THIRD TEAM

Ashish Gupta Credit Suisse

Dubbed “one of the first to catch trends,” Ashish Gupta of Credit Suisse takes third place. In December 2010 he named State Bank of India a “top sell idea,” citing the Mumbai-based commercial lender’s high operating costs, underfunded pension obligations and overvaluation at 3,105.10 rupees. Through mid-May 2011 the stock plunged 26 percent, to Rs2,297.80, and trailed the sector by 16.1 percentage points. “Despite his close contacts with managements, Ashish renders independent judgments,” concludes another ally.