Transforming Financial Services in IFSC

Overview

• India’s GIFT City is rising as a global financial hub, with QNB becoming the first MEA bank to open a branch, supporting Indian corporates and expanding its global presence.
• At the same time, IFSCA and NISM signed an MoU to boost training and certification for finance professionals, reinforcing GIFT City’s global financial relevance.

QNB Becomes First MEA Bank at GIFT City

• Qatar National Bank (QNB), the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has made history by becoming the first MEA bank to establish a branch in GIFT City, India’s premier international financial hub.
• The new branch will focus on serving Indian corporates with global banking needs, offering a multi-currency product suite as well as liability and credit-focused solutions.
• QNB aims to leverage India’s expanding role in global manufacturing and trade, positioning itself to support the country’s long-term growth potential in the international market.

IFSCA-NISM MoU to Strengthen Talent Ecosystem

• QNB’s entry into GIFT City is a strategic move to expand its wholesale banking operations in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
• The bank aims to support both onshore and offshore clients with their foreign currency funding needs while integrating India into its extensive international network spanning 28 markets.
• As noted by QNB Group CEO Abdullah Mubarak Al Khalifa, India presents significant long-term growth potential, making this expansion both timely and impactful.

Strategic Significance of QNB’s Expansion

• In a significant parallel development, IFSCA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) to enhance the financial talent ecosystem.
• Under this partnership, NISM will serve as IFSCA’s official training and certification partner, conducting regulatory certification exams and delivering skill development programs.
• The initiative aims to build a highly skilled, globally competent workforce, thereby raising professional standards and supporting the rapid growth and global positioning of GIFT City.

conclusion

• With global institutions like QNB establishing a presence and NISM enhancing the talent pipeline through professional training and certification, GIFT City is rapidly evolving into a global financial powerhouse.
• The ecosystem now seamlessly combines world-class banking capabilities with a robust framework for developing skilled human capital.
• Whether you’re an international bank seeking strategic expansion or a finance professional aiming for global standards, GIFT City is emerging as the premier destination for the future of finance.