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Keynote Financial Services Ltd

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BSE Code : 512597 | NSE Symbol : KEYFINSERV | ISIN : INE681C01015 | Industry : Finance |


Directors Reports

DIRECTORS' REPORT

Dear Shareholder(s),

Your directors have pleasure in presenting their 31st Annual Report together with the Audited Accounts of your Company for the year ended March 31, 2024.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

(Rs.In Lakhs)
Particulars Year Ended 31-03-2024 Year Ended 31-03-2023
Total Income 2,573.25 693.30
Gross Operating Profit 1,482.45 95.82
Depreciation 21.03 20.53
Exceptional Items - -
Profit Before Tax 1,461.42 75.29
Provision for :
Current Tax 178.53 27.49
Deferred Tax Liability/(Assets) 181.90 -3.14
Profit Tax After 1,110.99 50.94
Other Comprehensive Income -9.19 9.02
Profit/(loss) brought forward from Previous year 1,091.80 51.96
Surplus available for appropriations 3,029.25 3,039.47
Proposed Dividend 70.18 70.18
Tax on Dividend - -
Transferred to General Reserve - -
Balance carried forward 4,050.87 3,029.25

DIVIDEND

Your directors are pleased to recommend dividend of Rs.1/- per Equity Share having a face value of Rs.10/- each, (i.e. 10%) for the year ended March 31, 2024, and the same will be paid subject to the approval of the shareholders at the 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company.

OPERATIONS

Total income on standalone basis for the Financial Year 2023-2024 was Rs.2,573.25 lakhs as against Rs.693.30 lakhs for the Financial Year 2022-2023. The total revenue from sale of services for the Financial Year 2023-2024 was Rs.1,687.46 lakhs as compared to Rs.604.62 lakhs for the financial the company on the standalone basis for the Financial Year 2023-2024 was Rs.1,100.99 lakhs as compared to Rs.50.94 lakhs for the Financial Year 2022-2023. There has been a substantial net gain on account of fair value changes of Rs.778.08 lakhs during the financial year.

Consolidated Results

Total income from operations on consolidated basis for the Financial Year 2023-2024 was Rs.4,961.71 lakhs as against Rs.1,595.16 lakhs for the Financial Year ended 2022-2023. The company registered a net profit of Rs. 2,678.53 lakhs on a consolidated basis as against a net loss of Rs.163.01 lakhs for the Financial Year 2022-2023. There has been a net gain due to fair value changes amounting to Rs.1,849.73 lakhs.

Your company continued to provide services to various corporates on Equity Capital Markets with assignments on IPOs, Buy backs, M&A, Valuations and ESOP advisory services. Your company has also established robust practice for providing due diligence, advisory and certification services to many reputed AIFs. During the financial year the company acted as BRLM to three main board IPOs besides completing other assignments. The management continued its efforts to strengthen the ECM and Corporate finance been able to secure IPO mandates which are at various stages of completion.

OPERATIONS OF SUBSIDIARIES

At present, your company has two subsidiaries namely Keynote Capitals Limited (KCL), a wholly owned subsidiary, an integrated broking house and Keynote Fincorp Ltd. (KFIN), a NBFC. KCL is a member of BSE & NSE as well as Depository Participant of Central Depository Services (India) Limited.

In the past year, KCL has continued its focus on strengthening its Institutional Brokerage business. It has put in place a research team for servicing institutions actively, added personnel on the institutional sales.

The new initiatives of KCL has been the development of an app ‘FIKAA' - Financial Independence through Knowledge in and Action (www.fikaa). This app is AI driven and targeted towards women attaining financial independence through investing in Mutual Funds. It has also expanded into areas, such as Gold.

KCL continues to actively invest in the early stage ventures & start-up space through minority investments such as ‘50 Fin', ‘Pension Box', ‘Arthum'.

SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Keynote Capitals limited (KCL, 100% subsidiary) and Keynote Fincorp Limited (KFIN) are subsidiary companies of KFSL. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Act, a statement containing salient features of the financial statements of the Company's subsidiaries in Form AOC-1 is attached to the financial statements of the Company. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 136 of the Act, the financial statements of the Company, consolidated financial statements along with relevant documents and separate audited accounts in respect of subsidiaries are available on the website of the Company.

