Issue of the IFSCA Banking Handbook

Last updated: 14 August 2021

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The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has issued a new Banking Handbook to simplify banking operations for IFSC Banking Units (IBUs) in GIFT IFSC. This handbook consolidates all detailed directions from the Authority, covering general, conduct of business, and prudential aspects. It aims to enhance the ease of doing banking business and will come into effect from January 1, 2022. IBUs are advised to prepare for this transition and ensure compliance with the new directives.

International Financial Services Centres Authority

F.No. 110/IFSCA/banking Regulation/2021-22/6

Date: August 13, 2021

To, All IFSC Banking Units (IBUs)

Dear Sir/Madam,

Subject: Issue of the IFSCA Banking Handbook

Please refer to the IFSCA (Banking) Regulations, 2020 (as amended up to 6.7.2021)¹ and the circulars / directions issued thereunder by the Authority.

2. With a view to further enhancing ‘ease of doing banking business’, the Authority is hereby issuing the IFSCA Banking Handbook (`Handbook’) which will act as a compendium of all the detailed directions of the Authority to the IBUs operating in GIFT IFSC and to the Banking Companies incorporated in India or outside India looking to set up an IBU as a branch in GIFT

3. The IFSCA Banking Handbook contains the detailed directions of the Authority under the extant IFSCA (Banking) Regulations, organised in the following three components:

a. General Directions (GEN)²

b. Conduct of Business Directions (COB)³

c. Prudential Directions (PRU)⁴

4. The provisions under the IFSCA Banking Handbook shall come into effect from January 1, 2022 and the IBUs are directed to prepare for a smooth transition to ensure compliance.

5. Till the date of coming into effect of the IFSCA Banking Handbook, the IBUs shall comply with the existing Directions/ Circulars/ Guidelines issued by the Authority.

6. The Authority may modify or / and add further directions on relevant aspects, under the IFSCA Banking Handbook, from time to time, for ensuring better clarity.

7. IBUs are directed to ensure compliance to the Directions of this Circular.

Yours faithfully,

Kamlesh Sharma
General Manager
kamlesh.sharma27@ifsca.gov.in

Supriyo Bhattacharjee
General Manager
supriyo.b@ifsca.gov.in

Notes:-

¹Can be viewed at the URL : https://ifsca.gov.in/Viewer/Index/203

²Can be viewed at the URL: https://ifsca.gov.in/Viewer/Index/214

³Can be viewed at the URL: https://ifsca.gov.in/Viewer/Index/215

⁴Can be viewed at the URL: https://ifsca.gov.in/Viewer/Index/216

FAQ :

The IFSCA Banking Handbook is a compendium of detailed directions issued by the Authority for IBUs operating in GIFT IFSC and for banking companies looking to establish an IBU.

The provisions under the IFSCA Banking Handbook will come into effect from January 1, 2022.

The handbook is organised into three main components: General Directions (GEN), Conduct of Business Directions (COB), and Prudential Directions (PRU).

Until the IFSCA Banking Handbook comes into effect, IBUs must continue to comply with the existing Directions, Circulars, and Guidelines issued by the Authority.

Yes, the Authority may modify or add further directions to the IFSCA Banking Handbook from time to time to ensure better clarity.