Dear Member(s),
The Board of Directors of your Company takes pleasure in presenting the Sixteenth
(16th) Annual Report on the business and operations of the PB Fintech Limited ("the
Company") together with the Audited Standalone & Consolidated Financial
Statements and the Auditor's Report thereon for the financial year ended March 31, 2024.
COMPANY OVERVIEW AND STATE OF COMPANY AFFAIRS
PB Fintech Limited has built India's largest online platform for Insurance &
Lending products. It is an umbrella entity comprising of India's leading marketplaces that
offer end-to-end insurance & credit solutions to consumers. Our platforms simplify
complex choices, present personalized solutions & enable smart financial decisions. We
leverage technology & data to drive product & process innovation for our partners
as well as for our own operations. Our business model benefits from network effects
resulting from consumer- pull, deep understanding of risk & best-in-class service. We
operates through following key business segments:
Policybazaar-Insurance marketplace focused on the Indian middle-class families buying
protection against the 3Ds (Death, Disease and Disability). We provide end to end
insurance solutions to the retail consumers (choice of products, the most convenient way
of buying and policy management & claim support). We believe
Highlights of Financial Performance
that the quality of business, which includes honest customer declarations, sharp risk
assessment and complete product disclosure, is critical for the long term growth of the
industry, and we are a positive force in that endeavour.
Paisabazaar-Credit marketplace focused on credit availability and convenience for all.
We provide credit options across consumer segments and help them make the right decisions
using proprietary algorithms. Paisabazaar is also the largest destination for consumers to
access their credit scores and manage the same.
PB Partners- At PB Partners, we have leveraged our experience of technology
integrations and servicing with our insurance partners at our mothership Policybazaar,
thus replicating strong end-to-end digitally integrated journeys. We have a unique on-
demand payout mechanism and a wholesome mobile application for our partners. Now it is
enablement platform for more than 200k partners to help them manage insurance sales using
technology.
PB UAE- We offer a wide range of financial products and services, such as
insurance, loans, credit cards, and accounts through Policybazaar.ae across UAE. We are
the only provider offering a free access to region's leading credit monitoring service
that helps consumers learn & improve their credit scores and unlock better
offers".
A brief overview on Standalone and Consolidated Financial Performance for the Financial
Year ('FY') ended March 31, 2024 is as follows:
(Amount in lakhs)
Particulars
No. |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
1 Revenue from operations |
11,029 |
13,415 |
3,43,768 |
2,55,785 |
2 Add: Other income |
25,211 |
19,474 |
38,057 |
25,899 |
3 Total income (1 +2) |
36,240 |
32,889 |
3,81,825 |
2,81,684 |
Expenditure |
|
|
|
|
a. Employee benefit expense |
23,839 |
38,198 |
1,64,412 |
1,53,960 |
b. Depreciation and amortization expense |
305 |
374 |
8,872 |
6,382 |
c. Advertising and promotion expense |
6,282 |
303 |
89,901 |
1,35,725 |
d. Network and internet expenses |
459 |
461 |
11,478 |
9,686 |
e. Other expense |
841 |
878 |
96,603 |
22,574 |
4 Total expenditure |
31,726 |
40,214 |
3,71,266 |
3,28,327 |
5 EBITDA (3-4+3b) |
4,819 |
-6,951 |
19,431 |
-40,261 |
(Amount in lakhs)
s. No. Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
6 Finance costs |
62 |
90 |
2,646 |
2,136 |
7 Profit/(loss) before tax and exceptional item (3-4-6) |
4,452 |
-7,415 |
7,913 |
-48,779 |
8 Exceptional item |
27 |
- |
- |
- |
9 Share of loss of associates |
- |
- |
-202 |
-17 |
10 Profit/(loss) before tax (7-8-9) |
4,425 |
-7,415 |
7,711 |
-48,796 |
11 Tax expense |
806 |
-0 |
1,270 |
-2 |
12 Profit/(loss) after tax (10-11) |
3,619 |
-7,415 |
6,441 |
-48,794 |
Other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss |
|
|
|
|
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations |
- |
- |
-11 |
500 |
Changes in the fair value of debt instruments at FVOCI
[gain/(loss)] |
- |
- |
-7 |
-2 |
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss |
|
|
|
|
Share of other comprehensive income/(loss) of associate |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Remeasurement of post employment benefit obligations [gain/(loss)] |
-49 |
19 |
-317 |
-227 |
Income tax relating to Items that will not be reclassified to
profit and loss |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year, net of tax |
-49 |
19 |
-335 |
272 |
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year |
3,570 |
-7,396 |
6,106 |
-48,522 |
A detailed analysis of the financial performance of the Company during the year under
review is detailed below:
Standalone Financial Statements
The annual audited standalone financial statements for the financial year ended March
31, 2024 have been prepared in accordance with the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards)
Rules, 2015 (Ind-AS) prescribed under Section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013 (the Act) and
other recognized accounting practices and policies to the extent applicable.