The financial statement of the subsidiary Companies are kept for inspection by the shareholders at the Registered Office of the Company. The Company shall provide subsidiary companies to the shareholders upon their request.

The statements are also available on the website of the Company i.e. www.keynoteindia.net As stipulated by Regulation 33 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ["Listing Regulations"] the consolidated financial statement have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the applicable Accounting standards. The audited consolidated financial statements together with Auditors Report form part of the Annual Report.

The company has formulated a policy for determining ‘material' subsidiaries and such policy is disclosed on the company's website at https://keynoteindia.net/wp-content/uploads /2022/03 /Material-Subsidiary-Policy.pdf

TRANSFER TO RESERVES

During the year your Company has not transferred any amount to general reserve.

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT

As required under Regulation 34 of the Listing Regulations with Stock Exchanges, the Management Discussion and Analysis Report is enclosed as a part of this report.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND SHAREHOLDERS INFORMATION

The Companies Act, 2013 and Listing Regulations require compliance with specified Corporate Governance practices. These practices have been fully implemented and a certificate from the Practicing Company Secretary as well as a detailed report on Corporate Governance approved by the Board of Directors of the Company is set out in this Annual Report. Your Company has also been enlisted in the new SEBI Complaint Redressal System (SCORES) enabling the investors to register their complaints, if any for speedy redressal.

LISTING WITH STOCK EXCHANGES

The Equity Shares of the Company continued to be listed and traded on the BSE Ltd., (BSE) and National Stock Exchange of India Ltd., (NSE). The scrip code number of the Equity Shares of the Company on BSE is 512597/KEYFINSER and on NSE is KEYFINSERV. The Company has paid up to date listing fees to both the stock exchanges.

DEMATERIALIZATION

The Equity Shares of the Company can be held in dematerialized form. The Company has signed the tripartite agreement with National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL), Central Depository Services (India) Ltd. (CDSL) and existing Registrar & Transfer Agent for dematerialization of existing holding of the shareholders. The International Securities Identification Number (ISIN), allotted to the Company is INE681C01015. The Equity Shares of the Company are listed and traded on BSE and NSE. On BSE the equity shares of the Company are traded in "B" segment. The Equity Shares of the Company are being traded in compulsory dematerialized mode. As on March 31, 2024, 98.74% of equity capital of the company is in dematerialized mode.

PUBLIC DEPOSIT

Your Company has neither accepted nor renewed any deposit within the meaning of Section 73 and other applicable provisions, if any, of the Companies Act, 2013 and the necessary rules made there under during the year ended March 31, 2024.

PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS

The particulars of loans, guarantees and investment have been disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.

INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY

The Company has Internal Control System, commensurate with the size, scale and complexity of its operations. The scope and authority of the Internal Audit function is well defined. To maintain its objectivity and independence, the Internal Audit function reports to the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board & to the other Directors.

The Accounts Department monitors and evaluates the efficacy and adequacy of internal control system in the Company, its compliance with operating systems, accounting procedures and based on the report of internal audit the management undertakes corrective action in the respective areas and thereby strengthens the controls. and recommendations if any, along with corrective actions thereon are required to be Significant presented to the Audit Committee of the Board. During this financial year no such observations have

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)

Your Company understands and values Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of the Government and has also noted the requirements of CSR activities in terms of Companies Act, 2013. The requirement of mandatory implementation of CSR activity is presently not applicable to your company.

CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNING AND OUTGO

(A) Conservation of energy:

Considering the nature of business activities carried out by the Company, your directors have nothing to report with regard to conservation of energy as required under the Companies (Disclosure of Particulars in the Report of Board of Directors) Rules, 1988.

(B) Technology absorption:

The management keeps itself abreast of the technological advancements in the industry and has adopted the state of the art transaction, billing and accounting systems and also risk management solutions.

(C) Foreign exchange earnings and Outgo:

a) The foreign exchange earnings Rs.16.65 Lakhs (previous year Rs.2.00 Lakhs).

b) The foreign exchange expenditure Rs.3.07 Lakh (previous year Rs.7.27 Lakh).

STATE OF AFFAIRS

The information on the state of affairs of the Company has been given as part of Management Discussion and Analysis Report forming part of Annual Report of the Company.

DISCLOSURES UNDER SECTION 134(3) (l) OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013

There are no material changes and commitments which could affect the Company's financial position have occurred between the end of the financial year of the Company and date of this report.

