Introduction: Why GCC Enablement Partners Matter More Than Ever
Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have evolved well beyond their original mandate of cost efficiency. Today, they are strategic hubs that drive digital transformation, build specialized capabilities, support global operations, and increasingly contribute to innovation and business growth. As enterprises accelerate their GCC ambitions—whether through greenfield setups, scale-ups, or large-scale transformations—the role of GCC enablement service providers has become critical.
Setting up and scaling a GCC successfully is complicated and requires a sound location strategy, strong talent, effective governance, regulatory readiness, and early integration of technology. For most enterprises, navigating this complexity without experienced external support can slow execution and increase risk.
This is where global capability center enablement service providers play a pivotal role. The right partner helps enterprises move faster, make informed decisions, and build future-ready GCCs that deliver sustained value—not just operational support. However, with a growing number of firms positioning themselves as GCC specialists, identifying the right service provider can be challenging.
In this blog, we highlight some of the top GCC enablement service providers for setting up and scaling Global Capability Centers.
Top GCC Enablement Service Providers
AIM Research’s GCC Enablement Service Providers PeMa (Penetration and Maturity) Quadrant 2025 report assesses vendors based on their growth, market presence, breadth of offerings, recent activity, customer confidence, technological advancement, platform solution maturity, and ease of use. A total of 35 vendors were assessed in the study, out of which 17 companies earned recognition as Leaders, exhibiting strong market presence across industries/geographies, consistent growth, and established teams that can deliver end-to-end services by leveraging the latest technologies.
Below is an overview of the standout capabilities of each Leader (arranged in alphabetical order):
- Accenture: Accenture stands out for its sheer scale and deep expertise, which powers its ability to enable and transform GCCs. The company’s strengths include its AI-first platforms, vast industry know-how, and the capacity to ramp up quickly when needed. Their mature governance structures and innovation accelerators help ensure quality, consistent growth, and strategic alignment for global GCC portfolios.
- ANSR: ANSR is known for getting GCCs up and running fast and making them scalable. Their AI-driven digital platforms and strong position in the mid-market—supported by Accenture—are big advantages. With a broad talent network, a cost-effective asset-light model, and global partnerships, ANSR is able to deliver predictable results, speed up hiring, and create optimized, scalable GCC frameworks for enterprises.
- Capgemini: With two decades in the GCC ecosystem, Capgemini has a global reach and the ability to drive enterprise-scale transformations across industries. They excel at scaling quickly and position GCCs as true innovation hubs, helping companies harness AI, digital platforms, and enterprise data strategies—not just focus on saving costs.
- CGI: CGI brings over 40 years of experience with captive-like centers, and is known for robust governance, compliance, and multi-location operations. Their delivery strength in India (with more than 13,500 employees) is a key asset, as are their proprietary IP platforms. CGI’s trusted reputation, especially in regulated sectors like government, BFSI, and utilities, means they can build secure, scalable GCCs for complex industries.
- Cognizant: Cognizant offers comprehensive GCC enablement, utilizing proprietary AI and automation platforms such as Neuro® AI and FlowSource to drive digital transformation and productivity. Their domain expertise in regulated industries, combined with a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, allows them to quickly scale GCCs into strategic value hubs—often within just 18 to 24 months.
- Deloitte: Deloitte’s strengths include GCC strategy and operating model design, integrated GCCaaS delivery through Deloitte–Embark, and expertise in GenAI, analytics, cloud, and cybersecurity. Its governance, transformation track record, and frameworks enable rapid scaling and modernization for Fortune 500 and global enterprises.
- EY: EY brings end-to-end GCC enablement, supported by a huge multi-industry client base and proprietary, AI-driven platforms. With over 25,000 certified professionals, they’re experts in high-value functions and use repeatable frameworks to help Fortune 500 companies scale GCCs quickly, while maintaining strong governance and operational maturity.
- HCLTech: HCLTech’s strengths include a large-scale GCC delivery engine with deep engineering and digital capabilities, and proven BOT/BOOT governance. Its broad industry coverage, global multi-hub execution, robust upskilling ecosystem, and high retention rates enable rapid scaling, operational stability, and continuous modernization for GCCs.
- Hexaware: Hexaware + SMC Squared’s strengths include proven GCC build excellence with rapid scaling and high retention, backed by proprietary AI platforms and agile processes. Their strong North American presence, experienced leadership, and expanding global portfolio position them as a trusted partner for capability-led GCC transformations and long-term strategic growth.
- IBM: IBM’s strengths include integration of Red Hat OpenShift, hybrid cloud architecture, and watsonx AI platform, combined with one of the largest delivery footprints in India and strong consulting via IBM Garage. Its expertise in regulated industries, enterprise-grade AI governance, and ability to scale GCCs rapidly with standardized playbooks and hybrid cloud accelerators ensure robust, innovation-driven transformations.
