HM Treasury published the joint statement from the fourth India-UK Financial Markets Dialogue on 7 October, noting that officials “reflected on a strengthened relationship particularly in the context of the launch of Vision 2035 and the importance of driving implementation of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) which entered into force on 15 July 2026.” Although the dialogue focused on capital-market regulation, both sides reiterated commitments made under CETA’s mobility chapter, which guarantees short-term business-visitor access for up to 90 days, streamlined work-permit processing for intra-company transferees and a new recognition framework for professional qualifications. Financial-services firms, especially Indian fintechs planning London listings and UK asset managers targeting GIFT City, stand to benefit from quicker visa pathways for project staff. The statement highlights ongoing regulatory engagement through the India-UK Financial Partnership (IUKFP) and flags fintech, green finance and asset-management cooperation as priority sectors—industries that are particularly reliant on moving specialist talent across borders at short notice. Companies in these sectors should review their global-mobility policies to leverage CETA’s service-supplier provisions and minimise assignment lead times. With the UK tightening skilled-worker salary thresholds for most migrants, CETA’s dedicated mechanisms for key personnel provide welcome relief for firms that move staff between London and Bengaluru on high-value projects. The dialogue also acknowledged progress on faster cross-border payments—a development that could eventually support digital visa-fee settlement and reduce administrative friction for HR teams.
Source: HM Treasury – GOV.UK
