In a landmark move, ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company (AMC) has appointed a record 18 merchant bankers for its upcoming ₹10,000 crore IPO. This marks the first-ever mutual fund IPO from the ICICI Group and the fifth AMC listing overall in India.
Known as the country’s largest active asset manager by assets under management (AUM), ICICI Prudential AMC filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI on July 8, officially kicking off what could be one of the most talked-about IPOs in recent times.
Why 18 Bankers? It’s About Prestige and Partnerships
The unusually high number of bankers is not about cost—only four will earn fees, while the rest will gain league table credit, a crucial reputation metric in the investment banking world.
“It helps boost credentials and business development. Everyone wants to be part of such a prestigious issue,” said an industry insider.
ICICI’s long-standing relationships with multiple banks played a key role in this inclusion. With support on both distribution and strategic guidance, the AMC chose to acknowledge and involve a wide range of partners in the process.
Star-Studded Syndicate Behind the IPO
The merchant banking team includes top global names like Citi, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs, along with leading Indian firms such as Axis Capital, Kotak Investment Banking, SBI Capital Markets, JM Financial, and HDFC Bank.
ICICI Securities has been given the exclusive mandate to handle the marketing of the IPO.
Offer Details: 100% OFS by Prudential Holdings
The IPO is a 100% offer-for-sale (OFS) by UK-based Prudential Corporation Holdings Ltd. Importantly, ICICI Prudential AMC will not receive any proceeds, as the entire amount will go to the selling shareholder.
Setting a New Benchmark in Merchant Banking
This IPO sets a new benchmark for India, beating the previous record held by the HDB Financial Services IPO, which had 12 bankers for its June 2025 issue. Other recent multi-banker IPOs include Schloss Bangalore (11 bankers), Ola Electric and JSW Infra (8 each).
“There’s a prestige factor here. Just being seen on a deal from ICICI carries immense value,” said Arun Kejriwal, founder of Kejriwal Research and Investment Services.
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Role of Merchant Bankers in Multi-Lead Deals
According to IPO experts, such large syndicates follow the ‘left-lead’ principle, where the top few bankers drive the process while others assist in investor outreach and compliance.
Each banker is assigned responsibilities and grouped into tiers, with Tier-1 firms handling institutional allocation and bid coordination, and others focusing on retail and HNI participation.
“It’s a large issue, and it should attract good interest and perform well,” Kejriwal added confidently.
Strong Market Standing
As of March 31, 2025, ICICI Prudential AMC managed an average quarterly AUM of ₹9.43 lakh crore, commanding a 13.3% market share. This strong foundation is expected to fuel high investor interest and institutional participation in the IPO.
Conclusion
ICICI Prudential AMC’s IPO isn’t just a fundraising event — it’s a showcase of trust, legacy, and strategic partnership. With 18 bankers on board, it underlines not only the magnitude of the issue but also the value of long-term institutional relationships. All eyes are now on how this heavily backed IPO performs in the market.
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