Finance Company in GIFT IFSC: Quick Overview
Regulator
Location
Governing Regulation
Registration Type
Finance Company Structure
Finance Unit Structure
Public Deposits
Banking Unit
Core Activity Capital
Non-Core / Treasury Activity Capital
GRCTC Owned Fund
Application System
Currency
Balance Sheet
Timeline
What is a Finance Company in GIFT IFSC?
A Finance Company in GIFT IFSC is a financial institution incorporated or set up within an International Financial Services Centre that undertakes permitted financial activities such as lending, credit arrangements, investments, treasury management, derivatives, leasing, factoring and other financial services.
The entity must obtain a Certificate of Registration from IFSCA before commencing operations. Unlike a traditional RBI-regulated NBFC operating in domestic India, a Finance Company in GIFT IFSC primarily operates in foreign currency and focuses on cross-border or international financial services.
Regulatory Background of Finance Company in GIFT IFSC
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulator | International Financial Services Centres Authority |
| Governing Law | IFSCA Act, 2019 |
| Primary Regulation | IFSCA Finance Company Regulations, 2021 |
| Location | GIFT City - International Financial Services Centre |
| Registration Requirement | Certificate of Registration from IFSCA |
| Application Mode | IFSCA Single Window IT System / SWIT |
| Permitted Structures | Finance Company or Finance Unit |
| Public Deposit Restriction | Public deposits not permitted |
| Currency Framework | Freely convertible foreign currency; INR account permitted for administrative and statutory expenses |
| Balance Sheet | USD only |
| AML / KYC | IFSCA AML, CFT and KYC requirements apply |
| FEMA | Applicable where Indian residents or cross-border flows are involved |
The IFSCA Finance Company framework allows financial institutions to operate within the IFSC ecosystem and provide financial services primarily in foreign currencies. It supports India's objective of onshoring international financial services that were historically undertaken from overseas jurisdictions.
Finance Company vs Finance Unit in IFSC
| Particular | Finance Company | Finance Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Nature | Separately incorporated entity | Branch of an incorporated entity |
| Setup Form | Subsidiary, joint venture, newly incorporated company or other form specified by IFSCA | Branch of company incorporated in India or outside India |
| Public Deposits | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Banking Unit Status | Cannot be Banking Unit | Cannot be Banking Unit |
| Owned Fund | Maintained by Finance Company | Maintained on unimpaired basis, and in some cases at parent level as permitted |
| Home Regulator NOC | Required where parent carrying regulated financial activity, wherever applicable | Required for core activities where applicant is regulated in home jurisdiction, wherever applicable |
| Accounts | Balance sheet in USD | Accounts of Finance Unit transactions must be distinct from parent |
Who Should Apply for Finance Company in GIFT IFSC?
Global Financial Institutions
NBFC Groups
Leasing Companies
Corporate Treasury Centres
Investment and Financing Platforms
Factoring and Trade Finance Businesses
Forms of Establishment for Finance Company in GIFT IFSC
| Structure | Description |
|---|---|
| New Company | Newly incorporated company under Companies Act, 2013 for IFSC operations |
| Subsidiary | Subsidiary of existing financial institution or corporate group |
| Joint Venture | Joint venture structure between Indian or foreign promoters |
| Finance Unit | Branch of Indian or foreign company established in IFSC |
| Other Permitted Structure | Any other structure permitted by IFSCA from time to time |
Permitted Core Activities under IFSCA Finance Company Regulations
| Core Activity | Meaning / Scope |
|---|---|
| Lending | Loans, commitments, guarantees, credit enhancement, securitisation, financial lease and sale / purchase of portfolios |
| Factoring and Forfaiting | Subject to IFSCA factoring registration requirements |
| Investments | Subscribing, acquiring, holding or transferring securities or other permitted instruments |
| Derivatives | Buying or selling derivatives |
| Global / Regional Corporate Treasury Centre | GRCTC activities under separate framework |
| Other Core Activity | Any other core activity as permitted by IFSCA |
Permitted Non-Core Activities under IFSCA Finance Company Regulations
| Non-Core Activity | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Merchant Banking | Subject to relevant framework |
| Authorised Person | Subject to applicable IFSCA conditions |
| Registrar and Share Transfer Agent | Subject to specific registration |
| Trusteeship Services | Subject to applicable framework |
| Investment Advisory Services | Subject to applicable framework |
| Portfolio Management Services | Subject to applicable framework |
| Operating Lease | Includes aircraft lease, ship lease or other equipment as specified by IFSCA |
| International Trade Financing Services Platform | Subject to ITFS guidelines |
| Distribution of Financial Products | Includes mutual fund and insurance product distribution |
| Trading / Clearing Member | For exchanges and clearing corporations in IFSC |
| Asset Management Support Services | Subject to ancillary services framework |
| Facilitators of Permissible Activities | As and when permitted by IFSCA |
| Activity without Customer Interface | With prior approval where classified as non-core |
| Other Non-Core Activity | As permitted by IFSCA |
Minimum Capital Requirement for Finance Company in GIFT IFSC
| Activity Category | Minimum Owned Fund |
|---|---|
| Non-Core Activities Only | USD 0.2 million or activity-specific requirement, whichever is higher |
| Core Financial Activities | USD 3 million or activity-specific requirement, whichever is higher |
| Treasury Centre / GRCTC Activities | USD 0.2 million or as prescribed |
| Factoring Activity | Governed through Finance Company framework plus Factor registration requirements |
| Aircraft / Ship Operating Lease | USD 0.2 million or framework-specific amount |
| Aircraft / Ship Financial Lease | USD 3 million or framework-specific amount |
What is Owned Fund?
