IFSCA and IICA sign MoU to strengthen corporate governance and regulatory capacity at GIFT-IFSC.

New Delhi, February 21, 2026: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s International Financial Services ecosystem, the IFSCA and the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the IFSCA Campus, GIFT City, Gujarat.

The MoU was formally signed by Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, Director General & Chief Executive Officer, IICA, and K. Rajaraman, Chairperson, IFSCA, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations and distinguished dignitaries.

Strengthening India’s IFSCA governance framework:

As the unified regulator of India’s International Financial Services Centre, IFSCA (International Financial Services Centres Authority) oversees a rapidly expanding ecosystem of financial institutions operating within the framework of the Companies Act, 2013, administered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, with specific regulatory exemptions applicable to entities operating in the IFSC.

The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, a premier think tank under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, plays a pivotal role in advancing corporate governance standards, regulatory capacity building, and policy advisory services.

Leveraging these complementary strengths, the MoU establishes a structured framework for collaboration between IFSCA and IICA.

Key areas of collaboration:

Under the agreement, IICA will extend training and policy support to IFSCA and IFSC-registered entities to facilitate compliance with evolving regulatory requirements and global governance best practices. The collaboration will focus on Capacity building and leadership development, Policy research and advisory services, Knowledge partnership for regulatory effectiveness, Corporate governance and ESC frameworks.

IICA will conduct online certificate, induction, and specialized training programs for IFSCA officers in areas including corporate and allied laws, Corporate governance, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Cross-border transactions and restructuring.

Statements from leadership:

Speaking on the occasion, Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh stated that IICA looks forward to close collaboration with IFSCA in fostering a standardized corporate governance ecosystem.

He highlighted that the immediate focus of cooperation would be on rolling out customized capacity-building programs, induction and leadership development initiatives, and policy research support.

Appreciating the initiatives undertaken by IICA, K. Rajaraman, Chairperson, IFSCA, outlined the immediate action plan for operationalizing the collaboration.

He emphasized the need for jointly delivered corporate governance programs at GIFT City on an annual basis, including specialized courses for companies being incorporated within the IFSC jurisdiction.

Way forward:

The MoU marks an important milestone in strengthening regulatory capacity, enhancing governance standards, and reinforcing India’s position as a globally competitive International Financial Services hub.

Also Read: India AI Impact Summit & Expo 2026 begins in New Delhi; Bihar signs MoU worth Rs 468 crore.

EOM.