IPO (initial public offering) applicants, particularly the unsuccessful ones, often have to face a double whammy of sorts. On the one hand they fail to get allotment of shares and on the other, they lose out on the interest during the period their money is locked —that is, if they have opted for the traditional method of issuing cheques for depositing the application money. However, if they choose the ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amount) facility, they can circumvent this problem. But do note that you cannot decide to make two applications – one by way of cheque payment and the other through ASBA. If you do so, it could be rejected on the grounds that it constitutes multiple applications. Introduced by Securities and Exchange Board of India ( Sebi ) in 2008, using ASBA has become mandatory for all non-retail investors. Retail investors, though, continue to have the option of choosing between the old and new mechanisms. However, it is in your interest to opt for ASBA. He...