On a standalone basis, the revenue from operations for FY24 is Rs. 11,029 lakhs as
against Rs. 13,415 lakhs in the FY23, a decrease of around 17.79% year on year basis.
The total income of the Company stood at ^36,240 Lakhs in FY24, up by 10.19% for FY24
from ^32,889 Lakhs for FY23. The other income of the Company contributed Rs. 25,211 Lakhs
to the total income for FY24.
The total expenses for the FY24 stood at Rs. 31,726 Lakhs down by 21.11% for the FY24
from Rs. 40,214 Lakhs for the FY23.
EBITDA, for FY 2024, was increased by 169.33% over
FY23 and stood at Rs. 4,819 Lakhs in comparison with Rs. (6,951) Lakhs in FY23. Net
Profit after tax (PAT) from ordinary activities is Rs. 3,619 Lakhs in FY24 as against loss
of Rs. (7,415) Lakhs in FY23.
Consolidated Financial Statements
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the
Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 (Ind-AS) prescribed under Section 133
of the Act and other recognized accounting practices and policies to the extent
applicable.
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared based on the audited financial
statements of the Company, its subsidiaries and associate companies as approved by their
respective Board of Directors. On a consolidated basis, your Company achieved net revenue
of Rs. 3,43,768 Lakhs during FY24 as against Rs. 2,55,785 Lakhs during FY23, up by 34.40%
year on year basis.
The total consolidated income of the Company during FY24 stood at Rs. 3,81,825 Lakhs
increased by 35.55% from Rs. 2,81,684 Lakhs for FY23. The other income of the Company
contributed Rs. 38,057 Lakhs to the total income for FY24.
EBITDA, on a consolidated basis, for FY24, stood at 719,431 Lakhs in comparison with
Rs. (40,261) Lakhs in FY23. The net profit after tax for the FY24 is Rs. 6,441 Lakhs as
against a loss of Rs. (48,794) Lakhs in the FY23.
Total Comprehensive Income, in FY24, is reported to be Rs. 6,106 Lakhs in comparison to
total Comprehensive Income of Rs. (48,522) Lakhs in FY23.
DIVIDEND
The Directors wish to invest the profits back into the Company for further growth and
expansion and therefore did not recommend any Equity dividend for the FY 2023-24. Pursuant
to Regulation 43A of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015 ("the Listing Regulations"), the Dividend Distribution Policy duly approved
by the Board is available on the website of the Company and can be accessed at
https://www.pbfintech.in/pdf/Dividend- Distribution - Policy.pdf
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
The Company has not proposed to transfer any amount to the reserve during the year
under review
CHANGE IN THE NATURE OF BUSINESS, IF ANY
There was no change in the nature of business of the Company during the year under
review
DETAILS OF SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS OR
TRIBUNALS IMPACTING THE GOING CONCERN STATUS AND COMPANY'S OPERATIONS IN FUTURE
There are no significant and material orders passed by the regulators or courts or
tribunals impacting the going concern status and Company's operations in future.
UTILISATION OF IPO PROCEEDS
During the year under review, the IPO proceeds were utilized as per the objects stated
in the prospectus of the Company and pursuant to Regulation 32 of the SEBI Listing
Regulations. There were no instances of deviation(s) or variation(s) in the utilization of
proceeds as mentioned in the objects stated in the Prospectus dated November 8, 2021, in
respect of the Initial Public Offering of the Company. The Company has obtained Monitoring
Agency Reports from ICICI Bank Limited ("Monitoring Agency") in terms of
Regulation 41 of the Securities & Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital &
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018, as amended from time to time, for the quarter
ended June 30, 2023, September 30, 2023, December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024 to monitor
the utilization of IPO proceeds.
