(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)
NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) and Singapore Exchange (SGX Group) today announced a strong start to the full-scale operations of the NSE IX-SGX GIFT Connect. Trading of the USD-denominated GIFT Nifty started this morning with an open interest of US$8.05 billion in Nifty futures and over US$1.05 billion open interest in Nifty Options from SGX’s international client network. The first session recorded turnover of US$1.13 billion at 15:40 IST, demonstrating high confidence from global institutional investors.

With India’s economy projected to become the world’s third largest, the Connect presents an innovative pathway for international investors to gain exposure to India equities market. The GIFT Connect unifies both international and domestic participants, creating a deeper liquidity pool, and an expanded shelf of Nifty products for investors. The trading and matching of USD-denominated Nifty equity derivatives will be in GIFT City and the clearing and settlement of the contracts will be managed by SGX in Singapore. National Stock Exchange (NSE) and SGX Group have enjoyed a long-standing relationship of more than 22 years. Today, both exchanges have forged closer ties to promote cross-border cooperation between the two markets and explore other opportunities to develop new product offerings. The NSE IX-SGX GIFT Connect is one of the key developments for the integration of GIFT City ecosystem with the international financial markets. This will lead to the development of vibrant and liquid markets for India access products at GIFT City with the ease of access to international investors. We express our sincere gratitude to Government of India, Government of Singapore and Government of Gujarat, the Regulators International Financial Services Centers Authority & Monetary Authority of Singapore as well as GIFT City authorities for their continuous guidance and support to NSE IX and SGX Group for the successful implementation of NSE IX-SGX GIFT Connect.
Commenting on the occasion: Injeti Srinivas, Chairman, IFSCA, said, “The NSE IX – SGX GIFT Connect is a classic demonstration of how two exchanges from two different jurisdictions can forge a mutually beneficial collaboration. The complete migration of the re-branded GIFT-NIFTY to GIFT IFSC will consolidate the international liquidity pool for Nifty products in the NSE IX exchange and will a give a boost to GIFT-IFSC as a global hub for international financial products and services.”Tapan Ray, MD & Group CEO, GIFT City, said, “This significant development not only fortifies GIFT City’s stature as a fast-emerging global financial hub, but also aligns impeccably with the visionary aspirations of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to position India at a preeminent position in international finance. It stands as a testimony to our unwavering commitment to onshore international financial services activities from offshore, within GIFT City’s realm. The extension of trading hours and the exclusive trading of US dollar-denominated Nifty derivatives on NSE International Exchange will attract discerning global investors while propelling economic growth at an accelerated pace. By facilitating seamless access to global markets and fostering a culture of innovation, this momentous development will undeniably catalyse India’s emergence as a vibrant financial powerhouse.”
Smt. Abigail Ng, Executive Director (Markets Policy & Infrastructure Department), MAS, said, “We congratulate NSE and SGX Group on the full-scale operationalisation of the NSE IX-SGX GIFT Connect. The strong start to this landmark initiative is testament to the strong collaboration between both exchanges, and marks an exciting new milestone in the growing financial cooperation between India and Singapore in deepening the connectivity between our respective capital markets.”
Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE said, “Today’s shift of SGX Nifty trading to Gift Nifty is a momentous occasion for Indian capital market as Gift IFSC is now the official gateway of India to the world as far as investments into India is concerned. It has been a long cherished dream which has come true on this auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. We are proud of this important landmark with full scale operations of NSE IX – SGX GIFT Connect, with onshoring Nifty contracts to NSE IX. The Connect becomes a symbolic event of opportunity, innovation and unparalleled access between India and the world. We look forward to expand our long-standing strategic partnership with SGX Group. It is a major step forward for India to be a ‘price setter’ of the financial world, as envisioned by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi ji. This is the result of the meticulous preparation and hard work of India and Singapore governments, regulators, both exchanges and Gift City to make today a reality. Our broker members and SGX members also have worked hard to achieve this landmark. I want to thank everyone for their support and look forward to begin this journey for a long time.” V. Balasubramaniam, MD & CEO, NSE IX, said, “We are excited that the GIFT Connect between SGX Group and NSE IX is now fully live, and we look forward to a win-win partnership. This will also herald the onshoring of offshore contracts on India’s Equity benchmark index. NSE IX will strive to work with participants across the globe to deliver the best-in-class trading, clearing and settlement infrastructure. We are extremely thankful to governments and regulators in both countries in helping us achieve this Connect.” Loh Boon Chye, Chief Executive Officer, SGX Group, said, “We are excited to support international investors by facilitating access to one of the most exciting markets in Asia via a first-of-its kind connect for the Nifty. This has been a ground-breaking initiative since its inception, and we’d like to thank NSE and our partners in India for their unwavering commitment and support. We look forward to build upon this collaboration to enhance our offerings to global investors.” Michael Syn, Senior Managing Director and Head of Equities, SGX Group said, “Today marks a historic milestone in the longstanding partnership between SGX Group and NSE and the start of an amazing new chapter for the Nifty. This innovative pathway delivers a unified liquidity pool, bringing together international and domestic participation, and an expanded shelf of products for international investors, setting the stage for greater growth in the Nifty. On top of the Nifty, SGX offers international investors access to all of Asia through our exciting portfolio such as China, Japan and climate-related products and investors can enjoy cross margin and risk management benefits across all products.”