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With Sebi's tough stand on non-serious asset management companies (AMCs), talks of consolidation are once again in the air.
Threat of pulling the incentives given in past two years to non-performers back has sent shock waves among fund houses.
Though there is no concrete move yet from the regulator, buzz making rounds among the sector executives here at CCI Mutual Fund Summit is "look beyond top 15 cities or feel the heat".
Senior industry officials told Business Standard that if those players do not pull up their socks, they would have to exit.
And it does not appear to be untrue when one looks at the recent M&A deals in the industry.
Expansion beyond top cities is a tough task for new or small players. Despite the fact that MF business is a "pass through vehicle", expansions with brick and mortar branches come with a high cost, say officials.
Currently there are 44 players having iperations in India.Though less than half of them are making profits.
