Introduction
In late 2007, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed at a record low. Stock markets around the world nose-dived alongside the DJIA. Turbulence in the sub-prime segment of the US housing market, paralysis of the credit markets, excessive lay-offs in organizations, steep decline in investments etc. were all some of the indicators that the world was heading for a massive credit crunch. In the words of Mr. Strauss-Kahn, head of IMF, “Intensifying solvency concerns about a number of the largest U.S.-based and European financial institutions have pushed the global financial system to the brink of systemic meltdown” (BBC ...