIBX.
• GIFT SEZ Authority: For all operational and infrastructure-related approvals required to operate within the physical zone of GIFT City.

GIFT IFSC offers a powerful suite of tax incentives designed to attract global capital and financial service providers.

• Corporate Tax Holiday: A 100% tax exemption on profits for any 10 consecutive years out of the first 15 years of operation.
• Investor Tax Benefits: Exemption from capital gains tax for non-residents on specified securities transacted on the IFSC exchanges. Interest income paid to non-residents is also offered at a concessional tax rate.
• Aircraft Leasing Incentives: A specific 10-year tax holiday on income from aircraft leasing and exemption from capital gains on aircraft lease transfers.
• Zero GST: Services provided to or received by an IFSC unit are exempt from GST, and there is no GST on offshore transactions, making operations highly cost-effective.

Our tax experts help you structure your business to leverage every available incentive, providing a clear competitive advantage.