An American law could limit the universe of institutional investors that may invest in the coming Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of India’s two major bourses, the BSE and National Stock Exchange (NSE). The law in question is called the ‘Volcker Rule’, as it was enacted on the recommendation of Paul Volcker, a respected central banker. This US federal regulation prohibits banks from conducting certain investment activities with their own accounts, and limits their ownership of and relationship with hedge funds and private equity funds, also called ‘covered funds’. And, it appears both BSE and NSE could be deemed ‘covered funds’ as defined in the Volcker Rule for the coming IPOs. Both exchanges are relying on an analysis that they do not come under the definition of an ‘investment company’ under the US Investment Company Act because of an exception provided under it. However, this means they may be considered a covered fund as defined in the Volcker Rule. A covered fund faces gr...