The Company has submitted the statement(s) and report as required under Regulation 32
of the SEBI
Listing Regulations to both the exchanges where the shares of the Company are listed,
namely, National Stock Exchange of India Limited ("NSE) and BSE Limited
("BSE") on timely basis.
SHARE CAPITAL
During the year under review, your Company has issued and allotted 10,87,115 equity
shares (5,18,505 equity shares on November 13, 2023; 3,67,084 equity shares on December
06,2023 and 2,01,526 equity shares on January 10, 2024) at an issue price of Rs. 2/- each
to eligible employees who have exercised stock options under PB Fintech Employees Stock
Option Plan 2021. Pursuant to the above allotment, the issued & paid up share capital
of the Company increased to & stood, as on March 31, 2024, at Rs. 90,24,06,928 divided
into 45,12,03,464 equity shares of Rs. 21- each.
The fresh shares allotted as aforesaid have been duly listed on the Stock Exchanges.
The authorized share capital of the Company is 1100,00,00,000/- divided into
49,05,00,000 equity shares of Rs.2/- each and 9,50,000 preference shares of 120/-
each.
Your Company has not issued shares with differential voting rights and sweat equity
shares during the FY 2023-24.
LISTING OF SHARES
The Company's shares are listed on BSE Ltd. (BSE) & National Stock Exchange of
India Ltd. (NSE) with effect from November 15, 2021, post its initial public offering
(IPO). Further, trading in Equity Shares was not suspended on Stock Exchanges during FY
2023-24.
The annual listing fees for FY 2023-24 to BSE and NSE has been paid.
DEPOSITS
During the year under review, your Company has not invited or accepted any deposits
from the public/ members pursuant to the provisions of Sections 73 and 74 of the Companies
Act, 2013 read together with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
Accordingly, disclosure related to deposits as required to be made under the Act are not
applicable to the company.
DOWNSTREAM INVESTMENT
Your Company is a foreign-owned or controlled company ("FOCC") as on March
31, 2024 in accordance with the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999
("FEMA") read with the Foreign Exchange Management (Non Debt Instruments) Rules,
2019 ("NDI Rules"). During the year under review, the company invested in
Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary on
November 24, 2023 and at the time of such investment, the Company was not a FOCC and
was owned and controlled by resident Indian citizens. Accordingly, the said investment
does not qualify as indirect foreign investment and the compliance related to indirect
foreign investment as per FEMA and NDI Rules were not required to be undertaken by the
Company.
SCHEME OF AMALGAMATION
The Company and Makesense Technologies Limited, at their respective Board Meetings,
held on April 26, 2022, had approved the fresh Scheme of Amalgamation between PB Fintech
Limited ('Transferee Company') and Makesense Technologies Limited ('Transferor Company')
and their respective shareholders, under Sections 230 to 232 and other applicable
provisions of the Act, including rules made thereunder ('Scheme'). Upon the said Scheme
becoming effective, subject to the necessary regulatory and statutory approvals, and
pursuant to proportionate share issuance by the Company to the shareholders of the
Transferor Company, their economic interest in the Company shall remain unchanged.
Further, the Company, on May 18,2022 had filed scheme of amalgamation along with the
other documents to National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited for their
In-Principle Approval/ No Objection Letter. The National Stock Exchange of India Limited
and BSE Limited issued no observation letters to the Company on January 06, 2023. As per
order dated July 05, 2023 passed by Hon'ble NCLT, meetings of Equity Shareholders and
Unsecured Creditors of the Company were held on Saturday, September 02, 2023 and they have
approved the Scheme of Amalgamation of Makesense Technologies Limited with the Company and
other connected matters.
The second motion joint application was filed before Hon'ble Tribunal on September 14,
2023 and the same is under process.
All the relevant documents related to the scheme of amalgamation can be viewed at
https://www. pbfintech.in/investor-relations/
DETAILS OF SUBSIDIARY / JOINT VENTURES / ASSOCIATE COMPANIES
As on March 31, 2024, the Company has twelve (12) subsidiaries and two (2) associate
companies within the meaning of Section 2(87) and 2(6) of the Companies Act, 2013
("Act") respectively. Out of these, two are material subsidiaries i.e.
Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited and Paisabazaar Marketing and Consulting
Private Limited. The required details of material subsidiaries as per Schedule V of SEBI
Listing Regulations are disclosed in Corporate Governance Report, which forms a part of
the Annual Report.
During the year under review, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India
("IRDAI) vide its letter dated February 28, 2024, has approved for upgradation
of license of Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited from Direct Insurance Broker
(Life & General) to Composite Insurance Broker under IRDAI (Insurance Brokers)
Regulations, 2018 ("Regulations"). This will allow the company to deepen the
insurance penetration in the country by bringing more technology, process control and data
analytics based innovation into reinsurance capacity.
After the closure of financial year under review the following changes has been made:
PB Pay Private Limited was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company w.e.f April 09, 2024.
Visit Internet Services Private Limited ceased to be the step down wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company w.e.f. May 16,2024.
Visit Health Private Limited ceased to be the step down associate company w.e.f.
May 16,2024.
Genesis Group Limited become step down wholly owned subsidiary of the company
w.e.f. May 25, 2024.
Genesis Insurance Brokers LLC become step down subsidiary of the Company w.e.f.
May 25, 2024.
Further, there has been no material change in the nature of the business of the
subsidiaries during the year under review.
Pursuant to applicable Accounting Standards on Consolidated Financial Statements and
Financial Reporting issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India ('ICAT) and
as prescribed by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Consolidated Financial
Statements, which includes the financial information of the subsidiaries, are enclosed and
form part of this Annual Report.
The Form AOC-1, a separate statement containing the salient features of financial
statements of its subsidiaries and Associates is attached along with the financial
statements of the Company.
Further, the Annual Accounts of the Subsidiary Companies and the related detailed
information will be made available to the Members seeking such information at any point of
time and the Annual Accounts of the subsidiary companies will also be kept for inspection
by any Member at the Corporate Office of the Company. Further, the annual accounts for the
FY 2023-24 of all the subsidiary companies are available on the website of the Company at
https://www.pbfintech.in/investor-relations/.
Your Company's policy on material subsidiaries is also available on the website at
https://www.pbfintech.in/ pdf/Policy-for-Determining-Material-Subsidiaries.pdf
Note: The word "subsidiaries" and "associate companies" used in
this Annual Report includes both direct and step-down subsidiaries and both direct and
indirect associate companies.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENT IF ANY AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY
OCCURRED BETWEEN THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR TO WHICH THIS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS RELATE
AND THE DATE OF THE REPORT
There have been no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of
the Company which have occurred between the end of the financial year of the Company and
the date of the report.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
The Management Discussion & Analysis Report for the
year under review as stipulated in Regulation 34(2)(e) of the SEB1 Listing Regulations
is presented in a separate section forming part of this Annual Report.
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
As on March 31, 2024, the Board of Directors of your Company comprised of nine
Directors, viz., three Executive Directors, one Non-Executive Non- Independent Director,
and five Independent Directors, including three women Directors on the Board. The
composition of the Board of Directors is in accordance with the provisions of Section 149
of the Act and Regulation 17 of the SEBI Listing Regulations. None of the Director is
debarred from holding or continue to hold the office of director. The composition of the
Board of Directors and details of Key Managerial Personnel's, their appointments / re-
appointments during the financial year under review is given below:
a. Composition:
The composition of the Board as on March 31, 2024:
Name of Directors |
Position & Category |
DIN |
Mr. Yashish Dahiya |
Chairperson, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer |
00706336 |
Mr. Alok Bansal |
Executive Vice Chairman & Whole Time Director |
01653526 |
Mr. Sarbvir Singh* |
Executive Director & Joint Group Chief Executive Officer |
00509959 |
Mr. Kaushik Dutta |
Non-Executive, Independent Director |
03328890 |
Mr. Gopalan Srinivasan |
Non-Executive, Independent Director |
01876234 |
Mrs. Veena Vikas Mankar |
Non-Executive, Independent Director |
00004168 |
Mr. Nilesh Bhaskar Sathe |
Non-Executive, Independent Director |
02372576 |
Ms. Lilian Jessie Paul |
Non-Executive, Independent Director |
02864506 |
Ms. Kitty Agarwal |
Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director |
07624308 |
*The designation of Mr. Sarbvir Singh is changed from Non-Executive Director to
Executive Director & Joint Group CEO w.e.f. August 26, 2023.