DIRECTOR AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL (KMP)

(i) Changes in Director and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP):

As on March 31, 2024, the Company has five Directors on the Board, comprising of Two Executive Directors and Three Independent Directors on the Board, of which one is a Woman Director.

Appointment

The Committee of Directors, based on the recommendation of Nomination and Remuneration Committee at its Meeting held on March 28, 2024, has considered and appointed, Mr. Ravindranath Cheerakuzhi Puthan Menon (DIN-01771043) and Mr. Riaz Taher Thingna (DIN- 00168391) as an Additional Independent Director of the Company.

On May 6, 2024, the Members approved the appointment of Mr. Ravindranath Cheerakuzhi Puthan Menon (DIN-01771043) and Mr. Riaz Taher Thingna (DIN-00168391) as an Independent Director of the Company, for the period of five (5) years effective from March 28, 2024, to March 27, 2029.

The Board of Directors based on the recommendation of Audit Committee has approved the appointment of Mr. Vineet Suchanti, (DIN-0004031) as a Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective from March 28, 2024

Retire By Rotation

Ms. Rinku Suchanti (DIN- 00012903) retires by rotation and being eligible, offers herself a reappointment. A resolution seeking Shareholder's approval for her reappointment along with other required details forms part of the notice.

Re-appointments

On May 6, 2024, the Members approved the re-appointment of Mr. Vineet Suchanti (DIN-00004031) as a Managing Director of the Company for a further period of three (3) years, effective from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2027.

Resignation

During the year, Mr. Uday Patil (DIN- 00003978) ceased to be Director and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective from March 28, 2024. The Board places on record its appreciation for his invaluable contribution and guidance.

During the year, Mr. Manish Desai (DIN- 02925757) and Mr. Anish Malhotra (DIN- 02034366) ceased to be Director of the Company, effective from March 28, 2024, upon completion of term as an Independent Director. The Board places on record its appreciation for their invaluable continuation and guidance.

Declaration of Independence

The Company has received declarations from all the Independent Directors confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as prescribed under the provisions of Companies Act, 2013 read with the Schedules and Rules issued there under as well as Regulation 16 (1) (b) of the Listing Regulations. The Independent Directors have also complied with the Code for Independent Directors prescribed in Schedule IV to the Act and Code of Conduct for Directors and Senior Management Personnel.

(ii) Board Evaluation

The Board of Directors has carried out an annual evaluation of its own performance, Board committees and individual directors pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the corporate governance requirements as prescribed under Listing Regulations. Listing Regulations mandates that the Board shall monitor and review the Board evaluation framework.

The performance of the Board was evaluated by the Board after seeking inputs from all the directors on the basis of the criteria such as the Board composition and structure, effectiveness of board processes, information and functioning, etc.

The performance of the committees was evaluated by the board after seeking inputs from the committee members on the basis of the criteria such as the composition of committees, effectiveness of committee meetings, etc.

The Board and the Nomination and Remuneration Committee ("NRC") reviewed the performance of the individual directors on the basis of the criteria such as the contribution of the individual director to the Board and committee meetings like preparedness on the issues to be discussed, meaningful and constructive contribution and inputs in meetings, etc.

In a separate meeting of independent Directors, performance of non-independent directors, performance of the board was evaluated, taking into account the views of executive directors and non-executive directors. The same was discussed in the board meeting that followed the meeting of the independent Directors, at which the performance of the Board, its committees and individual directors was also discussed.

DISCLOSURE RELATING TO REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS, KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL

In accordance with Section 178 and other applicable provisions if any, of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Rules issued there under and Regulation 19 of the Listing Regulations the Board of Directors had formulated the Nomination and Remuneration Policy of your Company on the recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The salient aspects covered in the Nomination and Remuneration Policy, covering the policy on appointment and remuneration of Directors and other matters have been outlined in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Report.

NUMBER OF MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND AUDIT COMMITTEES

Your Board of Directors duly met six (6) times during the financial year i.e. on May 26, 2023, August 11,2023, November 10, 2023, December 8, 2023, February 9, 2024, and March 28, 2024, in respect of which appropriate notices were given and the proceedings were recorded and signed in the Minute Book maintained for the purpose. The intervening gap between the Meetings was within the period prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013.

