HDFC Life listing buzz

An item on NDTV has been removed because it was incorrect. Please see the correction at the end.

Though passage of the Insurance Bill has been delayed, the buzz regarding HDFC Standard Life's initial public offering is growing steadily. Market sources say the company is seeking a valuation of Rs 20,000-Rs 22,000 crore. In 2011, when Nippon Life had bought 26 per cent stake in Reliance Life, it had valued the company at Rs 11,500 crore. The private sector insurance player is a joint venture with Standard Life, with HDFC Ltd holding 72.37 per cent and Standard Life 26 per cent. It was the first one to get a licence from Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority in 2000.

Robo-advisors cometh?

The increasing mention of robo-advisors in global media has made the financial services industry in India wondering how far a desi version might be. A robo-advisor uses pre-set algorithms to create a model portfolio for an investor, using information gleaned through a questionnaire. If this happens, it spells more bad news for the beleaguered financial advisory business. Globally, robo-advisors have been associated with downward pressure on costs, and are seen to be more appealing to younger, tech-savvy investors. With many of India's young people already turning to websites to file their tax returns, the day might not be far when they look to similar sites for investment advice.

CORRECTION
An article on NDTV which suggested that the Adani group is in the process of finalising a deal with NDTV was incorrect. We have removed the article because NDTV has categorically denied the development. We regret the error.