Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is gaining momentum as a future global centre for finance and technology, with 49% of senior leaders in the financial services sector identifying it as having strong potential to become a key international hub, according to a new report by PwC India.
The study, titled “Moving the Needle on Gujarat’s GIFT City”, surveyed 200 senior professionals from across the financial services landscape. Of those surveyed, 63% said they are considering launching or scaling operations within GIFT City, signalling rising interest in the region from banks, fintech firms, non-banking financial institutions, and global capability centres (GCCs).
Sanjeev Krishan, Chairperson, PwC India, said “GIFT City presents a rare opportunity for India to establish a firm position in the global financial and tech ecosystem. Progress has already been made, but to realise its full potential, there must be greater focus on developing talent, enhancing infrastructure, and strengthening the surrounding business environment. At PwC, we are working closely with clients to help them navigate these areas — from setting up operational models to attracting the right talent and navigating the regulatory landscape.”
The report highlights a growing demand for professionals with expertise in key areas such as blockchain, cloud security, risk technology, and international compliance standards. While 77% of respondents believe there is currently an adequate talent pool in GIFT City, the report notes that more specialised skill sets will be needed as the ecosystem expands.
Gayathri Parthasarathy, Partner and Financial Services Leader at PwC India, added “Businesses see GIFT City as more than just a low-tax or regulatory-friendly zone. It’s being viewed as a long-term strategic location for innovation, global service delivery, and talent development. With the right support, GIFT City could become the core of India’s next wave of financial and technological advancements.”
According to the findings, global firms and Indian companies are both looking to use GIFT City as a base for testing and developing new financial service models, making it a proving ground for emerging technologies and new ways of doing business. This growing momentum aligns with India’s broader vision of becoming a global leader in finance and innovation. The evolution of GIFT City is a reflection of how coordinated efforts in policy, infrastructure, and talent can shape the next chapter of the country’s economic story.
PwC India’s research was carried out between April and June 2025 and included surveys, interviews, and secondary data analysis. Respondents included senior executives from banks, NBFCs, fintechs, techfins, GCCs, as well as recruiters, students, educators, and other ecosystem stakeholders from GIFT City, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune.
PwC India is part of a global professional services network with more than 370,000 people in 149 countries. The firm works with clients to address complex business challenges across consulting, tax, legal, audit, and deals — helping organisations build trust and achieve sustainable growth.
