Fintech and payments
Fintech firms, payment service providers and TechFin firms use GIFT IFSC to build and run financial technology for global markets, under the FinTech Sandbox Framework 2026, the Payment Services Regulations 2024 and the TechFin and Ancillary Services Regulations 2025.
Routes
- FinTech Sandbox: test innovative products under regulatory supervision.
- Payment service providers: cross-border payments, merchant acquiring, e-money and related services.
- TechFin service providers: technology for financial institutions.
Guides in this section
FinTech Sandbox Framework, 2026
IFSCA issued the FinTech Sandbox Framework on 16 March 2026, replacing the framework for FinTech entities of 27 April 2022. The 2022 framework and the 2022 incentive scheme are now listed by IFSCA as archive.
Read the guide →Regulatory, innovation and inter-operable sandboxes compared
The four sandbox models differ by where testing happens and which regulators are involved.
Read the guide →Entities authorised under the 2022 framework
Under paragraph 5 of the 2026 framework, entities holding valid authorisations under the 2022 FinTech Entity framework remain under it until those authorisations expire. New applications use the 2026 framework.
Read the guide →Payment service providers
Payment service providers in GIFT IFSC are authorised under the IFSCA (Payment Services) Regulations, 2024, for services such as cross-border money transfer, merchant acquisition and e-money issuance.
Read the guide →Payment system operators and the Payments Regulatory Board
Payment system operators are regulated under the IFSCA (Payment and Settlement Systems) Regulations, 2024, overseen by the Payments Regulatory Board under the PRB Regulations, 2025.
Read the guide →Rupee drawing arrangements for PSPs
Rupee drawing arrangements let overseas entities pay rupees to Indian beneficiaries. IFSCA permitted PSP participation in such arrangements by circular of 10 April 2026.
Read the guide →TechFin service providers
TechFin service providers provide technology to financial institutions under the TechFin and Ancillary Services Regulations, 2025. Draft amendments were approved by the Authority on 17 April 2026.
Read the guide →Tokenisation and digital assets in the IFSC
Tokenisation and digital assets in GIFT IFSC are possible only within specific IFSCA frameworks or the sandbox. India's tax and regulatory position on crypto assets onshore is separate.
Read the guide →Authorities and further reading
The official instruments and pages this guide relies on. Check the current version on the issuer's site before acting.
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