GIFT City Rises to 37th Position in Global Financial Centres Index 2026

Key Facts

• GIFT City ranked 37th globally in Global Financial Centres Index 40 (September 2026), moving up nine positions from previous rankings.
• It is the sole Indian financial centre among the top 15 in the Asia-Pacific region.
• GIFT City rose three places to 26th position in the FinTech rankings within GFCI 40.
• The GFCI 40 assessed 139 financial centres worldwide using 144 quantitative measures and 39,531 professional assessments.
• GIFT City is regulated by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), a unified regulatory body established to facilitate international financial services within India’s IFSCs.

Background & Context

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is an International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. It represents the country's first operational IFSC providing world-class infrastructure and regulatory support for international financial services including banking, capital markets, insurance, and FinTech. The Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), published biannually by London-based Z/Yen Partners and the China Development Institute, ranks financial centres worldwide on criteria including competitiveness, business environment, human capital, infrastructure, financial sector development, and reputation. GIFT City's rise in rankings marks a significant milestone in India's efforts to develop an international financial hub.

Why This Matters for Exams

The ascent of GIFT City in the GFCI and FinTech rankings is illustrative of India's growing role in global finance and technology-driven financial services. Understanding the importance of GIFT City, its regulatory framework under IFSCA, and its position relative to other Asian and global financial hubs is vital for exams covering economy, finance, and current affairs. Topics such as international financial centres, regulatory bodies like IFSCA, and indices like GFCI are gaining prominence in competitive exams.

Points to Remember

• GIFT City stands for Gujarat International Finance Tec-City.
• Ranked 37th globally in Global Financial Centres Index 40 (September 2026).
• Ranked 26th in the FinTech category within GFCI 40.
• Only Indian financial centre in the Asia-Pacific top 15 financial hubs.
• The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) regulates GIFT City's financial services.
• GFCI assesses financial centres on over 140 criteria including business environment, infrastructure, and human capital.

Practice MCQs

Question 1

1. Which Indian city ranked 37th globally in the Global Financial Centres Index 40 in September 2026?
2. Mumbai
3. GIFT City
4. New Delhi
5. Bangalore

Answer: GIFT City

Question 2

1. What is GIFT City's rank in the FinTech category in the GFCI 40 report?
2. 15th
3. 26th
4. 37th
5. 49th

Answer: 26th

Question 3

1. Which authority regulates financial products and services in GIFT City?
2. Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
3. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
4. International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)
5. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

Answer: International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)