GIFT City Leaders Enlighten B.Com. (Fintech) and ACCA Students on International Financial Hubs
- Industry Experts Shed Light on India’s Role as a Global Financial Gateway at GLS University Event
- IFSC and SEZs: GLS University Bridges Theory and Practice for Future Finance Professionals
- Students Explore Real-World Global Finance Opportunities at GLS University’s Seminar on GIFT City
The session aimed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the evolving landscape of global financial infrastructure. It introduced students to the operational, legal, and regulatory dimensions of International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), with a particular focus on India’s flagship financial hub – GIFT City.
Mr. Yogesh Bobade addressed the concept of SEZs, explaining the legal and fiscal benefits granted under the SEZ Act, 2005. He emphasized SEZs as specifically demarcated areas established to promote exports, manufacturing, and service sectors, including financial services. Using relevant examples, he elaborated on how SEZs help reduce business costs and boost international competitiveness. He also highlighted the integral role SEZ policies play in the operational framework of GIFT City.
Ms. Tejjasvini Akhawat elaborated on the concept of IFSCs, focusing on their establishment, purpose, and the regulatory framework governed by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). She explained the IFSC’s role in enabling cross-border financial services, managing foreign currency transactions, and attracting international investments.
Her talk also covered the participation of entities such as banks, fund managers, insurance providers, and fintech firms in the IFSC ecosystem, emphasizing the opportunities this creates within the GIFT City landscape.
Both speakers shed light on how IFSC and SEZ frameworks work in tandem to strengthen India’s positioning as a global financial hub. They also provided valuable insights into India’s long-term roadmap for global financial integration and the career prospects it opens for young finance professionals. Students were introduced to emerging opportunities in international banking, fund administration, cross-border compliance, risk management, and fintech innovation. The session enriched their understanding of regulatory systems, practical business facilitation, and the operational ecosystem of institutions at GIFT City. It also helped students recognize how their academic pursuits in ACCA and Fintech align with current and future industry requirements.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A round, during which students posed insightful questions related to career paths within IFSC, the scope for fintech start-ups at GIFT City, and the availability of internships and placement opportunities. The session proved to be an eye-opener, offering students a rare opportunity to engage directly with industry experts and explore the practical applications of their academic learning. The Faculty of Commerce remains committed to creating such impactful learning experiences that contribute to the holistic development and industry readiness of its students.
