ICICI Bank’s recent dilemma should provide food for thought to every bank or institution that adopts an aggressive growth strategy. Clearly, the Bank had done a lot that is right to power its way to become the second largest bank in the country. It has also spawned several institutions, which have gained critical mass in areas such as insurance, stock broking and venture finance. Yet, the...

The rush for currency bourses is taking a ridiculous turn. Three bourses were launched in a month and three more are in the pipeline – the National Multi Commodity Exchange (controlled by Anil Ambani), the Bangalore Stock Exchange and a consortium of banks, led by Federal Bank.

P Ravikumar, former CEO of the National Commodity Derivatives Exchange, now a director at Federal Bank, is...

If you have been wondering how the Sensex pulled back at least 500 points or more (intra-day) on at least two occasions recently, then look no further than Life Insurance Corporation (LIC). The government-controlled insurance behemoth is single-handedly playing the role that Unit Trust of India used to play before its two debacles and the subsequent split.

We learn that LIC has been making...