GIFT City has moved higher in the global financial centre rankings, strengthening India’s position in the international financial services sector. Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, commonly known as GIFT City, has secured the 37th position globally in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) 40 released in September 2026. It has also improved its position in the global FinTech rankings, where it stands at 26th place.

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The latest ranking assessed 139 financial centres across the world. The assessment used 144 quantitative measures along with 39,531 professional assessments. The improvement in GIFT City’s position highlights its growing role as an international financial and business hub.

GIFT City Moves Up Nine Places

GIFT City has made a significant improvement in the latest GFCI ranking. It moved up nine places to the 37th position, showing stronger recognition of its financial services infrastructure, business environment and international connectivity.

The ranking covers major financial centres from different regions and evaluates them on several factors. These include business conditions, availability of skilled professionals, infrastructure, development of the financial sector and the reputation of the financial centre.

For GIFT City, the latest position reflects its continued development as India’s international financial services hub. The city is designed to provide a platform for financial activities that have an international and cross-border focus.

What Is the Global Financial Centres Index?

The Global Financial Centres Index is a global ranking that compares financial centres based on their competitiveness and business environment. It looks at factors such as human capital, infrastructure, financial sector development, business environment and reputation.

The GFCI is published by Z/Yen Partners, a London-based think tank, along with the China Development Institute. The index is updated periodically and is widely used to understand changes in the global financial services landscape.

The GFCI 40 provides a picture of how financial centres are performing in 2026. It also highlights centres that are expected to become more important in the coming years.

GIFT City Strengthens Its Asia-Pacific Position

GIFT City has also gained importance within the Asia-Pacific financial landscape. In GFCI 40, it was placed among the top 15 financial hubs in the Asia-Pacific region.

This position is significant because the Asia-Pacific region includes several major financial centres that play important roles in global banking, investment, insurance, capital markets and technology-driven financial services.

The report also identified 15 international financial centres that could gain greater importance over the next two to three years. GIFT City’s presence in this group reflects its expanding role in the regional financial services network.

Mumbai Also Improves Its Position

India’s financial centre Mumbai also recorded an improvement in the latest ranking. Mumbai moved up three places to the 49th position in GFCI 40.

The movement of both GIFT City and Mumbai shows the growing presence of Indian financial centres in international financial services. While Mumbai remains one of India’s major established financial centres, GIFT City has been developed with a specific focus on international financial activities.

The two centres therefore represent different parts of India’s wider financial ecosystem, with GIFT City focusing strongly on international and cross-border financial services.

GIFT City Rises in FinTech Ranking

GIFT City also improved its position in the FinTech ranking, moving up three places to 26th globally.

FinTech refers to the use of technology to provide or improve financial services. It includes areas such as digital payments, online banking, financial platforms, lending technology, investment services and other technology-based financial products.

The improvement in GIFT City’s FinTech ranking points to the growing role of technology in its financial ecosystem. Modern financial centres increasingly depend on digital systems, technology companies, data infrastructure and innovative financial services.

GIFT City’s development has therefore included not only traditional financial services but also technology-based activities that support international finance.

Role of the Financial Regulator

Financial activities at GIFT City’s International Financial Services Centre are regulated by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).

IFSCA is the statutory regulator for financial products, financial services and financial institutions operating in India’s International Financial Services Centres. Its regulatory framework is designed to support international financial activities and cross-border transactions.

The regulatory structure is an important part of GIFT City’s development because global financial companies require clear rules and systems for conducting international business.

GIFT City’s Growing Financial Ecosystem

GIFT City has been developed as a modern financial and business district in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Its ecosystem includes financial institutions, banks, capital-market activities, insurance services, investment-related businesses, FinTech companies and other professional services.

The city’s international financial centre provides a platform for businesses that want to conduct certain financial activities from India while serving international markets.

Its development is also linked with India’s broader efforts to expand financial infrastructure, attract international investment and build globally connected business centres.

Focus on International Financial Activities

One of the important features of GIFT City is its focus on cross-border financial services. Such services can include banking, capital markets, insurance, fund management and other financial activities with an international connection.

The growth of this ecosystem can create opportunities for financial institutions, technology companies, professional service providers and skilled workers.

As international financial activity becomes increasingly connected with digital technology, financial centres are also competing on infrastructure, regulatory systems, skilled talent and ease of doing business.

A Changing Global Financial Landscape

The latest GFCI ranking comes at a time when financial centres around the world are adapting to rapid changes in technology, investment patterns and international business.

FinTech, digital financial services, data systems and cross-border transactions are becoming increasingly important to the financial sector. Cities seeking a stronger role in global finance are therefore focusing on modern infrastructure and technology-driven services.

GIFT City’s movement to the 37th global position and 26th position in FinTech reflects its changing role within this international financial landscape. Its position among the leading Asia-Pacific financial hubs also places it within a region that is becoming increasingly important for global financial activity.