Proposed NSE IFSC–SGX Connect receives regulatory dispensations

Mumbai and Singapore, 6 August 2019:  National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Singapore Exchange (SGX) have received a set of approved regulatory dispensations from their statutory regulators, obtaining their support on a joint proposal that NSE and SGX submitted earlier this year.

The proposed NSE International Financial Service Centre (IFSC)-SGX Connect aims to bring together the trading of Nifty products in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) and create a larger pool of liquidity comprising international and home market participants.

The Connect model, which is subject to further approvals from relevant local authorities, will enable SGX and NSE IFSC members to access Nifty products in GIFT while managing their exposures through their respective clearing corporations.

SGX and NSE will continue to work with all key stakeholders to make the NSE IFSC-SGX Connect operational before the end of 2020, subject to members’ readiness and receiving all relevant approvals. Both exchanges are also working to discontinue related arbitration proceedings.

Vikram Limaye, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSE, said, “This is a great opportunity to build vibrant markets in GIFT City. We are working on varied product offerings to make GIFT City the hub of activity for all India access products across asset classes for international investors and a gateway for home investors to access international markets. Our partnership with SGX is an important step for GIFT City to realise the vision of our Honourable Prime Minister of India to be the preeminent financial centre serving the needs of home and international stakeholders.”

Loh Boon Chye, Chief Executive Officer of SGX, said, “As Asia’s most international and connected multi-asset exchange, we are committed to providing our global institutional clients with open, single-point access to Asia. Our comprehensive portfolio investment and risk management solutions across equities, fixed income, currencies and commodities, cover close to 100% of Asia’s GDP. India is an important market for international investors and we are committed to collaborating with NSE and other stakeholders to build connectivity and access to one of the fastest growing economies in the world.”