Owned fund generally includes paid-up capital, free reserves, balance in share premium account and capital reserves arising from asset sale surplus. It excludes revaluation reserves, accumulated losses, book value of intangible assets and deferred revenue expenditure.
FATF Compliance Requirement for Finance Company in GIFT IFSC
The applicant entity and its promoters must originate from jurisdictions that comply with Financial Action Task Force standards. The parent or promoter should not be from a FATF high-risk jurisdiction subject to call for action.
AML Compliance Readiness
CFT Compliance Readiness
Clean Promoter Jurisdiction
Transparent Ownership Structure
Regulatory Track Record
Fit and Proper Declarations
Prudential Norms for Finance Company in GIFT IFSC
| Requirement | Position |
|---|---|
| Capital Ratio | Minimum 8% of regulatory capital to risk-weighted assets or such percentage as specified by IFSCA |
| Liquidity Coverage Ratio | Maintain LCR on standalone basis; Finance Unit may maintain through parent with IFSCA approval |
| Exposure Ceiling | Exposure to single counterparty or connected group should not exceed 25% of available eligible capital base without IFSCA approval |
| Speculative Transactions | Finance Company / Unit shall not undertake or fund speculative transactions |
| Derivative Transactions by Non-Core Entities | Permitted only for hedging underlying exposures |
Risk Management Framework for Finance Company in GIFT IFSC
Credit Risk
Market Risk
Liquidity Risk
Operational Risk
Compliance Risk
Counterparty Risk
Governance Requirements
| Governance Area | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Corporate Governance Policy | Board-approved governance policy |
| Risk Management Policy | Board-approved risk framework |
| Activity Approval Policy | Delegation matrix and control framework for permissible activities |
| Board Oversight | Periodic review of financial activities and risk exposures |
| Internal Audit | Internal control and audit mechanism |
| Compliance Function | Compliance monitoring and regulatory reporting |
| Change in Control | Prior approval / intimation as applicable |
Global / Regional Corporate Treasury Centre under Finance Company in GIFT IFSC
A Finance Company / Finance Unit may undertake Global / Regional Corporate Treasury Centre activities under the specific GRCTC framework. GRCTC is designed to allow corporate groups to centralise treasury, liquidity, funding, risk management, re-invoicing and financial management functions from IFSC.