The Audit Committee duly met six (6) times during the financial year i.e. on May 26, 2023, August 11, 2023, November 10, 2023, December 8, 2023, February 9, 2024, and March 28, 2024 in respect of which appropriate notices were given and the proceedings were properly recorded and signed in the Minute Book maintained for the purpose.

The Nomination and Remuneration Committee duly met two (2) times during the financial year i.e. on August 11, 2023, and March 28, 2024 in respect of which appropriate notices were given and the proceedings were properly recorded and signed in the Minute Book maintained for the purpose.

The Stakeholders Relationship Committee duly met only once during the financial year on February 9, 2024, in respect of which appropriate notice was given and the proceedings were properly recorded and signed in the Minute Book maintained for the purpose.

DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Pursuant to Section 134 (3) (c) of the Companies Act, 2013, Directors of your Company hereby state and confirm that:

a) In the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended March 31,2024, the applicable accounting standards had been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures;

b) They have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company at the end of the financial year and of the profit of the company for that period;

c) They have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act for safeguarding the assets of the company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;

d) They have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;

e) They have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating effectively; and

f) They have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.

CERTIFICATE FROM A COMPANY SECRETARY IN PRACTICE

In terms of regulation 34(3) read with schedule V of the Listing Regulations, the Company has obtained a Certificate from Uma Lodha & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries confirming that none of the Directors on the Board of the Company have been debarred or disqualified from being appointed or continuing as Directors of the Company either by the Securities and Exchange Board of India or the Ministry of Corporate Affairs or any other Statutory Authorities. The said Certificate is annexed as part of this Report.

PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES AS REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 197 OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013 AND RULES FRAMED THERE UNDER

In accordance with the provisions of section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013, the ratio of the remuneration of each Director to the median employee's remuneration and other details in terms of sub section 12 of Section197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are forming part of this report as "Annexure [A]".

In accordance with provisions of Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the annexure pertaining to the names and other particulars of employees is available for inspection in electronic mode. Any Shareholder interested in obtaining a copy of the said Annexure may write to the Company Secretary & Compliance Officer at the Registered Office of the Company.

EXTRACT OF THE ANNUAL RETURN

The Annual Return of the Company as on March 31,2024, is available on the Company's website and can be accessed at http://keynoteindia.net/investor-relations.

AUDIT REPORTS AND AUDITORS AUDIT REPORTS

Statutory Audit Report

The observations made by the Statutory Auditors in their Report for the Financial Year Ended March 31,2024, read with the explanatory notes therein are self-explanatory and therefore, do not call for any further explanation or comments from the Board under section 134(3) of the Companies Act, 2013. Further, pursuant to Section 143(12) of the Act, the Statutory Auditors of the Company have not reported any instances of frauds committed in the Company by its officers or employees.

Secretarial Audit Report

The Secretarial Auditor has submitted their Report as on March 31, 2024. The Secretarial Audit Report is annexed herewith as "Annexure [B]"

Further, the Secretarial Compliance Report for the financial year ended 31 st March 2024 was obtained from M/s. Uma Lodha & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries, in relation to compliance of all applicable SEBI Regulations/circulars/guidelines issued there under, pursuant to requirement of Regulation 24A of Listing Regulations. The said Report is annexed as part of this Annual Report.

The Secretarial Audit Report do not contain any qualification, reservation or adverse remark. In addition to the above a report on Secretarial Compliance for the financial year ended March 31, 2024 is being submitted to the Stock Exchange.

Further, pursuant to the provisions of Regulation 24A of Listing Regulations, the Secretarial Audit Report of Keynote Capitals Ltd. (KCL) and Keynote Fincorp Ltd. (KFIL) is available at website of the Company at www.keynoteindia.net. and forms a part of this Annual Report.

AUDITORS Statutory Auditors

M/s. S M S R & CO LLP Chartered Accountants, Mumbai (Firm Registration No. 110592W/W100094) was reappointed as Statutory Auditors of the Company at 28th Annual General Meeting which was held on September 29, 2021 to hold the office as Statutory Auditor for second term of five (5) years from the conclusion of 28th Annual General Meeting till conclusion of 33rd Annual General Meeting of the Company.

Secretarial Auditor

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, your Company has appointed M/s. Uma Lodha & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries to conduct the Secretarial Audit of your Company.

