Crypto-asset products are not permitted under the current IFSCA framework. Retail-class hedge fund access — the kind US accredited investors take for granted — is still maturing. And insurance wrappers domiciled in GIFT face limitations on the Indian-resident pool of buyers that will likely loosen over time.
What you can actually buy at GIFT
7 min · For educational purposes only
A practical map of the product surface available to Indian investors today: IFSC AIFs, feeder funds into US/global ETFs, fractional US equities, structured notes, offshore bonds, insurance wrappers and bullion.
The product surface today
- AIF Category III feeders that own global equity funds, US ETFs or hedge strategies
- Portfolio Management Services (PMS) operating in USD
- Fractional direct US equity through IFSC broker-dealers
- Structured notes — capital-protected, autocallable, yield-enhancement strategies
- Offshore bond access (US Treasuries, IG corporates, EM sovereigns)
- Insurance wrappers (Variable Insurance Products) with offshore underlying
- Gold via IIBX (India International Bullion Exchange)
What you cannot do (yet)
Key takeaways
- The shelf is broad but not complete; expect rapid expansion.
- Most retail-friendly access today is via AIF Category III feeders and fractional US equity.
- Structured products and offshore debt are the fastest-growing segments.