| Particular | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Applicable Framework | Framework for Finance Company / Finance Unit undertaking GRCTC activity dated April 04, 2025 |
| Legal Form | Company or branch of a company incorporated in India or outside India |
| Owned Fund | USD 0.2 million at all times |
| Qualified Personnel | At least 5 qualified personnel based in IFSC including Head of Treasury and Compliance Officer before commencement |
| Application | Through SWIT |
| Service Recipients | Group entities and / or group entities of parent and / or branches of parent or group entities |
| FATF Condition | Parent should not be from FATF high-risk jurisdiction subject to call for action |
| Commencement | Within 6 months from grant of CoR, extension up to 3 months may be granted |
| Fees | Application USD 1,000; Registration USD 12,500; Recurring USD 25,000 per annum |
Permissible Activities for GRCTC
| Activity | Scope |
|---|---|
| Raising Capital | Issuance of equity shares |
| Borrowing | Including inter-company deposits |
| Credit Arrangements | Lending, credit guarantee, performance bonds and other credit facilities |
| Investments | Financial instruments issued in IFSC or outside IFSC |
| Derivatives | OTC and exchange-traded derivatives in IFSC or outside IFSC as permitted |
| Foreign Exchange Transactions | In currencies specified by IFSCA |
| Factoring and Forfaiting | Separate factor registration required |
| Re-invoicing Centre | Financing purchase and sale of goods on behalf of service recipients without taking physical possession |
| Liquidity Management | Fund pooling, cash concentration, payment processing and surplus fund management |
| Financial Counterparty Management | Banks, rating agencies, valuation, treasury accounting, covenant testing and audit trail |
| Insurance / Pension Obligations | Managing group obligations towards insurance and pension commitments |
| Advisory Services | Financial management, financial risk management, funding and capital market activities |
| Holding Company | Permitted holding company activity |
| Other Activity | With prior approval of IFSCA |
Factoring and Forfaiting under IFSCA Finance Company Framework
Factoring and forfaiting may be undertaken as a core activity by a Finance Company / Finance Unit, subject to the IFSCA Registration of Factors and Registration of Assignment of Receivables Regulations, 2024.
| Requirement | Position |
|---|---|
| Registration | Factor must obtain certificate of registration from IFSCA |
| Pre-condition | Factor must have Certificate of Registration under IFSCA Finance Company Regulations, 2021 |
| Experience | Relevant Persons should possess adequate experience in factoring |
| Infrastructure | Adequate office space, equipment, communication facilities and manpower |
| Fit and Proper | Factor and Relevant Persons must satisfy fit and proper requirements |
| Financial Soundness | Required |
| Commencement | Factoring business must commence within six months from grant of CoR |
| TReDS Filing | Assignment of receivables financed through TReDS must be filed with Central Registry within prescribed timelines |
Conduct of Factoring Business in IFSC
Direct Factoring
Platform-Based Factoring
Receivable Assignment
Central Registry Filing
Trade Finance Use Case
Currency of Operations and Balance Sheet
| Area | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operations | Freely convertible foreign currency |
| INR Business Transactions | May be permitted if denominated in INR but settled in freely convertible foreign currency, as specified |
| INR Account | Permitted from freely convertible foreign currency for administrative and statutory expenses |
| Balance Sheet | Maintained only in USD |
| Finance Unit Accounts | Transaction accounts must be distinct from parent |
| GRCTC Outside IFSC Transactions | May undertake transactions outside IFSC in currencies other than specified foreign currencies |
| SNRR Account | GRCTC may open SNRR account with authorised dealer in India for business-related transactions outside IFSC |
Step-by-Step Process for Finance Company in GIFT IFSC
Business Model and Activity Assessment
Identify whether proposed activity is core, non-core, GRCTC, factoring, leasing, holding company or other permitted activity.
Entity Structure Selection
Evaluate Finance Company or Finance Unit structure, subsidiary, joint venture, newly incorporated company, branch or other permitted form.
Promoter / Parent and FATF Review
Check promoter jurisdiction, parent background, home regulator NOC requirement and FATF compliance.
Owned Fund Planning
Determine applicable owned fund based on proposed activities and arrange capital / parent support as required.
Document and Policy Preparation
Prepare business plan, financial projections, prudential policy, risk management policy, corporate governance policy, KYC/AML framework and activity-specific policy.
SWIT Application Filing
Submit application through IFSCA Single Window IT System with documents and applicable application fee.
Provisional Registration
IFSCA may issue provisional registration if the application prima facie satisfies conditions.
Condition Compliance
Fulfil capital, infrastructure, personnel, LoA and registration fee requirements.
Grant of Certificate of Registration
Upon IFSCA satisfaction and receipt of specified fees, IFSCA may grant Certificate of Registration.
Commencement of Operations
Commence permitted activities only after grant of CoR and maintain valid SEZ Letter of Approval where applicable.
Post-Registration Compliance
Maintain owned fund, file reports, comply with KYC/AML, governance, disclosure, fees and activity-specific conditions.