VIGIL MECHANISM/WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY

In pursuance to the provisions of Section 177(9) & (10) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 22 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, a Vigil Mechanism for Directors and Employees to report genuine concerns has been established. Further, in terms of Regulation 9A of SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015, listed companies shall have a whistle blower policy and make employees aware of such policy to enable employees to report instances of leak of unpublished price sensitive information.

The purpose of the "Whistle blower Policy" is to allow employees to raise concerns about unacceptable, improper or unethical practices being followed in the organization. They will be protected against any adverse action and/ or discrimination as a result of such a reporting, provided it is justified and made in good faith.

The Chairman of the Audit Committee has been designated for the purpose of receiving and recording any complaints under this policy. The Vigil Mechanism/ Whistle Blower Policy has been uploaded on the website of the Company at https://kevnoteindia.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Vigil-Mechanism Whistle-Blower-Policy.pdf

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Your Company has historically adopted the practice of undertaking related party transactions only in the ordinary and normal course of business and at arm's length as part of its philosophy of adhering to highest ethical standards, transparency, and accountability. In line with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Listing Regulations, the Board has approved a policy on related party transactions. The policy on related party transactions has been placed on the Company's website at https://keynoteindia.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/ Related-Party-Transaction-Policy.pdf.

Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee and the Board is obtained for the transactions which are foreseeable and of a repetitive nature. All related party transactions are placed on a quarterly basis before the Audit Committee and before the Board for review and approval. All contracts, arrangements and transactions entered by the Company with related parties during financial year 2023-2024 were in the ordinary course of business and on an arm's length basis. There were no contracts, arrangements or transactions entered during financial year 2023-2024 that fall under the scope of Section 188(1) of the Companies Act, 2013. Accordingly, the prescribed Form AOC-2 is not applicable to the Company for the financial year 2023-2024 and hence does not form part of this report. Your company has also adopted the policies as per the amendments in SEBI (LODR) Regulations in respect of Related Party Transactions.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Board of Directors has approved a Code of Conduct which is applicable to the Members of the Board and all employees in the course of day-to-day business operations of the company. The Code has been placed on the Company's website at https://keynoteindia.net /wp-content/uploads /2022/03/Code-of-Conduct-for-Board-of- Directors-and-Senior-Management-1.pdf

The Code lays down the standard procedure of business conduct which is expected to be followed by the Directors and the designated employees in their business dealings and in particular on matters relating to integrity in the work place, in business practices and in dealing with stakeholders. All the Board Members and the Senior Management personnel have complied compliance with the Code.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Pursuant to Section 134 (3) (n) of the Companies Act, 2013 & Regulation 17 of Listing Regulations the Company has formulated risk management policy and the same has been placed on the company's website at https:// keynoteindia.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Risk-Management-Policy.pdf

At present the company has not identified any element of risk which may adversely affect functioning of the Company.

PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING

You Company has adopted a Code of Conduct to regulate, monitor and report trading by designated persons and their immediate relatives as per the requirements under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015. The code inter alia lays down the procedures to be followed by designated persons while trading/ dealing in Company's shares and sharing unpublished price sensitive information ("UPSI"). The code covers the Company's obligation to maintain a digital database, mechanism for prevention of insider trading and handling of UPSI, and the process to familiarize with the sensitivity of UPSI. Further, it also includes code for practices and procedures for fair disclosure of unpublished price sensitive information which has been made available on the Company's website at https://keynoteindia.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Code-of- Fair-Disclsoure-UPSl-1.pdf

SIGNIFICANT/MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS

Your Company has filed an application under Regulation 37 of the SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) 2015, with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) regarding the selective reduction of share capital between Keynote Financial Services Limited ("Company") and its Shareholders and its Creditors. On April 15, 2024, both Stock Exchanges has issued "No Observation Letter" to the Company. On May 6, 2024, the Company has obtained Shareholders approval through postal ballot related to selective reduction of share capital of the Company under Section 66 of the Companies Act, 2013.

On June 21, 2024, the Company has filed an application with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Mumbai, in the said matter. On July 10, 2024, the NCLT, Mumbai issued an interim order and scheduled a hearing on October 16, 2024.

DISCLOSURE ON COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS

Your directors confirm that the Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), have been complied with.

