AIFC Explored Potential Partnership With India's GIFT City
Financial services firms should monitor this potential linkage as the AIFC looks to boost regional asset management.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Financial Services
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The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has initiated exploration into a strategic partnership with India's GIFT City to enhance cross-border investment opportunities between the two nations. The hub, which operates under English Common Law, has attracted $27 billion in investments since its 2018 launch.
Why it matters
A closer link between these jurisdictions could streamline capital flows and regulatory alignment for firms operating across Central and South Asia. The move reflects the AIFC's broader strategy to cement its role as a premier regional asset management center.
The AIFC has secured $27 billion in total investments since its 2018 inception, while its jurisdiction now hosts 6,500 companies from 90 countries. The hub has also verified 70% of all green bonds and loans issued within Kazakhstan.
The players
Astana International Financial Centre
An independent financial hub in Kazakhstan operating under English Common Law that provides services for regional and global market participants.
GIFT City
India's flagship international financial services center designed to facilitate cross-border capital flows and financial operations.
The details
The AIFC facilitates activity through a specialized architecture consisting of the Astana Financial Services Authority, the Astana International Exchange, the AIFC Court, and the International Arbitration Centre. Following its 2023 confirmation of compliance with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) anti-money laundering standards and the October 2025 introduction of digital asset regulations, the center is positioning itself for deeper international integration.
Timeline
2018: The Astana International Financial Centre was officially launched.
2022: The regulatory framework complied with OECD tax transparency standards.
2023: An assessment confirmed FATF compliance for anti-money laundering.
October 2025: The jurisdiction introduced specific regulations for digital assets.
September 2026: Total investments attracted through the AIFC reached $27 billion.
Market Landscape
This move follows the AIFC's 2023 compliance with FATF anti-money laundering standards, a critical milestone for gaining international institutional trust. Such regulatory alignment is essential for hubs seeking to attract global capital and pursue reciprocal agreements with established partners like GIFT City.
Operators currently active in Kazakhstan or India should evaluate how potential regulatory harmonization could lower compliance friction for cross-border asset management. Firms should monitor for formal integration announcements that may alter legal recourse or tax reporting requirements for regional activity.
The takeaway
The potential AIFC-GIFT City partnership signals an ongoing trend of mid-sized financial hubs seeking to scale by linking regional liquidity pools. Managers should keep a close watch on future reciprocal agreements that may standardize compliance documentation for cross-border operations.
Further reading
For more on evolving jurisdictional standards, visit Financial Services.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Economic Times.
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