Provisional Registration and Deficiency Rectification
| Situation | Regulatory Position |
|---|---|
| Provisional Registration | May be granted where applicant requires additional time to fulfil specific conditions |
| Deficiency Communication | IFSCA may communicate deficiencies in application |
| Rectification Period | Applicant may be given 30 days to rectify deficiencies |
| Failure to Rectify | Application may be refused |
| Opportunity of Written Submission | Applicant should receive opportunity to make submissions before refusal |
Documents Required for Finance Company in GIFT IFSC
| Category | Documents / Information |
|---|---|
| Entity Documents | Certificate of incorporation / registration, constitutional documents, board resolution, PAN / tax details and registered office details |
| IFSC Setup Documents | IFSC unit setup documents, SEZ Letter of Approval, office details and infrastructure plan |
| Promoter / Parent Documents | Ownership structure, FATF jurisdiction confirmation, financial statements, group profile, regulator NOC where applicable |
| Activity Scope Note | Description of proposed core / non-core / GRCTC / factoring / leasing / holding company activity |
| Business Plan | Revenue model, service recipients, target market, financial projections, risk framework and operational roadmap |
| Capital Documents | Owned fund certificate, capital infusion proof, bank statements, parent undertaking where applicable |
| Fit and Proper Documents | Declarations for applicant, KMPs, controlling persons and relevant persons |
| Governance Documents | Corporate governance policy, risk management policy, prudential policy, delegation matrix and Board-approved activity policy |
| KYC / AML Documents | KYC/AML/CFT policy aligned with applicable IFSCA guidelines |
| GRCTC Documents | Service recipient list, Head of Treasury and Compliance Officer details, personnel plan and treasury policy |
| Factoring Documents | Factor registration documents, receivables assignment process, TReDS / Central Registry filing process |
| Application Documents | SWIT application, fee payment proof and IFSCA-prescribed forms |
Government Fees for Finance Company in GIFT IFSC
| Category | Application Fee | Registration Fee | Annual Recurring Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance Company / Unit undertaking core activities | USD 1,000 | USD 12,500 | USD 12,500 |
| Finance Company / Unit undertaking GRCTC | USD 1,000 | USD 12,500 | USD 25,000 |
| Permissible activities without customer interface | USD 1,000 | USD 12,500 | USD 12,500 |
| Factoring Registration | As prescribed by IFSCA | As prescribed by IFSCA | As prescribed by IFSCA |
Indicative Timeline for Finance Company in GIFT IFSC
| Stage | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Business Structuring | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Application Preparation | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Regulatory Review | 4 to 8 weeks or more |
| Query Resolution | Case-specific |
| Total Estimated Timeline | 6 to 10 weeks or longer, depending on IFSCA review |
Corporate Governance and Disclosure Requirements
| Requirement | Position |
|---|---|
| Corporate Governance Policy | Required for applicable Finance Companies / Units |
| Risk Management Policy | Required where applicable and should cover identification, measurement, monitoring and management of risks |
| Board-approved Activity Policy | Required for undertaking permissible activities |
| Policy Review | Board should review policies periodically |
| Prior Approval for Change in Control | Required for Finance Company where mergers, acquisitions, takeover or change in management results in change in control of at least 20% share capital or business decision authority |
| Finance Unit Parent Change | Must be intimated to IFSCA within 15 days from event |
KYC, AML and CFT Requirements
Finance Companies and Finance Units must follow KYC norms, AML and CFT requirements as applicable to IFSC entities. GRCTC entities must adhere to IFSCA AML, CFT and KYC Guidelines, 2022, as amended, to the extent applicable.
Customer Due Diligence
Beneficial Ownership
Sanctions Screening
Transaction Monitoring
Record Maintenance
STR Escalation
Board AML Policy
Compliance Oversight
Why GIFT IFSC for Finance Company Setup?
