#financialhub

GIFT City India—the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City—is revolutionizing India’s stature on the global financial stage. Established as the country’s first greenfield smart city and International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), GIFT City India is purpose-built to attract global investors, innovative businesses, and aspiring professionals alike. Launched in 2015, this visionary project embodies India’s ambition to leap into the ranks of premier international financial hubs.

1. Smart Infrastructure & Strategic Connectivity

Spread across approximately 886 acres, with plans to expand to over 3,300 acres, GIFT City India seamlessly blends infrastructure sophistication with environmental consciousness. Its “walk-to-work” urban design, advanced District Cooling System, automated waste management, and underground utility systems underscore the city’s smart city credentials.

Strategically located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, GIFT City India benefits from proximity to Ahmedabad International Airport (about 20 km away), access to National Highway 48, and integration into the Ahmedabad Metro network.

2. Regulatory Autonomy & Business-Friendly Framework

At GIFT City India, businesses thrive under the unified regulatory oversight of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)—empowered to regulate banking, securities, insurance, and pension sectors. This integrated regulatory model simplifies compliance, enhances investor protection, and accelerates the ease of doing business in India.

3. Financial Services, Exchanges & Capital Markets

The International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City India hosts a diverse range of financial activities, including asset management, capital markets, banking, insurance, and fintech innovation.

GIFT City is also home to cutting-edge financial infrastructure:

India International Exchange (India INX) — India’s first international stock exchange with ultra-fast trading speeds and global access.

India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) — India’s inaugural international bullion exchange, enabling transparent global bullion trading.

GIFT Nifty — A derivatives index under NSE IX traded in USD, bridging Indian markets with global investors.

4. Fund Ecosystem & Global Player Engagement

GIFT City’s fund management ecosystem is rapidly scaling: as of June 2025, it hosts 177 fund management firms, over 270 funds, and has seen AIF (Category-III) commitments triple to $10.15 billion—bringing total AUM to $23.5 billion, on course to exceed $100 billion by 2030.

The IFSC stands on the brink of surpassing 1,000 registered entities and $100 billion in banking assets, with diverse institutions including insurers, fintech firms, multi-nationals, and universities contributing to its dynamic growth.

Key global players like Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) have established operations here, supporting capital inflows of $4–5 billion via GIFT City India, aided by attractive tax holidays and streamlined remittances.

5. Advantages for Investors & Enterprises

GIFT City India offers a compelling blend of benefits:

Tax Incentives: Enjoy exemptions on GST, securities and commodity transaction taxes, alongside up to a 10-year tax holiday.

Foreign Exchange Flexibility: Deemed as a foreign jurisdiction under FEMA, it permits seamless cross-border transactions, capital movement, and fund transfers.

Unified Regulatory Access: Simplified approvals via single-window systems and consolidated regulatory oversight.

Global Market Reach: Platforms like GIFT Nifty, India INX, and IIBX facilitate global trading and investment opportunities.

Modern Facilities: Smart utilities and stellar business infrastructure promote efficiency and sustainability.

6. A Hub for Innovation & Education

Beyond finance, GIFT City India nurtures innovation and talent:

It serves as a fintech and IT hub, attracting global tech players and startups.

It is also evolving into an educational nucleus, with international campuses (notably Australian universities) offering courses in finance, cybersecurity, analytics, and business.

7. Challenges & the Road Ahead

While GIFT City India showcases impressive momentum, certain limitations remain:

The city’s social and entertainment ecosystem is still nascent—partly due to Gujarat’s historically conservative policies.

Although physical growth and connectivity are improving, livability and global visibility must continue evolving to attract and retain talent.

Conclusion

GIFT City India is more than a city—it’s a strategic launchpad projecting India into global financial prominence. It combines smart infrastructure, regulatory agility, vibrant capital markets, fund-focused ecosystems, and a growing educational and technological presence.

Two Asian titans, Singapore and Hong Kong, are locked in a high-stakes battle for supremacy in the realm of family offices - private havens managing the wealth of the ultra-rich. Once an undisputed leader, Hong Kong faces challenges, while Singapore strategically positions itself as a global wealth management destination. Let's unpack the strategies of these financial powerhouses and see why it matters.

Hong Kong's Eclipsing Luster

Hong Kong's once radiant image as a haven for wealth has dimmed. A significant exodus of millionaires, with estimates suggesting a 25% drop in the past year, paints a concerning picture. This can be attributed to several factors:

COVID-19 Conundrum: Stringent pandemic measures hampered Hong Kong's appeal as a business hub, pushing an estimated 3,000 millionaires to seek more relaxed environments.

Shifting Sands of Power: The tightening grip of Beijing on Hong Kong, coupled with security crackdowns, has cast a shadow over the city's economic landscape.

Zero-Covid Fixation: Hong Kong's unwavering commitment to a "zero Covid" strategy further impeded its economic performance.

As a symbolic shift, Hong Kong recently relinquished its crown as Asia's leading financial hub to Singapore, according to the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI). This has led to a surge in Chinese wealth, families, and businesses migrating to the Lion City, with nearly 2,800 HNWIs (High Net Worth Individuals) relocating in 2022.

Singapore's Strategic Ascendancy

Singapore's rise is no stroke of luck, but a result of carefully crafted policies and inherent strengths:

Business Nirvana: Singapore consistently ranks among the most business-friendly nations. Transparent regulations, unwavering political stability, and a proactive government make it a haven for investors.

Tax Paradise: The city-state's tax-friendly regime fosters investment. Over the past decade, assets under management (AUM) have skyrocketed from US$1.2 trillion to a staggering SGD 5.4 trillion.

Wealth Management Oasis: Singapore actively cultivates its image as a hub for wealth management and fund management. The number of family offices has seen a significant rise, solidifying its position as a wealth preservation powerhouse.

The Battle Rages On

The competition intensifies. Singapore, boasting 25% of Asia's family offices, has established itself as a global leader in wealth management. Hong Kong, with its concentration of ultra-high net worth individuals, strives to regain its lost footing.