Framework for Aircraft Leasing in IFSCs: Key Updates and Regulations
The IFSCA has developed a clear legal and regulatory framework, based on powers granted by the IFSCA Act, 2019. The government of India, through Gazette notifications, has recognized aircraft leasing, including both operating and financial leases (and hybrids of the two), as a “financial product.” This distinction allows entities in the IFSCs to offer aircraft leasing services under a structured and regulated environment.
Late Payment of Fees – IFSCA circular for entities
This circular provides clarity on penalties for late payment of fees and introduces key changes that will take effect from March 1, 2025. The changes emphasize the importance of timely payment and highlight the financial implications of delays.
SEBI directions for deployment of funds: new timelines for Asset Management Companies
These updated guidelines are designed to ensure that AMCs deploy funds raised through NFOs in a timely manner, aligning with the asset allocation specified in the Scheme Information Document (SID). This move aims to curb mis-selling and enhance investor protection while promoting efficient fund management in the mutual fund industry.
SEBI directions for Specialized Investment Funds: new Regulatory framework
The framework aims to bridge the gap between Mutual Funds (MFs) and Portfolio Management Services (PMS), introducing a new product category designed for more sophisticated investment needs. This move comes as part of SEBI’s continuous effort to diversify the investment landscape and cater to the evolving requirements of retail, high-net-worth, and institutional investors.
Registration on FIU-IND FINGate 2.0 portal
IFSCA has directed that Regulated Entities shall ensure that the registration on FIU-IND portal is completed prior to commencement of business and in case of an urgency to commence business, the registration shall be completed within 30 days from the date of commencement of business. In the event of any difficulty in registration, including technical issues, the Regulated Entities shall intimate the same via email to the FIU-IND helpdesk (helpdesk-re@fiuindia.gov.in)
IFSCA regulations Tokenization of Real-World Assets
These regulations intend to provide legal and regulatory recognition to ‘digital tokens’, representing rights of ownership or beneficial interest in underlying real-world assets.
IFSCA Circular on Late Payment of Fees
The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has recently released an important circular regarding the interest charged on late payments of fees for entities undertaking permissible activities within the International Financial Services Centres (IFSC). The circular, issued on February 26, 2025, brings clarity to the fee structure and introduces a revised interest rate for late payments, which will come into effect starting March 1, 2025.
Industry standards for SEBI listing
The industry associations which are part of ISF (ASSOCHAM, FICCI and CII) and the stock exchanges shall publish the industry standards note on their websites.
SEBI directions to associations: opening of demat accounts
SEBI has issued a circular on February 25, 2025 that focuses on the facilitation of demat accounts for AoPs to hold securities such as mutual funds, corporate bonds, and government securities in dematerialized form. The decision comes after SEBI received numerous representations requesting the option for AoPs to directly open demat accounts in their name.
UTI Income Plus Arbitrage Active Fund of Fund: A Comprehensive Overview
The UTI Income Plus Arbitrage Active Fund of Fund is designed to offer investors an optimal mix of debt-oriented schemes and arbitrage opportunities. As an actively managed fund, it aims to capitalize on the potential of both the debt and equity markets, offering a diversified investment approach.
