What it is
GIFT City hosts India's international bullion ecosystem. Metals and commodities entities in the IFSC take part in trading, clearing, vaulting and related services around gold, silver and other precious metals, through the international bullion exchange and its supporting infrastructure.
Who sets one up
- Bullion trading members and clearing members.
- Vault managers and vault service providers.
- Refiners, importers and large jewellery groups looking at international sourcing.
- Commodity trading desks of banks and financial institutions.
Permitted activity
Depending on the registration held, activity can include dealing in bullion contracts on the exchange, clearing and settlement, holding metal in an IFSC vault against depository receipts, and providing custody and logistics support for that metal.
Why GIFT City
The IFSC gives India a transparent, regulated venue for international bullion trade with a single regulator, standardised contracts and vaulting inside the country. For businesses that previously sourced entirely through overseas venues, that shortens the chain considerably.
Broad requirements
- Registration or membership appropriate to the intended role, granted through the IFSCA framework.
- Net worth, fit-and-proper and operational capability conditions for that role.
- Premises in GIFT IFSC and, for vaulting, secure infrastructure meeting prescribed standards.
- Continuing reporting, risk management and audit obligations.
Common questions
Is this only for jewellers? No. Jewellers are one participant group; financial institutions, refiners and vault operators also take part.
Do I need my own vault? Not necessarily — you can use an authorised vault manager rather than build vaulting yourself.
Next step
Tell us the role you intend to play and we will map the registration route, infrastructure and continuing obligations. Start with our eligibility check.
