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Yes Man: The Untold Story of Rana Kapoor
The Rise and Fall of One of India's Most Promising Bankers
The year was 2004, India's economy was booming and 'India Shining' seemed like a true slogan. Around the same time, a non-banking financial company applied for and received a licence to operate as a private bank. Yes Bank was born. Its rise was phenomenal and it soon became the fourth-largest private bank in the country, with approved permissions to operate in Singapore, London and Dubai. The returns were also shareholders received hefty dividends on their investments for years on end.
That is, till the skeletons began tumbling out of the Yes Bank lockers. Stories of the bank's reckless lending were going around, and allegations of bribery and corruption became rife. Ultimately, in March 2020, the bank ran out of money, and customers were unable to get their own savings out of their accounts. The bank's promoter Rana Kapoor was arrested, and multiple agencies began what is still an ongoing probe.
Yes Man is the story of Rana Kapoor, and his Icarus-like flight that eventually led to the Yes Bank crisis. From starting out as a junior employee at Bank of America to leading a bank worth billions, Kapoor's rise and fall is a case study in ambition, greed and deceit. In this hard-hitting book, Pavan C. Lall details not only Rana Kapoor's journey, but also asks tough questions about the banking system, its regulators and even the business environment that led to a point of no return for Yes Bank.
The year was 2004, India's economy was booming and 'India Shining' seemed like a true slogan. Around the same time, a non-banking financial company applied for and received a licence to operate as a private bank. Yes Bank was born. Its rise was phenomenal and it soon became the fourth-largest private bank in the country, with approved permissions to operate in Singapore, London and Dubai. The returns were also shareholders received hefty dividends on their investments for years on end.
That is, till the skeletons began tumbling out of the Yes Bank lockers. Stories of the bank's reckless lending were going around, and allegations of bribery and corruption became rife. Ultimately, in March 2020, the bank ran out of money, and customers were unable to get their own savings out of their accounts. The bank's promoter Rana Kapoor was arrested, and multiple agencies began what is still an ongoing probe.
Yes Man is the story of Rana Kapoor, and his Icarus-like flight that eventually led to the Yes Bank crisis. From starting out as a junior employee at Bank of America to leading a bank worth billions, Kapoor's rise and fall is a case study in ambition, greed and deceit. In this hard-hitting book, Pavan C. Lall details not only Rana Kapoor's journey, but also asks tough questions about the banking system, its regulators and even the business environment that led to a point of no return for Yes Bank.
- GenresIndiaNonfiction
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2020
29 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 2, 2021
Interesting, could have been better in exploring the dynamics of the relationship with Madhu Kapoor and her family. Also the relationship with the daughters and wife wasn’t explored.
Read like a news paper article. His childhood could have been explored in more details similar to the earlier career.
I read it like a thriller in one go
Read like a news paper article. His childhood could have been explored in more details similar to the earlier career.
I read it like a thriller in one go
January 11, 2025
An enjoyable read to understand about how ambition without strong foundations can lead to disastrous results. A very well referenced book from an account holder who breaks down the journey of Yes Bank from conception to breakdown in simple terms.
March 13, 2021
Great read - but I wish it dealt a bit more with his childhood and family relationships and involvement - relationships with his daughters.
February 14, 2021
Familiar yet absorbing !
So many fraud stories in India are similar . Greedy men, breaking rules with impunity that makes you wonder if there is any order in this world at all , growing super rich & the inevitable fall ! But it never gets boring because I know its real Who has time for fiction when reality is so shocking . I get the same questions in my mind everytime . What were the regulators doing ? What were the independent directors doing ? What were the shareholders doing ? It is amazing that they get carried away the way children get carried away by fairy tales inspite of their IQs & intelligence . It is like planetary motion . It ll happen again & keep happening . The Dunning Kruger effect keeps adding volunteers This book is short & crisp . Reads like an thriller . Eat well before you start
So many fraud stories in India are similar . Greedy men, breaking rules with impunity that makes you wonder if there is any order in this world at all , growing super rich & the inevitable fall ! But it never gets boring because I know its real Who has time for fiction when reality is so shocking . I get the same questions in my mind everytime . What were the regulators doing ? What were the independent directors doing ? What were the shareholders doing ? It is amazing that they get carried away the way children get carried away by fairy tales inspite of their IQs & intelligence . It is like planetary motion . It ll happen again & keep happening . The Dunning Kruger effect keeps adding volunteers This book is short & crisp . Reads like an thriller . Eat well before you start
August 23, 2023
Step into the intriguing tale of "Yes Man: The Untold Story of Rana Kapoor" by Pavan C. Lall, a gripping narrative that uncovers the meteoric rise and subsequent downfall of one of India's most promising bankers. This book delves deep into the life of Rana Kapoor, a man whose journey mirrors the trajectory of Icarus, soaring to great heights only to plummet into a sea of controversy and crisis.
