In a significant regulatory milestone, Monarch Networth Capital IFSC Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Monarch Networth Capital Ltd., has been granted a Registered Fund Management Entity (Retail) license by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). This move positions the company as a key player in India’s emerging international financial hub, GIFT City.

The license was granted under Registration No: IFSCA/FME/III/2025-26/169, and enables Monarch to introduce a range of globally competitive fund management products and services to investors in India and overseas.

Empowered to Launch Broad Range of Investment Offerings

The FME (Retail) license authorizes Monarch IFSC to:

• Invest in securities and financial products

• Launch and manage retail investment schemes

• Offer Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

• Manage public offerings of REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and InvITs (Infrastructure Investment Trusts)

• Manage Family Investment Funds

• Undertake Portfolio Management Services (PMS) including multi-family office structures

• Launch special situation funds and restricted schemes (typically reserved for non-retail investors)

This new capacity significantly enhances Monarch’s strategic reach in asset management and adds depth to its existing business lines. Few domestic financial institutions hold this license, making Monarch one of the first non-AMC (Asset Management Company) entities to be part of this exclusive club.

Expanding on Strong Domestic AIF Foundation

Monarch Networth already operates a successful Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) platform, branded as Monarch AIF, which manages nearly ₹900 crore of long-only equity AUM across two schemes. This platform has completed five years of profitable and compliant operations, showcasing the firm’s capability and credibility in fund management.

With the new FME license, the Group is now gearing up to launch equity-focused investment products from GIFT City during FY26, targeting foreign investors and NRIs under the AIF framework.

Forward-Looking Plans: Mutual Fund Ambitions

Adding to its fund management ambitions, Monarch has also applied for a Mutual Fund license in FY25. This further reflects the Group’s intent to diversify its investment offerings and deepen its participation in the Indian capital market ecosystem.

The regulatory engagement process is already underway, and Monarch is reportedly working closely with regulators on compliance and documentation related to its MF license.

Leadership Speaks on the Strategic Win

Mr. Vaibhav Shah, Managing Director of Monarch Networth Capital Ltd., remarked:

“This is a landmark achievement for the MNCL Group. We look forward to introducing differentiated investment products from GIFT City targeted at foreign investors and NRIs. Leveraging our deep experience in the domestic AIF space and our extensive retail reach, we aim to deliver meaningful value to our investors and clients. We sincerely thank the GIFT IFSC authorities for granting the FME (Retail) license and reaffirm our commitment to contributing towards the growth and development of the fund management industry at GIFT City.”

Significance of GIFT City and IFSCA’s Vision

GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) has emerged as a strategic financial hub, envisioned to rival international financial centres like Singapore and Dubai. The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), headquartered at GIFT City, regulates all financial entities operating in this zone.

The FME (Retail) license represents a key regulatory instrument designed to help financial institutions introduce global-standard investment solutions, especially aimed at international investors.

By empowering entities like Monarch IFSC, IFSCA is paving the way for India to become a leading destination for global fund management, further bolstering its aspirations to become a financial powerhouse.

Differentiated Offerings with Strategic Intent

With this license in hand, Monarch Networth Capital is expected to roll out differentiated schemes across various asset classes, especially equity and infrastructure-linked offerings. The ability to launch ETFs, REITs, and InvITs also signals strong intent to tap into emerging investor trends that demand transparency, liquidity, and innovation.

Moreover, the focus on multi-family offices and PMS structures showcases Monarch’s ambition to cater to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs) and institutional investors in India and abroad.

Positioning Among Elite Financial Firms

The FME license has been granted to only a few qualified financial entities, most of them being pure-play AMCs. Monarch’s inclusion, despite not being a traditional AMC, highlights the confidence that regulators have in the MNCL Group’s governance, compliance standards, and growth vision.

This further cements the company’s reputation as a dynamic and credible financial services provider, and also enhances its brand recognition in both the domestic and international investment communities.

Conclusion: A Bold Step Forward for Monarch and GIFT City

In summary, Monarch Networth Capital’s receipt of the FME (Retail) license marks a pivotal moment in the company's growth trajectory. It opens new doors for global capital participation, fund innovation, and regulatory leadership, all from the strategic base of GIFT City.

With planned launches of AIFs, potential Mutual Fund ventures, and a full suite of investment products, Monarch is well-positioned to lead the next wave of Indian fund management evolution.

This development not only reflects the confidence of IFSCA in the firm’s vision, but also reinforces GIFT City's role as India’s gateway to global finance.

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