Dedicated Unified Regulator
Full Convertibility with Foreign Currencies
Globally Benchmarked Regulations
Attractive Tax Regime
Cost and Talent Advantage
Onshoring Offshore Financial Services
Wide Financial Ecosystem
Ongoing Compliance for IFSCA Finance Companies / Units
| Compliance Area | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Owned Fund Maintenance | Maintain applicable owned fund at all times |
| Prudential Norms | Capital ratio, LCR and exposure ceiling as applicable |
| KYC / AML | Follow applicable IFSCA KYC, AML and CFT requirements |
| Financial Reporting | Financial reporting to IFSCA in USD unless otherwise specified |
| Operational Reporting | Furnish operational information in manner, interval and form specified by IFSCA |
| Balance Sheet | Maintain balance sheet in USD |
| Change in Control | Prior approval / intimation as applicable |
| Material Changes | Inform IFSCA of relevant changes |
| Activity-Specific Reporting | Follow additional reporting under GRCTC, factoring, leasing, ITFS or other framework |
| Fee Compliance | Pay recurring and applicable fees within prescribed timelines |
| Report Delay Charges | USD 100 per month or part thereof for delayed / non-submission, subject to fee circular |
NBFC vs Finance Company in GIFT IFSC
| Particular | NBFC in India | Finance Company in GIFT IFSC |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Reserve Bank of India | International Financial Services Centres Authority |
| Governing Law | RBI Act and RBI NBFC Directions | IFSCA Finance Company Regulations, 2021 |
| Operational Jurisdiction | Domestic India | GIFT IFSC / International Financial Services Centre |
| Currency | Primarily INR | Freely convertible foreign currency |
| Typical Business | Domestic lending and financial intermediation | Cross-border finance, treasury, investment, leasing, factoring and financial services |
| Client Base | Indian borrowers and businesses | Group entities, service recipients and international counterparties |
| Minimum Capital | As per RBI NBFC category | USD 0.2 million / USD 3 million depending on activity |
| Corporate Treasury | Generally not a standard NBFC activity | GRCTC specifically permitted |
| Derivative Transactions | Restricted and regulated | Permitted within IFSCA framework |
| Tax Environment | Domestic tax framework | IFSC tax framework, subject to applicable law |
| Location | Anywhere in India | GIFT IFSC |
Action in Case of Default
If a Finance Company or Finance Unit fails to fulfil any conditions subject to which registration has been granted, IFSCA may take action including suspension, withdrawal or cancellation of registration after giving opportunity of making submissions.
| Default | Possible Regulatory Action |
|---|---|
| Failure to maintain owned fund | Supervisory action or registration risk |
| Violation of activity scope | Restriction or cancellation risk |
| KYC / AML non-compliance | Regulatory action |
| Failure to submit reports | Charges and supervisory action |
| Failure to pay fees | Interest and possible regulatory consequences |
| Speculative transaction | Regulatory concern |
| Change in control without approval | Enforcement risk |
| Non-compliance with CoR conditions | Suspension, withdrawal or cancellation |
Common Mistakes in Finance Company in GIFT IFSC
| Mistake | Risk |
|---|---|
| Confusing Finance Company with RBI NBFC | Wrong regulatory positioning |
| Wrong classification of core and non-core activity | Incorrect capital and application approach |
| Ignoring activity-specific frameworks | Query or rejection risk |
| Insufficient owned fund planning | Application delay |
| Missing home regulator NOC | Eligibility gap |
| Promoter not from FATF-compliant jurisdiction | Regulatory concern |
| No clear business plan | IFSCA queries |
| No prudential / risk policy | Governance gap |
| No KYC/AML framework | Compliance gap |
| Incorrect fee payment | Application not entertained or delayed |
| No SEZ / LoA planning | Operational delay |
| No USD balance sheet planning | Reporting issue |
How Estabizz Helps with Finance Company in GIFT IFSC
Activity Classification
IFSC Entity Structuring
Owned Fund Readiness
Business Plan and Financial Projection
Policy Documentation
GRCTC Advisory
Factoring Registration Support
SWIT Application and Query Support
Post-Registration Compliance
Ticket-Based Execution
Why Choose Estabizz for Finance Company in GIFT IFSC?
IFSCA Regulatory Expertise
Finance Activity Structuring
Business Plan Strength
Multi-Regulator Experience
100+ Associate Professionals
End-to-End Support
FAQs on Finance Company in GIFT IFSC
1. What is a Finance Company in GIFT IFSC?
A Finance Company in GIFT IFSC is an entity registered with IFSCA to undertake permitted financial activities such as lending, investments, treasury management, derivatives, liquidity management and financial advisory within the IFSC ecosystem.
2. Who regulates Finance Companies in GIFT IFSC?
Finance Companies and Finance Units in IFSC are regulated by the International Financial Services Centres Authority.
3. What is the difference between Finance Company and Finance Unit?
A Finance Company is a separately incorporated entity in IFSC, while a Finance Unit is a branch of an incorporated entity permitted to undertake specified activities in IFSC.
4. Can a Finance Company accept public deposits?
No. Finance Company and Finance Unit cannot accept public deposits from residents or non-residents.
5. Can a Finance Company also be a Banking Unit?
No. A Finance Company or Finance Unit cannot be registered with IFSCA as a Banking Unit.
6. What are permitted core activities?
Core activities include lending, commitments, guarantees, credit enhancement, securitisation, financial lease, sale and purchase of portfolios, factoring, forfaiting, investments, derivatives, GRCTC and other permitted core activities.
7. What are permitted non-core activities?
Non-core activities include merchant banking, investment advisory, portfolio management, operating lease, ITFS, distribution of financial products, trading and clearing member activities, asset management support services and other activities permitted by IFSCA.
