Walden International, the US-based venture capital (VC), plans to raise $500 million (Rs 2,150 crore) global fund early next year to step up its investment in China and India.

`Downturn is the best time for investment`

Business Standard

Even as competition in the insurance sector is on the rise, Max New York Life Insurance Co, one of the top five private life insurance firms in India, has announced plans to tap the financially weaker segments of the country through a new insurance and savings scheme called Max Vijay.

`We have no listing plans for now`

While a slowdown has dawned on many only now, Asset Reconstruction Company (India) or Arcil had started preparing for it months ago. The company is in the midst of bolstering its capital base to deal

`Longer slowdown will impact profits`

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ICICI Bank has reported a decline in its quarterly net profit for the first time since its merger with ICICI.
In a telephonic interview with Business Standard, the

`The first quarter has been the toughest`

Naina Lal Kidwai, Group General Manager and Country Head for HSBC India, does not seem to be too perturbed about the slowdown or the rising delinquency levels.

`There is demand for funds`

Shikha Sharma spoke to Business Standard about the insurance company's plans and the industry as a whole, in the backdrop of rising inflation, slowing growth and soaring crude oil prices.

We`re two years away from profits

            Whether it is investing in companies or shopping for ties, Akhil Gupta looks for value.

LUNCH WITH BS: Akhil Gupta

Where do you see interest rates headed and do you expect a fall in credit flow?
The banking system saw a substantial drop in credit growth in 2007-08.

`We expect 25% growth in retail credit in FY08`

India&#39;s largest private sector bank is not revising interest rates or growth targets, at least not for now.

`We haven`t seen fresh projects in three months`

It's been two-and-half months since Romesh Sobti took over as the managing director and chief executive officer at IndusInd Bank.

`Need to relook strategy if you don`t grow 35-40%`

&nbsp;"I have been used to transfers throughout my career. I am now also used to transfer from active to passive life.

`Customer care is a continuous challenge`

ICICI Bank expects infrastructure boom will help banks post a 25 per cent expansion in their loan books in 2008-09, higher than the 
Reserve Bank of India's projection of a 20 per cent growth.

`Infra boom to fuel loan growth`

            Gagan Banga talks about how one of India's largest NBFCs still retains the financial discipline of a start-up.

LUNCH WITH BS: Gagan Banga

            The Indophile chief of Max New York Life, while scotching rumours of any tension between group partners, elaborates on his plans for the company.

LUNCH WITH BS: Gary Bennett

HDFC Bank, which has seen some fall in the cost of deposits, decided to reduce the base rate from January 1. In an interview, Paresh Sukthankar, executive director, tells Manojit Saha that for a further reduction in the interest rate, the liquidity tightness needs to ease.

Rate cut alone will not reduce cost of funds: Paresh Sukthankar

Karur Vysya Bank recently hogged the headlines as an acquisition target but this was strongly denied by the bank&rsquo;s management. MD and CEO K Venkataraman speaks to Neelasri Barman about the focus areas for the bank.

We will tie up with large institutions for salary packages: K Venkataraman

ICICI Lombard General Insurance has maintained its position as the top entity among private general insurers. This year, the company is betting big on government contracts. In an interview with M Saraswathy, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Bhargav Dasgupta talks about the company&rsquo;s strategies.

A multi-product, multi-channel focus has helped us: Bhargav Dasgupta

Former World Bank economist Percy Mistry, who authored a widely acclaimed report on making Mumbai an international financial centre, says state-run financial institutions need drastic changes in their working and the government should draw up a strategy to exit these institutions. Edited execrpts from an interview with Dev Chatterjee &amp; Abhijit Lele.

New banking licences make no sense: Percy Mistry

Tata AIG General Insurance, which had initially stayed away from the health insurance space, has slowly increased its presence in this segment. Newly appointed chief executive Kaushal K Mishra, in an interview with M Saraswathy, says the company would continue to write business in commercial lines, but at its own terms.

We are still losing money on commercial third-party side: Kaushal K Mishra 

Credit risk insurer Export Credit Guarantee Corp of India (ECGC) had paid its highest ever claims last year. N Shankar, chairman and managing director, in an interview with M Saraswathy, discusses the plan for this year to reduce claims and improve quality of underwritten risks.

We are about to implement a new rating system for foreign buyers: N Shankar

The Chennai-based Shriram Group, the financial services conglomerate, is keen to foray into the banking segment. G S Sundararajan, group director, speaks to Krishna Pophale about their banking aspirations and strategies.

Encourage NBFCs to continue and build on their business models: G S Sundararajan

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