Inter-scheme transfer of assets by funds can be a source of abuse. Here is what the regulator should do to control it

The mutual fund industry has been one of the most regulated ones. Yet, analysts and critics constantly draw attention to gaps in regulation. However, the nature of operations is so complex and vast that there is always room for manoeuvring, which may not always be by the...

The very basis of buying and selling stocks is reported financial data. We assume these numbers are credible but can we trust the promoters of Indian companies, especially of small- and mid-cap ones, to report honestly? And if they don’t, can we trust the auditors, who are our only line of defence, against crooked managements, asks Debashis Basu

The cornerstone of stock markets is corporate...

DuPont is a large US chemicals company. Its paint covers 30% of US automobiles. It produces paint barely 48 hours before it is sprayed on cars. Since the lead time is so short, auto companies share their production schedule with paint companies. One day in late 2008, just before the whirlwind of credit crisis hit the world, suddenly there were no production schedules. The automakers simply...