By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) have unveiled a strategic roadmap to institutionalise a standardized corporate governance ecosystem at GIFT-IFSC, marking a significant push to strengthen India’s international financial services framework.
The landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on February 20, 2026, at the IFSCA Campus in GIFT City. The agreement was formalised by Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director General & CEO, IICA, and Shri K. Rajaraman, Chairperson, IFSCA, in the presence of senior officials and distinguished dignitaries.
A Strategic Partnership for Global Standards
As the unified regulator of India’s International Financial Services Centre, IFSCA oversees a rapidly expanding financial ecosystem operating within the broader framework of the Companies Act, 2013, under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, with specific exemptions applicable to IFSC entities.
IICA, a premier think tank under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, will play a pivotal role in strengthening governance structures, enhancing regulatory capacity, and providing policy advisory support within the IFSC landscape.
The MoU establishes a structured collaboration focused on capacity building, policy research, and knowledge partnerships aimed at boosting regulatory effectiveness and reinforcing corporate governance standards at GIFT-IFSC.
Training, Policy Support & ESG Focus
Under the agreement, IICA will provide training and policy support to IFSCA and IFSC-registered entities to ensure compliance with evolving global governance norms.
Specialised online certificate, induction, and advanced training programmes will be conducted for IFSCA officers in areas including:
- Corporate and Allied Laws
- Corporate Governance
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
- Cross-Border Transactions and Restructuring
These customised programmes, ranging from one week to three months, will be tailored to meet IFSCA’s regulatory and operational needs. The initiative is expected to strengthen institutional competencies and promote ease of doing business within the IFSC ecosystem.
Leadership Vision & Future Expansion
Speaking at the event, Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh said IICA looks forward to fostering a standardized corporate governance ecosystem in the globally competitive financial hub of GIFT-IFSC. He highlighted three immediate focus areas: customised capacity-building programmes, leadership development initiatives, and policy research support.
Chairperson Shri K. Rajaraman appreciated IICA’s initiatives and outlined an action plan for operationalising the collaboration. He stressed the need for jointly delivered corporate governance programmes at GIFT City on an annual basis, including specialised courses for newly incorporated IFSC entities.
He also acknowledged IICA’s Centre of Excellence at Shillong and suggested exploring the possibility of establishing a facilitation or outreach presence within GIFT-IFSC to deepen institutional engagement.
The partnership signals a decisive step towards positioning GIFT-IFSC as a globally benchmarked financial hub anchored in strong governance, regulatory excellence, and institutional capacity building.
