Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, widely known as GIFT City, is rapidly strengthening its position as India’s gateway to international financial markets. What began as an ambitious financial district has developed into a large and diverse ecosystem supporting banking, fund management, aircraft leasing, ship leasing, fintech and corporate treasury operations.
The scale of activity recorded by March 2026 demonstrates how significantly the financial hub has expanded. With more global institutions, investors and corporations joining its ecosystem, GIFT City is becoming an increasingly important platform for connecting Indian businesses with international capital and financial services.
A Financial Ecosystem Operating at Scale
GIFT City is now home to more than 1,500 entities and supports a professional workforce of approximately 27,000 people. These figures indicate that the project has progressed beyond its initial development stage and is now functioning as a mature financial and commercial ecosystem.
The growing number of institutions operating from the city also reflects increasing confidence in its regulatory structure, business environment and international connectivity.
GIFT City’s expansion is not limited to the number of registered businesses. Its financial activities have grown substantially across banking, investment management, leasing and treasury services, helping strengthen its role in both inbound and outbound capital flows.
Banking Assets Reach USD 111 Billion
Banking remains one of the strongest pillars of the GIFT City International Financial Services Centre.
As of March 2026, banking assets within GIFT City had reached USD 111 billion. This significant asset base highlights the increasing use of the financial centre for international banking, foreign-currency lending, trade finance and cross-border financial transactions.
The growth in banking activity also reflects the broader objective of enabling Indian and international institutions to access global financial markets through a regulated platform located within India.
As more banks and financial institutions build their presence in the city, GIFT City is expected to play an even greater role in facilitating international business and capital movement.
Fund Management Commitments Cross USD 39 Billion
Fund management has also emerged as a major area of growth.
By March 2026, GIFT City’s fund management ecosystem included 217 fund management entities with cumulative capital commitments of approximately USD 39 billion.
This development reflects the increasing interest of investment managers, private equity firms, institutional investors and other financial organisations in establishing operations within the International Financial Services Centre.
The availability of a specialised regulatory framework, international financial infrastructure and access to global investors is helping GIFT City become an attractive location for managing investment funds from India.
Its expanding fund management ecosystem is also strengthening the city’s position as a platform through which international and domestic investors can explore opportunities across different asset classes and markets.
Aircraft and Ship Leasing Gain Momentum
Specialised leasing has become another important part of GIFT City’s financial landscape.
As of March 2026, 35 aircraft lessors and 36 ship lessors were operating within the ecosystem. More than 370 aviation assets and 37 ships had been leased using structures based in GIFT City.
These figures demonstrate the city’s growing importance in asset financing and leasing.
The development of domestic aircraft and ship leasing capabilities can provide businesses with an Indian platform for transactions that were traditionally structured through overseas financial centres.
By supporting these specialised services, GIFT City is diversifying beyond conventional banking and investment management while creating new opportunities for financial institutions, airlines, shipping companies and professional service providers.
Corporate Treasury Activity Continues to Expand
Global and regional corporate treasury centres are also increasing their use of GIFT City.
Loans and advances provided through these treasury centres reached USD 5.61 billion by March 2026. This activity highlights the city’s expanding role in corporate liquidity management, financing, cash-flow planning and cross-border treasury operations.
International and Indian corporations can use treasury centres to manage financial resources across different markets and currencies. GIFT City offers them a centralised environment for coordinating these activities while remaining connected to India’s business ecosystem.
The continued growth of treasury operations further establishes GIFT City as a practical financial base for companies with regional or global operations.
GIFT City to Take Centre Stage at Vibrant Gujarat Summit
GIFT City’s evolution will be highlighted during the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Summit in Vadodara on June 30, 2026.
A dedicated session titled “GIFT City: International Financial Gateway of India” will bring together leaders from banking, regulation and fund management. Discussions are expected to focus on cross-border finance, international market connectivity and the opportunities available within GIFT City.
The session will help businesses, investors and financial institutions understand how the city can support international expansion and global financial activities.
GIFT City will also establish an experiential pavilion at the summit. The pavilion will showcase the city’s financial ecosystem, infrastructure and emerging opportunities in areas including fintech, fund management, aircraft leasing, ship leasing and corporate treasury services.
This direct engagement is intended to improve awareness among businesses and investors that may be considering GIFT City as a base for international operations.
Infrastructure Supporting Financial Growth
Alongside financial services, GIFT City is working to create a more complete urban environment for residents, professionals and global talent.
Plans for a world-class sports arena and a golf entertainment destination form part of the city’s broader development vision. These projects are intended to improve quality of life, encourage community engagement and make the city more attractive to professionals and businesses.
The emphasis on social and lifestyle infrastructure shows that GIFT City is seeking to become more than a business district. Its long-term objective is to create an integrated urban ecosystem where financial institutions, companies, professionals and residents can operate within a modern and well-connected environment.
Connecting Indian Businesses with Global Markets
GIFT City’s growth across banking, fund management, leasing and treasury operations demonstrates its increasing importance in India’s financial development.
The combination of a specialised policy framework, modern infrastructure and sector-specific financial services is helping the city attract global financial institutions, investors and corporations.
By supporting both inbound investments and outbound financial activities, GIFT City is creating a stronger connection between India’s economy and international markets.
With USD 111 billion in banking assets, USD 39 billion in fund commitments and growing participation across specialised financial services, GIFT City is steadily establishing itself as India’s leading international financial gateway.
The specialised leasing and treasury figures in the draft—35 aircraft lessors, 36 ship lessors, more than 370 aviation assets, 37 ships and USD 5.61 billion in treasury loans and advances—match the March 2026 data reported in the source coverage.
