Archive · 21 Jan 2026
IFSCA Proposes Algorithmic Trading Rules for GIFT City
The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has proposed new rules for algorithmic trading in GIFT City.
Algorithmic trading uses computers to buy and sell stocks very quickly.
The new rules require exchanges to approve these computer programs before they can be used and to check them regularly.
They also suggest adding filters to certain stocks and penalizing traders who place too many orders without executing them.
The goal is to keep the market safe and fair.
The rules are open for feedback from the public and market participants.
If traders break the rules too many times, they could have their trading privileges suspended.
Both traders and exchanges will need to regularly check their systems to make sure they are working properly.
IFSCA proposed draft guidelines for algorithmic trading in GIFT City, requiring mandatory tagging of all algorithmic orders.
Measures include dummy filters for securities without price bands and financial penalties for excessive order-to-trade ratios.
Exchanges must approve trading algorithms before deployment and conduct initial conformance tests.
Market participants must disclose their algorithms, and exchanges can intervene in case of disorderly trading.
Persistent violations may result in the suspension of proprietary trading privileges for the opening hour of the following session.
- Who
- International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)
- What
- Proposed draft guidelines for algorithmic trading
- When
- January 21, 2026
- Where
- Gujarat International Finance Tech (GIFT) City
- Why
- To manage risks associated with algorithmic trading and ensure market integrity
Pro-Regulation
Pro-Industry
Pre-Approval of Algorithms
Pro-Regulation
Necessary to prevent market manipulation and ensure fairness.
Pro-Industry
May stifle innovation and increase operational burdens.
Financial Penalties
Pro-Regulation
Effective deterrent against excessive order placement and market abuse.
Pro-Industry
Could disproportionately impact smaller participants and reduce market liquidity.
- Regulator
- International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)
- Location
- Gujarat International Finance Tech (GIFT) City
- Proposed Measures
- Mandatory tagging of orders, dummy filters, financial penalties, pre-approval of algorithms, real-time monitoring, system audits
- Purpose
- Ensure market stability, transparency, and integrity
- Date
- January 21, 2026
- Consultation Period
- Open for public and market participant feedback
- Penalty Threshold
- Suspension for more than ten violations in a 30-day window