8. Is a Finance Company in IFSC the same as an NBFC?
No. An NBFC is regulated by RBI and operates mainly in domestic India, while a Finance Company in GIFT IFSC is regulated by IFSCA and generally undertakes international financial services in foreign currency.
9. What is the minimum owned fund for non-core activities?
The minimum owned fund is generally higher of USD 0.2 million or the specific amount required for the proposed activity, or any higher amount specified by IFSCA.
10. What is the minimum owned fund for core activities?
For core activities, except GRCTC, the minimum owned fund is generally higher of USD 3 million, activity-specific capital requirement or any higher amount specified by IFSCA.
11. What is the owned fund requirement for GRCTC?
A Finance Company / Finance Unit undertaking GRCTC activity must maintain minimum owned fund of USD 0.2 million at all times.
12. What is GRCTC?
GRCTC means Global / Regional Corporate Treasury Centre, which allows group treasury, liquidity, funding, risk management, derivative, re-invoicing, factoring, advisory and financial management activities for eligible service recipients.
13. Can a GRCTC undertake factoring and forfaiting?
Yes, but it must obtain registration under IFSCA Registration of Factors and Registration of Assignment of Receivables Regulations, 2024 before undertaking factoring and forfaiting.
14. Is application filed through SWIT?
Yes. Applications are filed through IFSCA Single Window IT System.
15. Is provisional registration possible?
Yes. IFSCA may issue provisional registration where the application prima facie satisfies requirements, but it does not automatically guarantee final registration.
16. When can business commence?
Business can commence only after receipt of Certificate of Registration and fulfilment of applicable conditions, including valid SEZ Letter of Approval where applicable.
17. What currency can Finance Company use?
Operations are generally carried out in freely convertible foreign currency. INR account may be maintained for administrative and statutory expenses as permitted.
18. In which currency must balance sheet be maintained?
Balance sheet must be maintained in United States Dollars.
19. Are prudential norms applicable?
Prudential norms such as capital ratio, liquidity coverage ratio and exposure ceiling apply where relevant, subject to category-specific exemptions.
20. What is the capital ratio requirement?
The minimum capital ratio is 8% of regulatory capital to risk-weighted assets, or such percentage as specified by IFSCA.
21. What is the exposure ceiling?
Exposure to a single counterparty or connected group should not exceed 25% of available eligible capital base without IFSCA approval.
22. Can Finance Company undertake speculative transactions?
No. Finance Company / Finance Unit shall not undertake or fund speculative transactions.
23. Is home regulator NOC required?
Home regulator NOC may be required where the parent or applicant carries on regulated financial activity in its home jurisdiction, wherever applicable.
24. Is FATF jurisdiction requirement applicable?
Yes. Applicant entity and / or promoters should be from FATF-compliant jurisdiction and comply with AML/CFT standards.
25. Is prior approval required for change in control?
Yes, prescribed mergers, acquisitions, takeovers or change in management resulting in change in control require IFSCA approval or intimation as applicable.
26. What are the fees for Finance Company core activity registration?
As per the FY 2026-27 fee circular, application fee is USD 1,000, registration fee is USD 12,500 and annual recurring fee is USD 12,500 for specified core activities.
27. What are the fees for GRCTC?
As per the FY 2026-27 fee circular, application fee is USD 1,000, registration fee is USD 12,500 and annual recurring fee is USD 25,000.
28. Can IFSCA cancel registration?
Yes. IFSCA may suspend, withdraw or cancel registration if the Finance Company / Unit fails to comply with registration conditions, after giving opportunity to make submissions.
29. How can Estabizz help with Finance Company in GIFT IFSC?
Estabizz assists with activity classification, IFSC entity structuring, owned fund readiness, business plan, policy drafting, SWIT application, IFSCA query support and post-registration compliance.
Reviewed by Estabizz Compliance Expert
Reviewed by: CS Devyani Khambhati
Designation: Compliance Expert | Estabizz Fintech Private Limited
Expertise: IFSCA, RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, GIFT City registrations, Finance Company Regulations, GRCTC framework, factoring registration, cross-border financial services and post-registration compliance.
This content has been prepared from a regulatory advisory perspective to help financial groups, treasury centres, fintech founders, corporate groups and financial institutions understand the broad IFSCA framework for Finance Company / Finance Unit registration in GIFT IFSC.
Start Your Finance Company in GIFT IFSC Journey with Estabizz
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