Gandhinagar, Gujarat | July 25, 2026: Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is rapidly establishing itself as India’s premier international financial services hub, with banking assets surpassing $111 billion and more than 1,200 financial institutions operating within its ecosystem. From banking, capital markets, insurance, and fund management to aircraft leasing, ship leasing, corporate treasury, and sustainable finance, GIFT City is becoming a major driver of India’s ambition to compete with global financial centers.
A media delegation from Chhattisgarh, participating in a Press Information Bureau (PIB), Raipur study tour of Gujarat, visited GIFT City to gain first-hand insights into its rapidly expanding financial ecosystem. The delegation interacted with officials and explored developments across banking, investment management, trade finance, insurance, treasury operations, and international financial services.
The delegation was briefed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Avichal Khera and General Manager (GM) Jaya Chaturvedi, who outlined GIFT City’s remarkable growth and its long-term vision of making India a globally competitive financial destination.
A Fast-Growing International Financial Ecosystem
According to officials, GIFT City currently hosts more than 1,200 active institutions operating in sectors such as:
- International Banking
- Fund Management
- Capital Markets
- Insurance
- Aircraft Leasing
- Ship Leasing
- Bullion Exchange
- Corporate Treasury Centers
- Global In-House Centers (GICs)
- Trade Finance
- Sustainable Finance
The city has become a preferred destination for financial institutions seeking a globally competitive regulatory environment and world-class infrastructure.
Banking Assets Cross $111 Billion
The banking sector continues to be one of GIFT City’s strongest growth engines.
As of March 2026:
- Total Banking Assets exceeded $111 billion.
- Customer Loans reached $76.14 billion.
- External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) Exposure stood at $41.18 billion.
Officials stated that the steady expansion reflects growing confidence among both domestic and international financial institutions.
Fund Management Witnesses Strong Growth
The Fund Management industry has also recorded significant expansion.
By March 2026, GIFT City had:
- 217 Fund Management Entities
- 360 Registered Funds and Investment Schemes
- Total Fund Commitments exceeding $39.09 billion
The rapid increase highlights GIFT City’s growing importance as a preferred destination for asset managers, investment funds, and institutional investors.
Capital Markets Continue to Expand
GIFT City’s capital market ecosystem has also achieved impressive milestones.
Key figures include:
- Listed Debt Securities worth $70.31 billion
- Average Monthly Trading Volume of $112.49 billion
These numbers demonstrate increasing participation from international investors and financial institutions.
Insurance Sector Records Significant Expansion
The insurance industry has experienced steady growth.
Between December 2025 and March 2026:
- Insurance Offices increased from 24 to 36.
- Insurance Intermediaries rose from 31 to 34.
Officials said the expansion reflects increasing demand for international insurance and reinsurance services.
Aircraft and Ship Leasing Become Emerging Growth Engines
One of GIFT City’s fastest-growing sectors is Aircraft and Ship Leasing, offering India a competitive alternative to established global leasing hubs.
As of March 2026:
Aircraft Leasing
- 35 Aircraft Leasing Companies
- 373 Aviation Assets
Ship Leasing
- 36 Ship Leasing Companies
- 37 Leased Ships
These sectors are expected to strengthen India’s aviation and maritime financing capabilities while reducing dependence on overseas leasing jurisdictions.
Corporate Treasury and Sustainable Finance Gain Momentum
Global corporations are increasingly setting up Global and Regional Corporate Treasury Centres (GRCTCs) within GIFT City.
By March 2026:
- Treasury Centre Loans and Advances reached $5.61 billion.
Meanwhile, Sustainable Finance has shown exceptional growth.
- Sustainable Loans increased from $2.76 billion in December 2025 to $6.25 billion by March 2026, reflecting rising investments in environmentally responsible projects.
Ambitious Expansion Plans for 2030
Officials revealed that GIFT City has an ambitious long-term development strategy.
By 2030, the city plans to develop:
- 71 Commercial Towers
- More than 22 million square feet of additional built-up space.
- Employment potential for over 137,000 professionals.
Future infrastructure will include:
- Sports Arena
- Modern Hospitals
- Luxury Hotels
- Golf Course
- Food & Beverage District
- Riverfront Development
- Retail Zones
- Expanded Metro Connectivity
These developments aim to create a world-class financial and business district comparable with leading international financial centers.
Strengthening India’s Global Financial Position
CEO Avichal Khera and GM Jaya Chaturvedi emphasized that GIFT City’s continued expansion represents a major milestone in India’s efforts to build a globally competitive financial services industry.
They noted that the rapid growth of banking, fund management, capital markets, insurance, leasing, corporate treasury, and sustainable finance is positioning GIFT City as one of the most important international financial hubs in Asia.
With strong policy support, expanding infrastructure, and rising global participation, GIFT City is expected to play a central role in transforming India into a leading global financial powerhouse while creating thousands of high-skilled employment opportunities in the years ahead.
