Standard Chartered becomes 1st foreign bank licensed at GIFT IFSC

Standard Chartered — one of the leading international banks — will become the first foreign bank to launch operations at International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) located in Gujarat International Finance Tec – City (GIFT City). Standard Chartered has received in-principle regulatory approvals to set up its IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) in GIFT IFSC. The proposed commencement of the IBU marks a significant development in India’s IFSC business and proves GIFT’s mettle as a globally competitive international financial centre that is at par with other well established global financial centres across the world.

 Welcoming the first foreign bank at GIFT IFSC, Tapan Ray, MD & Group CEO, GIFT City, “It is a momentous occasion for us to host Standard Chartered at GIFT IFSC. Government of India had envisaged GIFT IFSC as a hub to bring offshore financial transactions onshore, and with the presence of Standard Chartered, the IFSC ecosystem of India will become more formidable now. In addition, the announcements made in the recent Union Budget have provided the much needed impetus to take GIFT on a fast track mode. This would definitely incentivise more international financial intuitions to set up their base in GIFT City. The recent budget has laid a special emphasis on aircraft financing and leasing and announced various incentives. We would like to work with organizations including Standard Chartered to help build a hub for aircraft financing and leasing within GIFT City.”

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The banking business at GIFT IFSC has seen a 167% jump in just two years. The cumulative banking transactions touched $22bn this year as compared to US$ 6bn in 2016-17. GIFT IFSC Banking Units have played a pivotal role in the development of IFSC in India by providing dollar financing to Indian corporates. As per available data, IBUs in GIFT IFSC have contributed around 8% of total External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) availed by Indian Corporate in FY17-18 which was around US$ 29Bn. Apart from banking,  insurance and international exchanges in GIFT IFSC have also seen an upward trajectory in their business.