GIFT City maritime and financial regulatory development

GIFT City is implementing regulatory reforms to establish itself as a global hub for maritime finance and securities. New frameworks, such as the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Vessels) Rules 2026, aim to facilitate the registration of foreign vessels under specific charter arrangements. To support this, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has exempted certain International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) units from specific licensing requirements under the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025.

In the financial sector, the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) introduced new regulations to consolidate rules against market abuse, including insider trading and market manipulation, replacing existing SEBI regulations within the zone.

These developments align with broader government efforts to attract international maritime capital. As of recent reports, the IFSC hosts 38 ship lessors leasing 43 vessels and 41 banks providing approximately USD 60.1 million in funding to leasing entities. Officials indicate these reforms are intended to encourage domestic use of financial infrastructure for vessel acquisition.