Lall's writing style is nothing short of captivating. With eloquence and meticulous detail, he navigates the reader through the fascinating landscape of Kapoor's life. The author's ability to blend facts with emotions seamlessly immerses readers into the narrative, making it hard to put the book down.
In "Yes Man," Lall masterfully introduces us to Rana Kapoor's ascent, capturing the optimism of India's booming economy in the early 2000s and the birth of Yes Bank. The story follows Kapoor's journey from a junior employee at Bank of America to the pinnacle of leadership in a bank worth billions. However, as the author unravels the layers, he exposes the darker side of ambition, greed, and deceit that ultimately led to the bank's collapse.
Lall's impeccable storytelling shines in both character portrayal and thematic exploration. Kapoor's transformation from an ambitious young banker to a central figure in one of India's most infamous financial scandals is brought to life with intricate detail. The book not only paints a vivid picture of Kapoor but also raises poignant questions about the banking system, regulatory bodies, and the business environment that facilitated Yes Bank's downfall.
The narrative's structure flows smoothly, guiding readers through the highs and lows of Kapoor's journey while keeping them hooked with suspenseful revelations. The themes of ambition, ethical lapses, and the consequences of unchecked power resonate powerfully throughout the book.
Emotionally charged and thought-provoking, "Yes Man" tugs at heartstrings and triggers introspection. Lall's ability to evoke empathy for both the protagonist and the system that failed keeps readers emotionally invested in every twist and turn.
The book's strength lies in its ability to dissect complex financial and ethical issues while remaining accessible to a wide audience. However, some readers may find the technical financial jargon a bit overwhelming.
Personally, "Yes Man" is a gripping page-turner that combines investigative journalism with storytelling finesse. Lall's exploration of Kapoor's life serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the delicate balance between ambition and ethics in the corporate world.
In conclusion, "Yes Man: The Untold Story of Rana Kapoor" is a must-read for anyone intrigued by finance, corporate scandals, or the human psychology behind them. Lall's engaging narrative, well-researched insights, and thought-provoking questions make this book a compelling addition to both non-fiction and business literature shelves.
Lall's writing style is nothing short of captivating. With eloquence and meticulous detail, he navigates the reader through the fascinating landscape of Kapoor's life. The author's ability to blend facts with emotions seamlessly immerses readers into the narrative, making it hard to put the book down.
In "Yes Man," Lall masterfully introduces us to Rana Kapoor's ascent, capturing the optimism of India's booming economy in the early 2000s and the birth of Yes Bank. The story follows Kapoor's journey from a junior employee at Bank of America to the pinnacle of leadership in a bank worth billions. However, as the author unravels the layers, he exposes the darker side of ambition, greed, and deceit that ultimately led to the bank's collapse.
Lall's impeccable storytelling shines in both character portrayal and thematic exploration. Kapoor's transformation from an ambitious young banker to a central figure in one of India's most infamous financial scandals is brought to life with intricate detail. The book not only paints a vivid picture of Kapoor but also raises poignant questions about the banking system, regulatory bodies, and the business environment that facilitated Yes Bank's downfall.
The narrative's structure flows smoothly, guiding readers through the highs and lows of Kapoor's journey while keeping them hooked with suspenseful revelations. The themes of ambition, ethical lapses, and the consequences of unchecked power resonate powerfully throughout the book.
