The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) on April 06, 2026, issued the International Financial Services Centres Authority (Pension Fund) Regulations, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• It aims to provide the regulatory framework for registration, regulation, and supervision of the Pension Funds in the International Financial Services Centre in India, with the objectives of establishing a robust framework for long-term retirement savings, promoting a secure and transparent environment for subscribers, protecting their interests, and maintaining the integrity of the pension ecosystem in IFSC.
• The regulations require pension funds to maintain qualified leadership, including Key Managerial Personnel and a Compliance Officer, all of whom must meet “fit and proper” criteria. The registration process involves detailed disclosures and scrutiny by the Authority, and once registered, pension funds must adhere to ongoing compliance requirements such as maintaining operational infrastructure, implementing risk management systems, and following AML/KYC guidelines.
• “Authority” means the International Financial Services Centres Authority established under the sub-section (1) of section 4 of the Act;
• “Board” refers to the Board of Directors of a Pension Fund;
• “Pension Fund” means an entity which has been granted a certificate of registration under these regulations by the Authority as a pension fund for receiving contributions, accumulating them and making payments to the Subscriber;
• Registration - (1) No person shall act as a Pension Fund under these regulations unless it has obtained a certificate of registration from the Authority as a Pension Fund.; (2) An entity desirous of obtaining a certificate of registration from the Authority as a Pension Fund shall submit an application form through SWIT, accompanied by such fees and documents and in such manner as may be specified by the Authority.
• Eligibility for Registration - (1) The applicant shall be an entity incorporated as a company in the International Financial Services Centre, or a branch of a company incorporated outside the International Financial Services Centre: Provided that the branch structure is permitted only for a Pension Fund which is already registered or regulated by a financial; (2) The Board of the applicant shall consist of at least four directors, of whom at least one-half shall be independent directors.
Please refer to the document attached below for more details.
[F. No. IFSCA/GN/2026/007]
