Dena Bank in talks with insurance cos for capital

Public sector Dena Bank is in talks with few insurance companies to raise capital, its CMD Ashwini Kumar said.

"We are in talks with few insurance companies to raise capital", Kumar said at an interactive session organised by MCCI here today.

Besides, the bank was also weighing alternate means to raise capital, he said adding that it would depend on the market conditions.

Kumar said for Dena Bank, the worst was over. "For my bank, the worst phase is over. Things post demonetisation is now improving", he said.

He said that after the currency call, CASA of the bank had increased nine per cent.
 

However, credit growth had fallen due to demonetisation, he said.

Regarding the reported merger with Union Bank, he said "there has been discussion regarding the merger between him and the chairman of Union Bank".

The bank was increasing the total number of branches by additional 25 by year-end, he said.

Dena Bank was also trying to convert its representative office into a branch in London, he said.