Emotionally charged and thought-provoking, "Yes Man" tugs at heartstrings and triggers introspection. Lall's ability to evoke empathy for both the protagonist and the system that failed keeps readers emotionally invested in every twist and turn.
The book's strength lies in its ability to dissect complex financial and ethical issues while remaining accessible to a wide audience. However, some readers may find the technical financial jargon a bit overwhelming.
Personally, "Yes Man" is a gripping page-turner that combines investigative journalism with storytelling finesse. Lall's exploration of Kapoor's life serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the delicate balance between ambition and ethics in the corporate world.
In conclusion, "Yes Man: The Untold Story of Rana Kapoor" is a must-read for anyone intrigued by finance, corporate scandals, or the human psychology behind them. Lall's engaging narrative, well-researched insights, and thought-provoking questions make this book a compelling addition to both non-fiction and business literature shelves.
January 21, 2022
Yes Man is a very appropriate title to the biography of Rana Kapoor. Penned by Pavan Lall, the book is a comprehensive account on the character of founder and CEO of Yes Bank. Starting initially with educational and social background of Rana, the story quickly movies to his life and experience in Bank of America. Ambitious, confident and exuberant, Rana then is at a senior position in NBFC of Rabobank India. With details about mentors and friends, Pavan has done a good job collecting sources and people associated. With Kapoor and Kapur starting up Yes Bank, the book talks in detail about initial years and Ranas USP. After the fateful incident of 26/11, Rana got a free rein and downfall of the bank began. The book ends with the court case and an epilogue of what greed resulted in. It feels like the writer decided to showcase Rana as a villian from the start and first half of the book actually reflects that. Nonetheless a good read of the highs and lows of one of the most premier banks of India.
February 12, 2022
I owned shares of Yes bank and lost a significant portion of my investment, thanks to this fraud undertrial criminal Rana Kapoor. Giving you a detailed account of his persona, history, modus operandi and psychology, it disturbs you as you read the book how he managed to use the inept corporate governance of India to obtain undue advantage at the cost of a common Indian who scrimps, saves and invests for his future in a country where social safety is zero. Such swindlers rob their dreams, hopes and ambitions in a minute, and this left me seething with anger.
Full of truths that disturbs, this very fact makes it a must read for anyone who wants to know about this man and his bank, or understand the inadequate checks and balances in a country like India which aims to be a superpower yet fails to check such massive robbery right under its nose.
Full of truths that disturbs, this very fact makes it a must read for anyone who wants to know about this man and his bank, or understand the inadequate checks and balances in a country like India which aims to be a superpower yet fails to check such massive robbery right under its nose.
January 6, 2022
Succinct and descriptive about the loopholes exploited, but not as sensational as it claims to be, the book reads like a rather long case study on corporate governance, with instances of money laundering in real estate sprinkled in between. The text had several typos. Other than that, it was a decent insight into the whole fiasco surrounding Yes Bank & it’s CEO, Rana Kapoor. The book reads like a one-hour documentary movie borrowed in bits and pieces from newspaper reports and stitched together to form a book, but lacks some important undisclosed insights such as how Ravneet Gill came to be appointed as the CEO. It could’ve been a blockbuster, but then without the intricate details I get the book was rather bland.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2022
This was sometime around early 2020 and perhaps in February that year, that one could sense, something was wrong with the Yes Bank. Since our banking association with them was almost flawless, it took us by a great surprise and pain to see this bank being put under the caution. Whoever saw it coming?
This book is explosive. It unfolds all those events that went into the making of Rana Kapoor, the Yes Man of the Yes Bank. It highlights the rise and the fall of this self proclaimed maverick, who went on to flout all the possible rules with impunity.
Do read. It’s comprehensive, yet to the point. “Rana is n̶e̶v̶e̶r̶ wrong”! 📚
This book is explosive. It unfolds all those events that went into the making of Rana Kapoor, the Yes Man of the Yes Bank. It highlights the rise and the fall of this self proclaimed maverick, who went on to flout all the possible rules with impunity.
Do read. It’s comprehensive, yet to the point. “Rana is n̶e̶v̶e̶r̶ wrong”! 📚
January 19, 2021
An interesting read.
