GIFT City 2.0: Cross-border Investments, Fund Structuring and Intermediary Ecosystem

Mr. Jigar Patel is a Chartered Accountant from India (1999), and CPA (2003), MBA-Finance (2003) and CFA Charterholder (2011) from USA. With 25+ years of experience, Jigar specializes in advising HNIs and NRIs – especially from the USA – on global investments, taxation, and regulatory compliance. His unique niche – India taxes (CA), US taxes (CPA), Investments (CFA, MBA), compliance and structuring (FEMA, DTAA expert), fiduciary standards (SEBI RIA) and ex-NRI (NRI mindset, own global portfolio, OCI child etc.), make him one of the rarest professionals to give holistic advice to fellow NRIs, HNIs and returnees in their best interest. Jigar is the founder and principal officer of Neuron Wealth Advisors LLP, a SEBI registered Investment Advisor (SEBI RIA). Neuron Wealth works as a Family CFO and provides multi-family office advisory services to simplify and integrate financial lives for Multi-Generational Wealth.

Shri K. Rajaraman brings extensive public policy and regulatory leadership experience to India’s IFSC ecosystem at GIFT City. As Chairperson of IFSCA, he leads the unified regulatory framework governing banking, capital markets, insurance, fund management, and fintech activities within the IFSC. His background in economic affairs, expenditure management, and telecom reforms enables a structured and innovation-driven regulatory approach aligned with global financial standards. Under his leadership, IFSCA continues strengthening GIFT IFSC’s international positioning and cross-border financial integration.

Dr. Dipesh Shah has been closely associated with the conceptualization and development of GIFT City and India’s IFSC framework since its formative stages. At IFSCA, he leads development strategy and international relations, focusing on expanding global participation within the IFSC ecosystem. His expertise spans international business, regulatory structuring, and cross-border financial services, contributing to policy innovation and institutional growth. He plays a key role in positioning GIFT IFSC as a globally integrated and competitive financial jurisdiction

Bharath Shivappa is President and Chief of Markets at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), where he leads global market development, client acquisition, and strategic partnerships. He is also the custodian of GIFT City’s marketing and brand strategies, driving international positioning, ecosystem development, and global engagement. His role focuses on strengthening institutional participation, expanding financial services clusters, and enhancing GIFT City’s brand as a leading global financial hub. With over two decades of experience in financial services and market development, Bharath has worked across asset and wealth management, fintech, technology, and capital markets. Prior to joining GIFT City, he served as Head of Global Business Development at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), where he played a key role in global client acquisition and international partnerships. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Deloitte, MIDAS (UK), Vodafone, and JSA Law, driving cross-border market strategies and client development.

Abhinav Sharma has over 24 years of work experience in the BFSI Sector, with over 21 years of experience in the Asset Management industry. Abhinav joined Tata Asset Management in October 2013 and is presently the Head of International Business. In this role, Abhinav is responsible for offshore business development, identifying potential partners & clients across various geographies like Asia, Middle East, LATAM, UK, Europe, etc. He has also overseen the launch and ongoing management of Tata Asset Management’s GIFT City branch, further strengthening the organization’s international presence. Prior to his international assignment, Abhinav worked in Tata Asset Management in the onshore asset management space as Head – Alliances & Banking PCG Sales. Before joining Tata Asset Management, Abhinav worked with reputed BFSI organizations such as HSBC Bank, ICICI Bank, ABN AMRO, Fortis Investments, and BNP Paribas, with a consistent track record of strong performance and accomplishments.

Ritesh Kumar is an accomplished professional with over two decades of experience in the capital markets domain. His expertise spans across business development, product innovation, and strategic leadership in the financial sector. With 17 years of dedicated experience with Stock Exchanges, Ritesh has played a pivotal role in driving growth and fostering innovation. Ritesh holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), which complements his deep industry expertise. He is also an NISM-empaneled trainer for various modules, including Derivatives, Security Operations and Risk Management, and Mutual Funds, showcasing his commitment to fostering knowledge and skill development in the industry.Ritesh holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), which complements his deep industry expertise. He is also an NISM-empaneled trainer for various modules, including Derivatives, Security Operations and Risk Management, and Mutual Funds, showcasing his commitment to fostering knowledge and skill development in the industry.

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Nehal Sampat is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of India. He has over 25 years of experience in advising clients on varied tax and regulatory related issues. He is a Partner at Price Waterhouse & Co LLP. At PwC, Nehal has been focusing on Financial Services’ clients, especially in Asset
and Wealth Management sectors. He has extensive experience in advising clients on tax and regulatory issues with respect to Structuring of domestic and offshore Funds, Investment by offshore investors in Indian capital markets through onshore and offshore structures, Management of offshore Funds from India,Structuring of investments in and divestments from portfolio companies. He has assisted clients and Asset Management industry associations in representing their issues at different forums before policymakers. He is based out of the GIFT City office of PWC.

