On February 2nd, 2022, the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) issued a notification introducing the “FinTech Incentive Scheme”.

1. Objective of the Scheme:

The primary aim is to propel India’s IFSC into the league of leading International Financial Centers by financially assisting FinTech activities. The scheme specifically targets:

– Indian FinTechs targeting foreign markets.

– Domestic FinTechs aiming to list on IFSCA-recognised exchanges.

– International FinTechs targeting Indian IFSC market access.

– Foreign FinTechs eyeing Indian markets through the Inter-Operable Regulatory Sandbox (IORS) framework.

– Domestic FinTechs looking to expand their business to the IFSC.

2. Duration of the Scheme:

The scheme will be in operation for three years from its official announcement date.

3. Definitions:

The notification elucidates several terms for clarity, such as ‘FinTech’ being technology-driven solutions assisting Financial Institutions, and ‘Regulatory Sandbox’ being an environment allowing limited real customer interactions for testing FinTech solutions.

 4. Eligibility:

To benefit from this scheme, applicants must meet certain criteria:

– If from India, they could be DPIIT-registered startups, companies under the Companies Act 2013, resident individuals, or entities under the purview of regulators like RBI, SEBI, etc.

– If foreign, they should be individuals or entities from FATF compliant nations with a majority (over 51%) non-resident shareholding.

5. Scope:

The scheme grants are designed for those associated with the Authority’s sandbox programs, accelerators, or special collaborations with the Authority.

6. Types of Incentives:

Multiple grants are available, subject to conditions:

– FinTech Start-up Grant: Up to Rs. 15 lacs for startups with innovative FinTech solutions.

– Proof of Concept (PoC) Grant: Up to Rs. 50 lacs for early or mature FEs for conducting a PoC.

– Sandbox Grant: Up to Rs. 30 lacs for developing innovative products or services in a sandbox.

– Green FinTech Grant: Up to Rs. 75 lacs for sustainable finance solutions.

– Accelerator Grant: Up to Rs. 10 lacs for supporting accelerators at the IFSC.

– Listing Support Grant: Up to Rs. 15 lacs for domestic FEs aiming to list on recognized exchanges.

The FinTech Incentive Scheme is an ambitious endeavor by the IFSCA to invigorate the FinTech landscape in India, making it competitive on a global scale. It promises not only to boost domestic enterprises but to attract international entities, thereby fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth in the sector.

Call our experts on 9930156000 to know more

Disclaimer – The content of this document is for information purpose only and does not constitute advice or a legal opinion. It is based upon relevant law and/or facts available at that point of time and prepared with due accuracy & reliability. Readers are requested to check and refer to relevant provisions of statute, latest judicial pronouncements, circulars, clarifications etc. before acting on the basis of this write up. The possibility of other views on the subject matter cannot be ruled out. By the use of the said information, you agree that the Treelife is not responsible or liable in any manner for the authenticity, accuracy, completeness, errors or any kind of omissions in this piece of information for any action taken thereof.

Related posts:

Capital 2B, IIFL fintech fund lead $5 million investment round in Castler Fintech Opportunities in GIFT City: A New Era of Innovation