I like how the author has connected the dots between the various events that took place. The tale is one of corporate greed, and the read becomes fast paced. I was curious to know how the government acted on the anonymous "whistle-blower" letter in more detail. Understandably details were difficult to come by, other than what was in the public domain.
I'm curious to know what the next book would be about.
I like how the author has connected the dots between the various events that took place. The tale is one of corporate greed, and the read becomes fast paced. I was curious to know how the government acted on the anonymous "whistle-blower" letter in more detail. Understandably details were difficult to come by, other than what was in the public domain.
I'm curious to know what the next book would be about.
March 30, 2021
Wished it would never end.
This book was a absolute pleasure to read.
I finished it in one sitting .
I was always curious to know more about white collar crimes and the same basic Instinct of greed jealousy rules irrespective of the upbringing.
a classic example of a person who did not know enough and not enough.A beautiful narrative of all the characters at play in this saga.
I wish this book would never end and covered the entire Indian economy and banking system.
This book was a absolute pleasure to read.
I finished it in one sitting .
I was always curious to know more about white collar crimes and the same basic Instinct of greed jealousy rules irrespective of the upbringing.
a classic example of a person who did not know enough and not enough.A beautiful narrative of all the characters at play in this saga.
I wish this book would never end and covered the entire Indian economy and banking system.
August 3, 2021
Must read for people who wants to build companies in India.
It shows about the real mirror of Indian banking system and how easily it can be played. Reality is different than we see and read in the paper. This gives a lot better idea about investing as well and how we avoid companies like this. I will tell you this is not the only companies and there are many like these.
It shows about the real mirror of Indian banking system and how easily it can be played. Reality is different than we see and read in the paper. This gives a lot better idea about investing as well and how we avoid companies like this. I will tell you this is not the only companies and there are many like these.
August 16, 2022
Nice read. However, many areas left unexplored
1. RK childhood and his family
2. How he has built the team from scratch
3. Write off of AT1 instruments
4. Role of RBI in the whole fiasco
Apart from above, also found that at some places, it was jumbled, we are talking of 2018 and suddenly talking of 2016/13.
But overall, it was refreshing read.
1. RK childhood and his family
2. How he has built the team from scratch
3. Write off of AT1 instruments
4. Role of RBI in the whole fiasco
Apart from above, also found that at some places, it was jumbled, we are talking of 2018 and suddenly talking of 2016/13.
But overall, it was refreshing read.
January 18, 2021
Good have been better by digging more into the daughters and what they did outside of Yes Bank.
January 31, 2021
This is a quick read and it covers a lot of ground. Good research. The early part of the book on how the bank started is interesting. The remaining is what has been covered by newspapers.
March 14, 2021
Gripping story. Enjoyable read. A page Turner. A big Yes to Yes Man
April 2, 2021
Did not enjoy the book - things are very repetitive and book does not have a good flow.
November 12, 2021
It seems this book is par away from capturing the reality. A man who has eventually ended up giving a brand identity to his institution from scratch can't go all wrong.
May 5, 2025
Well-written story of greed..!
July 2, 2021
Good insights of misdeeds.
Impressed with style of writing.
Expected to have investment grade information post fiasco, but unfortunately couldn't get anything on that .
Wish yesbank a good turnaround time.
Impressed with style of writing.
Expected to have investment grade information post fiasco, but unfortunately couldn't get anything on that .
Wish yesbank a good turnaround time.
July 15, 2021
An interesting and fast-paced read. The writer's way of putting together news and research of the topic felt like beads in a rosary, is commendable and feels coherent.
Yet it feels that many topics were a hit and miss like the "whistleblower letter" or "angle of Ashok Kapur heir's battle", which leaves you wanting for more. This book definitely pokes you to know and enquire more about the state of NPAs in India and I guess the logical follow up read to this one would be Bad Money by Vivek Kaul.
Yet it feels that many topics were a hit and miss like the "whistleblower letter" or "angle of Ashok Kapur heir's battle", which leaves you wanting for more. This book definitely pokes you to know and enquire more about the state of NPAs in India and I guess the logical follow up read to this one would be Bad Money by Vivek Kaul.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews