About GIFT NIFTY
Trading on the Nifty index, previously facilitated for foreign investors as SGX NIFTY in Singapore, has now fully transitioned to India with the launch of GIFT NIFTY at NSE IX (also known as NSE IFSC Exchange). Launched on July 3, 2023, on the NSE IX, this IFSCA-regulated product enables international investors, including NRIs and EFIs, to gain seamless and efficient exposure to India's equity markets. This strategic move strengthens domestic financial infrastructure, centralizes oversight, and significantly supports India's ambition to establish a strong global presence via GIFT City.
Advantages of GIFT Nifty for NRIs
Extended hours: GIFT Nifty trades for nearly 21 hours a day (two trading sessions) which overlaps with trading hours in Asia, Europe and the United States. This allows traders greater flexibility and provides more opportunities to trade.
Zero Transaction Taxes: Trade smarter with globally competitive brokerage rates and no STT, no CTT, or exchange turnover taxes, keeping your transaction costs low.
Robust Regulatory Ecosystem: GIFT Nifty operates under the regulatory framework of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), ensuring a transparent and well-regulated environment that enhances investor confidence.
T+0 Contracts available: NSE IX has launched India’s first-ever Zero Days to Expiry (0DTE) Options on the Nifty 50 Index at GIFT IFSC. These contracts offer daily expiries from Monday to Friday, giving investors unmatched flexibility and precision in trading.
Hassle–Free Onboarding: No need to open separate NRE, NRO, or PIS accounts. Simply open your trading account and start investing in GIFT Nifty seamlessly via the AR Trade mobile application.
How To Open A GIFT Nifty Trading Account?
- Step 1: Connect to Begin Your Application
Send an Email to giftifsc@rathi.com to get the application form.
- Step 2: Prepare the KYC Documents
Arrange all the documents as per the checklist and have them verified outside India by any of the relevant authorities including Certified Public Accountant or Notary Public or Registered Lawyer
- Step 3: Review of the documents
Please mail the scanned images of the filled out form with all the documents as per the checklist to our team or mail to giftifsc@rathi.com.
- Step 4: Verification and Submission of Original Documents
Our team will verify your scanned documents. Once verification is complete, you'll receive a confirmation email with the next steps. Afterwards, please send the original signed documents to the Anand Rathi GIFT City office address provided.
The postal address is as mentioned below:
ANAND RATHI INTERNATIONAL VENTURES (IFSC) PRIVATE LIMITED, Unit Number 204, 2nd Floor, Signature Building, Zone 1, GIFT SEZ, Gandhinagar, Gujarat – 382355.
Documents Required For Opening A GIFT Nifty Account
The documents required for opening a GIFT Nifty Account include;
PAN Card
Bank Proof – NRE/NRO bank statement (last 6 months) and Cancelled Cheque
Overseas Address Proof – Utility bill / tenancy contract / driving license
Aadhaar card
Passport (with valid visa)
Passport-size Photograph
Emirates ID (if UAE-based)
Nominee Proof – PAN / Passport
Note: The documents will have to be verified outside India by any of the relevant authorities including Certified Public Accountant or Notary Public or Registered Lawyer. Additional documents maybe required.
Different Types of GIFT Nifty Contracts
GIFT Nifty 50
Known as the most popular GIFT Nifty contract, it tracks the Nifty 50 index.
GIFT Nifty Bank
This contract tracks the Nifty Bank index, which comprises the 12 largest banks in India.
GIFT Nifty Financial Services
This contract tracks the Nifty Financial Services index, which comprises the 25 largest financial services companies in India.
GIFT Nifty IT
It follows the Nifty IT index, comprising the 25 largest IT companies in India.
FAQs
Who can invest in GIFT Nifty?
Participants, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Eligible Foreign Investors (EFIs) can invest in GIFT Nifty by becoming clients of a trading member of the NSE IX. Indian citizens are not allowed to trade in GIFT Nifty.
What are the timings of GIFT Nifty sessions?
GIFT Nifty operates on NSE IX for 21 hours in two sessions, namely;
- Session 1 – 6.30 am to 3.40 pm
- Session 2 - 4.35 pm to 2.45 am
(timings as per Indian Standard Time).
How can I trade GIFT Nifty?
NRIs and foreign investors can trade GIFT Nifty through a broker that is a member of the NSE IX. To begin trading, you have to open a trading account with a registered broker and deposit funds.
Can an Indian resident trade GIFT Nifty from India?
Indian citizens are not allowed to invest in GIFT Nifty. Only foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) and NRIs are allowed to do so.
What are the key benefits of trading GIFT Nifty?
Below are the key benefits of trading/investing in GIFT Nifty:
- Exposure to India's benchmark Nifty 50 Index.
- USD-denominated contracts, eliminating INR settlement.
- Longer trading hours aligned with global markets.
- Tax-efficient trading environment in GIFT City.
- Regulated by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
How is GIFT Nifty different from NSE Nifty Futures?
The key difference is that GIFT Nifty is traded on NSE IX at GIFT City in US Dollars (USD), whereas NSE Nifty Futures are traded on the domestic NSE in Indian Rupees (INR). GIFT Nifty is designed for international investors and offers extended trading hours.
Why do global investors prefer GIFT Nifty?
GIFT Nifty provides international investors with a convenient way to participate in India's growth story through a globally regulated exchange, USD-denominated contracts, and extended trading hours.
Can GIFT Nifty be used for hedging?
Yes. Investors and institutions can use GIFT Nifty futures to hedge their exposure to the Indian equity market or manage portfolio risk effectively.