The secret of buying LIC Money Back Policy
Money back policy from LIC is a popular insurance policy, as it provides life coverage during the term of the policy and the maturity benefits are paid in installments by way of survival benefits in every 5 years. But, we try to avoid taking higher sized policy due to the incremental increase in monthly premium rate, although we are capable of paying this small additional amount.

Credit Cards - Go for the right one
We have a range of more than 50 cards from different banks on offer in the market. There are credit cards out there designed for every kind of person. In such a scenario owning a credit card is a must, but before you take a decision there are many criteria to be considered.

Future Banking Services
Banking industry is going through a rapid transition phase all over the world. Small banks are facing a fierce competition from the big players. Virtual banks in Internet are challenging the traditional banking system and global boundaries are being smashed day-after-day that gives birth to a small global village. what will be the future of retail banking after 25-30 years? What are the services you can expect from them?

Valuation - An Art as well as a Science
Valuation process is as much an art as a science. The process is a complex one that involves much research and calculations. The role of investment banker and his importance in this process, is to be appreciated.

Health Insurance in India - Time for Revolution?
Healthcare, with global revenue of over Rs.2.75 trillion is the largest industry in the world. Where does India stand against the new disease management practice in health insurance in developed countries?

Are VCs finally Venturing in India ?
The venture creation is happening in India. But an exponential growth is on the anvil. The opportunity that India presents is becoming evident, as pieces of the puzzle fall in place. With the Government of India backing the IT industry it is the VC's day out

Escape from LIC - Escape to Victory ?
LIC's position is not at stake yet. The reason could be: It will take several years for private players to develop a healthy, vibrant and competitive insurance environment as LIC, which can manage a wide network right across the country. Also, the trust and familiarity of LIC is a big plus

An Unwarranted Bank Strike
In the current economic scenario, reducing the Government stake in PSBs is a welcoming decision. Whether liked by unions or not, the Government seems to be hell bent on this. It is high time the bank unions stop their unprofessional and embrace the merits of privatization in all its manifestations

Private Banks - The Public edge
Needless to say, the success of private banks in India was not built at a single stroke but was achieved with a  pure focus on the needs of the new generation and a proactive approach. And the customer-pulling exercise is just a transition process in Indian banking industry as a result of that effort

ICICI Bank or BoM - Who will Benefit ?
After the merger of HDFC with Times Bank, ICICI has moved a step further and had merged with a traditional bank, Bank of Madura (BoM). But there are variances in corporate culture, which would stifle growth. Who will actually benefit from the merger? ICICI Bank or BoM

How to Select Co-branded Credit Cards
Co-branding, apart from the reward schemes and redemption options, also allows for discounts at specific outlets when using the card, free merchandise, frequent buyer program similar to frequent flyer points. But beware of the fine print and the dicey insurance cover

Venture Capital - Respite at last !
Venture Capital Funds will no longer be required to exit from a company within 12 months of going public to avail the benefit of a tax pass through. The choice of exit will now be left entirely to the funds whether the company is listed or not. Welcome move, but what does that mean

Readying the insurance runway
The runway for the insurance take-off needs to be readied for a smooth run in for the companies in this sector, which will bring about the necessary changes in the sector in the Indian context. The IRDA needs to make sure that plans go according to schedules without further ado...........more

Gear up Now, NBFCs!!
The recent four-way merger between geographical dispersed NBFCs is relevant in more ways than one. On the one hand it will give the established survivors like Sundaram, KMFL and Tata Finance a run for the money while laying the foundation for NBFCs consolidation in the future...........more

Seducing the Venture Capitalist
Venture capitalists are known to be stunningly stingy while extending venture finance. What are the points that a prospective venture finance raiser needs to keep in mind while approaching a venture capitalist for funds. More importantly what are the basic prerequisites for attracting venture finance.......more

Insurance Blues
The Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (IRDA) has permitted to delink the 26% foreign equity cap from FII holding in Insurance JVs. Instead IRDA has instructed private insurers to channel 20% of their business to GIC to counter possible threats to the domestic sector. ......more

Boring Interest
Has Dr. Bimal Jalan once again ushered in lower interest rates? If you think that the 1 percent cut in the bank rate and the 1 percent in the CRR will lead to a softening of the interest rates in the economy, think again. There will be no such impact on interest rates. Here is why........ more