CICs hold 90% of their assets in equity, preference shares or convertibles bonds or loans.

Core Investment Companies, (CIC) are those companies which have their assets predominantly as investments in shares for holding stake in group companies but not for trading, and also do not carry on any other financial activity. These companies a minimum 90% of their assets in the group concerns either in the form of equity, preference shares or convertibles bonds or loans. Further the component of equity holdings should not be less than 60% of their assets.