Ketan Parekh: The Rise, Fall of India’s Stock Market Wizard

Ketan Parekh is a prominent and controversial figure in Indian stock market history. Once hailed as a financial genius, he later became infamous for orchestrating one of India’s biggest market scams. Known for his aggressive trading strategies and sharp market predictions, Parekh’s journey is a rollercoaster of success, scandal, and silence.

Ketan Parekh’s Professional Role and Affiliations

Previous Role: Stockbroker and Investment Strategist
Firm: Ketan Parekh Securities (now defunct)
Following the 2001 scam, Parekh vanished from public view but is rumored to remain involved in discreet private equity and financial consulting.

Although he has largely retreated from the limelight, you can explore content inspired by his financial ideologies:

Twitter: @KetanParekh (Unofficial/Fan)
YouTube: Ketan Parekh Finance Talks
Blog/Website: KetanParekhInsights.com

Ketan Parekh Net Worth in 2024

As of 2024, Ketan Parekh’s estimated net worth ranges between $15 million and $20 million. Once a market mover with significant holdings, his current financial status is difficult to verify due to ongoing legal restrictions and a highly private lifestyle.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1965 in Mumbai, Ketan Parekh was raised in a family with deep roots in the stockbroking world. He completed his education at H.R. College of Commerce and qualified as a Chartered Accountant, which equipped him with the financial expertise that later defined his career.

How Ketan Parekh Built His Stock Market Empire

In the liberalized economy of the 1990s, Parekh focused on emerging mid-cap stocks and tech-driven businesses. His infamous “K-10” stocks included names like HFCL and Zee Telefilms. By using circular trading and leveraging funds from cooperative banks, he artificially boosted stock prices—attracting investors while inflating valuations.

Books and Articles Featuring Ketan Parekh

Although Ketan Parekh hasn’t published any books himself, his financial maneuvers are analyzed extensively in:

“The Scam: From Harshad Mehta to Ketan Parekh” by Sucheta Dalal & Debashis Basu
Several academic and industry reports on the 2001 Indian stock market crash

Ketan Parekh and the K-10 Stocks Scandal

Parekh’s speculative strategy revolved around high-growth sectors like media, telecom, and IT. His notorious K-10 list featured:

HFCL
Pentamedia Graphics
DSQ Software
Zee Telefilms
The scam, involving over ₹1,200 crore, led to a major market collapse and regulatory overhaul.

Ketan Parekh’s Family and Personal Life

Parekh is known to fiercely protect his privacy. He is married and has two children. The family is believed to reside in Mumbai and stays away from media attention and public appearances.

Achievements and Charitable Efforts

Market Influence: Dominated investor sentiment in the late 1990s with an unmatched understanding of market trends.
Philanthropy: Though unverified, some sources suggest he quietly supports education-related causes and financial literacy initiatives.

Legacy: What Ketan Parekh Represents Today

Ketan Parekh’s legacy remains a powerful cautionary tale in Indian financial circles. His story is both a blueprint for market dominance and a warning against unchecked speculation. Regulators still use the K-10 scandal as a case study for reform and oversight in capital markets.