The International Financial Services Authority (“ IFSCA/Authority ”) has released a Press release dated April 24, 2026 (“ Press Release ”) placing the highlights of its 28th Meeting held on April 17, 2026, on its website.
The key highlights of the meeting are as follows:
1. Framework for Preferential Issues, Qualified Institutions Placements (QIPs) and Rights Issue under the IFSCA (Listing) Regulations, 2024
- The Authority approved the regulatory framework for Preferential Issues and QIPs under the IFSCA (Listing Regulations), 2024 (“ Listing Regulations ”) enabling entities listed on recognised stock exchanges in IFSC mechanisms to raise additional capital.
- The Authority approved the regulatory framework for Rights Issue under the Listing Regulations, 2024 to facilitate capital raising by the listed companies through a fast track and streamlined manner.
2. Enabling SPV Structure for leasing Activities as permitted by Authority at GIFT IFSC
a. The Authority approved draft amendments to –
- IFSCA (TechFin and Ancillary Services) Regulations, 2025, (“ TechFin Regulations ”) and,
- IFSCA (Finance Company) Regulations, 2021 (“ Finance Company Regulations ”)
The above stated Regulations aim to enable the structuring of Special Purpose Vehicles (“ SPVs ”) within GIFT IFSC for leasing and financing activities.
b. The aircraft leasing ecosystem in IFSC has witnessed significant growth, with more than 370 aviation assets leased from IFSC as at March 31,2026. The amendments support IFSCA’s objective of positioning GIFT IFSC as a globally competitive aviation finance hub, while facilitating onshoring of India-centric aircraft ownership and financing structures currently routed through offshore jurisdiction.
c. Global financial institutions prefer to extend financing for aircraft through SPV structures managed by Trust and Company Service Providers (“TCSPs”). The amendments enable registration of TCSPs under the TechFin Regulations and SPVs under the Finance Company Regulations thereby enabling end-to-end structuring of aircraft leasing transactions within GIFT IFSC.
d. As part of this exercise, a public consultation paper was issued on March 17, 2026, inviting suggestions from stakeholders. Comments were received on aspects including TCSP recognition, capital requirements for SPVs, prudential norms, and resource sharing provisions. The Authority has published the public comments on the proposed amendment to TechFin Regulations (“ Public Comments ”) on its website dated April 27, 2026, and the framework has been modified based on the suggestions received from the stakeholders.
e. The revised framework is expected to attract global lenders, investors, and lessors to finance aircraft through GIFT IFSC; retain financing activity within India; reduce outflow of lease rentals, structuring fees, and SPV administration costs to offshore jurisdictions; create a regulated TCSP ecosystem and high-skilled employment in legal, finance, and fiduciary services; and strengthen AML/KYC compliance, fit-and-proper criteria, and FATF-aligned governance standards.
A copy of the press release and public comments is attached for your ready reference.
Source category: IFSC Insurance Office
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