TRANSFER TO INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND

a) Transfer of Unclaimed Dividend to IEPF:

As required under section 124 of the Act, the unclaimed dividend amount of ' 1,59,793/- (Rupees One Lakh Fifty-Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety-Three only) pertaining to the Financial Year 2015-2016 lying with the Company for a period of seven years was transferred during the financial year 2023-2024 to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) established by the Central Government on October 4, 2023.

b) Transfer of Equity Shares to IEPF:

In terms of the provisions of the Section 124(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016 (as amended) and other applicable rules, notifications and circulars, if any, every Company is required to transfer the shares,

in respect of which dividend remains unpaid/ unclaimed for a period of seven (7) consecutive years, to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) Authority.

The Company sends communication in this respect to concerned shareholders from time to time as may be necessary. Shareholders are requested to Contact Company or RTA to encash the unclaimed dividend and in case any pending legal disputes, provide certified copy of order from Court/Authority restraining transfer, payment of dividend etc. During the financial year 2023-2024 Company transferred 5839 Equity Shares to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IFPF) Authority on October 27, 2023.

c) The details of Dividends paid by the Company and the proposed dates of transfer of unclaimed/un-encashed dividends to the IEPF Authority are as under:

Date of Declaration of Dividend Dividend for the year Proposed date for Transfer to Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) Amount of Unpaid/ Unclaimed Dividend As on March 31, 2024 (in ')
23rd August, 2017 2016 - 2017 30th September, 2024 1,68,126.00
9th August, 2018 2017 - 2018 16th September, 2025 1,97,853.00
13th August, 2019 2018 - 2019 20th September, 2026 80,432.00
30th September, 2020 2019 - 2020 7th November, 2027 81,244.40
29th September, 2021 2020 - 2021 6th November, 2028 73,904.03
28th September, 2022 2021 - 2022 5th November, 2029 78,290.00
29th September, 2023 2022 - 2023 6th November, 2030 62,264.00

POLICY ON PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORKPLACE

The Company has zero tolerance for sexual harassment at workplace and has adopted a Policy on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment at workplace in line with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the rules made there under and can be accessed on Company's website at https://keynoteindia.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/POSH-Policy.pdf

The Policy aims to provide protection to employees at workplace and prevent and redress complaints of sexual harassment and if any for matters connected or incidental thereto, with the objective of providing a safe working environment, where employees feel secure.

During the Financial Year 2023-2024, the Company has not received any complaint on sexual harassment. GENERAL DISCLOSURES

DISCLOSURE UNDER SECTION 43(a) (ii) OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013

The Company has not issued any shares with differential rights and hence no information as per provisions of Section 43(a) (ii) of the Act read with Rule 4(4) of the Companies (Share Capital and Debenture) Rules, 2014 is furnished.

DISCLOSURE UNDER SECTION 54(1) (d) OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013

The Company has not issued any sweat equity shares during the year under review and hence no information as per provisions of Section 54(1) (d) of the Act read with Rule 8(13) of the Companies (Share Capital and Debenture) Rules, 2014 is furnished.

DISCLOSURE UNDER SECTION 62(1) (b) OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013

The Company has not issued any equity shares under Employees Stock Option Scheme during the year under review and hence no information as per provisions of Section 62(1) (b) of the Act read with Rule 12(9) of the Companies (Share Capital and Debenture) Rules, 2014 is furnished.

DISCLOSURE UNDER SECTION 67(3) OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013

During the year under review, there were no instances of non-exercising of voting rights in respect of shares purchased directly by employees under a scheme pursuant to Section 67(3) of the Act read with Rule 16(4) of Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014 is furnished.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We take this opportunity to express deep sense of gratitude to Members of Board of Directors, Shareholders of the Company, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), BSE Limited (BSE), National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE), Registrar of Companies (ROC), National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL), Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL), Association of Investment Bankers of India (AIBI), Link Intime India Private Limited, M/s. S M S R & CO. LLP Statutory Auditors, M/s. R.B. Pandya & Co., Internal Auditors, Uma Lodha & Co., Secretarial Auditors, Praxis database, our Clients, Bankers, Employees and other Stakeholders and Government Agencies for their continued support.

For and on behalf of the Board

Keynote Financial Services Limited

Sd/- Sd/-
Vineet Suchanti Rinku Suchanti
Date: August 12, 2024 Managing Director & CFO Director
Place: Mumbai DIN: 00004031 DIN: 00012903