- Infosys: Infosys’s strengths include AI-first differentiation through platforms like Topaz and EdgeVerve AI Next, proven large-scale transformation capability, and full lifecycle expertise. Its leadership in tier-2 expansion, client retention, industry-specific CoEs, and a specialized talent pool in AI/ML, cloud, and cybersecurity enable robust GCC build-outs and modernization.
- KPMG: KPMG’s strengths include full-stack GCC lifecycle expertise through its OneGCC framework, strong presence across large enterprises, and advanced AI and automation capabilities. Its robust talent pipeline, continuous upskilling programs, and ecosystem partnerships with cloud and cybersecurity vendors enable integrated GCC setup, operational resilience, and rapid transformation for high-value clients.
- PwC: PwC’s strengths include end-to-end GCC lifecycle capability, sector-aligned delivery across BFSI, technology, pharma, and manufacturing, and advanced GenAI integration for rapid modernization. Its strong governance, multi-function expansion, and large talent base of 10,000+ professionals in India ensure credibility and scalable transformation for global enterprises.
- Tech Mahindra: Tech Mahindra’s strengths include full GCC lifecycle capability with strong governance, expertise in digital engineering, AI/ML, and telecom, and a broad global presence across major hubs. Its scalable talent pool, leadership depth, and backing from the Mahindra Group ensure rapid, reliable GCC expansion with advanced technology and operational stability.
- Vestian: Vestian specializes in real estate, location strategy, and workplace advisory—making them experts in preparing infrastructure for GCCs. Their strong presence in both tier-1 and emerging cities, history with Fortune 500 clients, and integrated approach to real estate, design, and operations enable cost-efficient and rapid GCC expansion.
- Wipro: Wipro’s strengths include full-lifecycle GCC capability from strategy to operations, multi-industry expertise, and a track record in large-scale transformations and AI-first modernization. Its rapid distributed delivery across major and tier-2 hubs, combined with co-innovation through embedded teams and IP creation, ensures scalable and future-ready GCC solutions.
- Zinnov: Zinnov’s strengths include deep GCC ecosystem authority backed by 20+ years of research, a mature GCCaaS model, and proven multi-industry expertise. Its research-driven advisory, transformation capability, purpose-built frameworks, and CoE experience in AI, analytics, and automation enable standardized yet customizable GCC solutions.
How Hexaware + SMC Squared Can Help
Our GCC 2.0 Service Line, created following Hexaware’s acquisition of SMC Squared in July 2025, combines Hexaware’s AI-first delivery platforms with SMC Squared’s proven GCC build-operate-transfer (BOT) model to unlock sustainable value—not just cost savings.
Value Proposition for Clients:
- End-to-end GCC Enablement Services: GCC consulting and advisory, setup, managed operations, optimization, and final transition, enabling clients to establish self-sustaining GCCs with full governance and compliance.
- Outcome-based, Risk-share Model: Aligns incentives through shared-risk structures and delivers measurable business outcomes rather than simple staffing setups.
- AI+Human Workforce Integration: Combines digital agents and proprietary platforms with human experts to enhance resilience, speed, and intelligence in GCC operations.
- Rigorous Governance through BOT: The BOT framework ensures structured setup, performance optimization, and smooth transition under tight governance—ideal for regulated industries.
- Scalable Global Execution: Backed by Hexaware’s platform scale and SMC Squared’s strong North American footprint, with growth planned into Latin America and Europe.
Hexaware + SMC Squared empowers enterprises to transform traditional offshore centers into strategic GCCs that combine strong governance, AI-powered operations, and global delivery scale—ensuring faster impact, reduced risk, and long-term growth.
Ten Critical Things to Look for in a GCC Enablement Partner
- Clear alignment with your GCC vision and maturity stage
- End-to-end GCC enablement capabilities from strategy to steady state
- A proven track record in setting up and transforming captive centers
- Deep local market and ecosystem expertise
- A strong talent strategy beyond hiring at scale
- Robust operating model, governance, and compliance frameworks
- Technology and digital enablement capabilities
- Flexible engagement and commercial models
- A true partnership mindset and cultural fit
- The ability to deliver measurable outcomes and long-term value
Conclusion
As the GCC landscape continues to evolve, organizations should view their enablement partners not just as service providers but as strategic co-innovators who can help future-proof their global operations. The next wave of value creation will come from embracing AI-driven transformation, fostering resilient skill-centric talent ecosystems, geographic diversification combined with micro/nano GCCs, and adaptive governance models that can respond to rapid market shifts. Enterprises that proactively invest in these forward-looking capabilities—while cultivating true partnership mindsets—will be best positioned to unlock the full potential of their GCCs, drive sustained innovation, and create lasting competitive advantage in the global economy.