Manas Kumar is the Head of Products and Business Development – International Business at HDFC AMC. Manas joined HDFC AMC in March 2023 and has over 22 years of experience in areas like business development, strategy, products, institutional client servicing and investment advisory. Prior to HDFC AMC, he was Head – International Business at Edelweiss AML and has previously worked with SBI Funds Management, Kotak Mahindra AMC and associated companies. He has a Bachelor in Technology from IIT Bombay and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Lucknow

An INSEAD Singapore alumnus with over 25 years of distinguished experience across the financial services industry, covering asset management, alternative investments, and banking. Has led large, multi‑disciplinary teams with a consistent track record of delivering strategic objectives, strengthening governance, and driving sustainable organizational growth. Demonstrated expertise in conceptualizing, establishing, and scaling new business verticals across multiple financial domains. Brings extensive leadership experience from esteemed institutions including ICICI Bank, Fidelity Mutual Fund, SBI Mutual Fund, Edelweiss Alternatives, and Kotak Alternatives. Recognized for his strategic acumen, deep industry insight, and ability to create long‑term value across diverse investment platforms.

Somnath has been in Markets/Wealth Management/private banking space for 20 years. Extensive experience in the Indian and Asian wealth management space. Specialties: Treasury and structured products, Wealth Management, Asset Management, Investment strategy.

For more than 18 years, Shamit led the offshore funds group at Indian asset manager(s), advising or raising ~6BN USD of cumulative investments of institutional or wholesale clients largely in Asia, Europe and GCC. His career includes previous significant tenures with ICICI Prudential AMC and Nippon Life India AMC, working alongside their affiliates worldwide. Shamit brings a unique perspective of advising Foreign Portfolio Investors into Indian public markets since early mid 2000’s, developing several international equity MF strategies for Indian clients, and executing cross border partnerships with managers in USA, Japan and other regions. He has been a contributor on the AMFI ESG working group for mutual funds, and directly led industry led group advocacy and recommendations to simplify regulations for the onshore management of offshore funds or the safe harbour clause (popularly known as Section 9A). His expertise spans all functional aspects of developing and advising offshore fund strategies and expanding international business for asset managers. Earlier, he was seconded to Nippon Life Insurance Japan to collaborate for funds and related synergies between the Indian and Japanese shareholder. He started his career with financial firms in NewYork, Boston and Mumbai. He holds a MBA from Boston College, M.Com and B.Com degrees from University of Mumbai. He is a CFA Charterholder and Board Member at the CFA Society India (Indian Association of Investment Professionals)

Mihir Shirgaonkar specializes in alternative investment structures and global portfolio strategies operating from GIFT IFSC. He has substantial experience in asset management, portfolio management services, and fund operations, contributing to the development of offshore and cross-border investment platforms within the IFSC framework

Utsav Shah leads International Solutions at Nuvama, where he has been instrumental in building and scaling the firm’s Cross-Border Investment Platform. He drives the strategic vision for enabling India Access for Global Investors and Global Access for Indian Investors, creating a seamless two-way capital corridor. Before joining Nuvama, he served as Principal Officer & Head of GIFT IFSC at Aditya Birla Sun Life Asset Management Company (ABSLAMC). There, he played a key role in establishing their presence at GIFT City, India’s first international financial hub. He spearheaded the launch of several groundbreaking initiatives at GIFT City. He has been recognized as a top talent by Equalifi (Top 40 under 40 Alternative Investment Professional in India). Utsav’s expertise spans over 15 years across fixed income trading, global products, and innovative investment structuring. Prior to ABSLAMC, he served at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, managing risk in global portfolios in close collaboration with fund managers. Utsav holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from S.I.E.S. College of Arts, Science and Commerce (University of Mumbai) and holds Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) from ICFAI University and Associate Professional Risk Manager from PRMIA University.

Mr. Arjun Prasad is General Manager at the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), GIFT City, Gandhinagar. He is in charge of several Divisions at IFSCA including Division of Corporate Finance, Division of Capital Market Intermediaries – Policy and Registrations, and Division of MIIs – Registrations and Regulatory approvals. Over the past five years at IFSCA, he has been involved in policy-making in several areas of capital markets, including Listing Regulations, Capital Market Intermediaries Regulations, and the regulatory framework for Global Access. Prior to joining IFSCA, Mr. Prasad gained over 12 years of experience in capital markets with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), where he handled various portfolios, including investigations, international affairs, takeovers, buy-backs, and delisting. He holds an MBA from IIM Indore and a B. Tech from IIT Madras.

Apoorva Carry nearly 42 years of work experience with nearly 30 years in Financial Services. Within Financial Services, have worked in leading roles, across Distribution, Business Development, Portfolio Management, Wealth Management, Advisory, Research and Product Management functions. Have also been mentoring Startups. Am also an EB-5 Verified due diligence professional. Playing a very active role in Alternative Investment space, Global Investments and Angel Investments. Carry wide network, and experience of being a research oriented interface for investment products providers and wealth management firms / family offices.

Mayank has more than twenty five years of experience working in technology business incubation, academics and banking & financial services sector. Teaching subjects – corporate finance, investment analysis, portfolio management, asset valuation, derivatives and risk management, new enterprise financing, project formulation and appraisal, international finance and alternative investment. Valued more than 100 small and medium enterprises for investment. Mentoring start-up for strategic financing, and business valuation.