Belong Revolutionizes Global Access: NRIs Can Now Trade GIFT Nifty Derivatives 24/7 with Zero Tax Liability

Belong Revolutionizes Global Access: NRIs Can Now Trade GIFT Nifty Derivatives 24/7 with Zero Tax Liability​

Belong, an investment platform dedicated to non-resident Indians (NRIs), has made a significant move into international financial derivatives. The company has successfully launched GIFT Nifty Futures trading through the NSE International Exchange (NSE IX). This offering allows NRIs and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) access to dollar-denominated Nifty 50 futures via GIFT City, marking a major advancement in cross-border investment accessibility.

The introduction of this specialized product is designed to bridge the gap between global Indian communities and sophisticated financial markets. Investors can now trade for nearly 21 hours daily, enabling them to react immediately to global market developments rather than domestic trading schedules.

Tax Advantages Drive NRI Interest in GIFT Nifty Futures​

GIFT Nifty is a dollar-denominated futures contract based on the Nifty 50 Index and operates under the regulatory framework of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). For non-resident investors, this product presents a substantial tax advantage over conventional domestic derivatives.

Unlike domestic trading options for NRIs, who may face up to 30 percent taxation, profits made from GIFT Nifty Futures are exempt from income tax in India. Furthermore, Securities Transaction Tax (STT) and stamp duty have been waived for this specific traded product, making it a considerably more cost-effective choice.

Seamless Operations Enable Global Investment Flows​

A key operational advantage of this offering is the complete removal of traditional banking barriers for NRIs. Investors do not require an Indian bank account to trade GIFT Nifty Futures with Belong. Funds can be funded directly from overseas bank accounts in US dollars.

The trading mechanics are simplified through the product design. Positions and settlements are maintained entirely in USD, significantly minimizing the need for repeated currency conversions by the investor. This streamlined process ensures that all invested funds remain fully repatriable via GIFT City.

Belong’s Commitment to Simplifying Cross-Border Investing​

Ankur Choudhary, CEO and Co-founder of Belong, stated that GIFT Nifty Futures represent a critical step toward greater accessibility within India's capital markets for global Indians. He noted that Belong built a digital-first trading experience explicitly designed to eliminate the operational hurdles NRIs typically face across onboarding, funding, and eventual settlement.

The company’s mission is clear: making cross-border investing simpler and more efficient in alignment with how global Indians operate and work. This launch marks Belong's formal entry into exchange-traded derivatives, expanding its existing GIFT City offerings which already include mutual funds and fixed deposits for NRIs.

Future Expansion of Exchange-Traded Products​

The introduction of Nifty derivatives is just the beginning of Belong’s expanded financial product line in GIFT City. The company plans to introduce additional exchange-traded products in coming quarters. This future pipeline includes Sensex Futures through India INX and single-stock futures, promising continued growth and diversification for its NRI investor base.