Key Managerial Personnel as on March 31,2024:
The Key Managerial Personnel ('KMP') of the Company as per Section 2(51) and 203 of the
Companies Act are as follows:
Mr. Yashish Dahiya |
Chairperson, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer |
Mr. Alok Bansal |
Executive Vice Chairman & Whole Time Director |
Mr. Sarbvir Singh* |
Executive Director & Joint Group Chief Executive Officer |
Mr. Mandeep Mehta |
Group Chief Financial Officer |
Mr. Bhasker Joshi |
Company Secretary & Compliance Officer |
*The designation of Mr. Sarbvir Singh is changed from Non-Executive Director to
Executive Director & Joint Group CEO w.e.f. August 26, 2023.
b. Induction, Re-appointment and Resignation
During the year under review, the designation of Mr. Sarbvir Singh (DIN: 00509959) is
changed from Non- Executive Director to Executive Director & Joint Group CEO w.e.f.
August 26,2023.
During the year under review, Mr. Sarbvir Singh (DIN: 00509959), Director and Ms. Kitty
Agarwal, Non Executive Non Independent Director (DIN: 07624308), liable to retire by
rotation were re-appointed by the shareholders in the 15th AGM held on
September 23,2023.
Further, during the financial year under review, no director/KMP resigned from the
Company.
After the closure of financial year under review, Mr. Dhruv Shringi (DIN:00334986) was
appointed as an Additional Director in the capacity of Non-Executive Independent Director
w.e.f August 06, 2024 based on the recommendation of Nomination and Remuneration Committee
and subject to the approval of Shareholders of the Company in the 16th Annual General
Meeting.
c. Directors liable to retire by rotation
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Act and Articles of Association
of the Company, Mr. Alok Bansal (DIN: 01653526) is liable to retire by rotation at the
ensuing AGM and being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment. The Board recommends
the reappointment of Mr. Alok Bansal (DIN: 01653526) as Whole Time Director for
shareholder's approval at the 16th AGM.
A brief profile, expertise of Director and other details as required under the Act,
Regulation 36 of the Listing Regulations and Secretarial Standards - 2 notified by
Ministry of Corporate Affairs related to the Director proposed to be reappointed is
annexed to the Notice convening the 16th AGM.
DECLARATION BY INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Pursuant to the provisions under Section 134(3)(d) of the Act, with respect to
statement on declaration given by Independent Directors under Section 149(6) of the Act,
all the Independent Directors of the Company have given a declaration and have confirmed
that they meet the criteria of independence as provided in the said Section 149(6) and
relevant Regulation of SEBI Listing Regulations and they have complied with the Code for
Independent Directors prescribed in Schedule IV to the Act. Terms and conditions for
appointment of Independent Directors are put up on the website of the Company and can be
accessed at https://www.pbfintech.in/pdf/Terms-Letter-of-
Appointment-of-Independent-Director.pdf
MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board met six (06) times during the year under review on May 22,2023, August
07,2023, August 26,2023, November 04, 2023, January 30, 2024 and March 20, 2024. The
details of attendance of meeting of the Board of Directors held during the year and other
relevant information are included in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of
this Annual Report.
The intervening gap between any two Board meetings were within the period prescribed by
the Companies Act, 2013 & SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosures Requirements)
Regulations, 2015.
BOARD COMMITTEES
The Company has several Board Committees which have been established as part of the
best corporate governance practices and are in compliance with the requirements of the
relevant provisions of applicable laws and statutes.
As on March 31,2024, the Board has six (6) Committees, namely, Audit Committee,
Stakeholders' Relationship Committee, Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, Risk
Management Committee, Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Reporting Committee.
The details of the composition, powers, functions, and meetings of the Committee held
during the year are given in the Report on Corporate Governance section forming part of
this Annual Report.
FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
In compliance with the requirements of the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Company has
put in place a familiarization programme for the Independent Directors to familiarize them
with their roles, rights and responsibility as Directors, the working of the Company,
nature of the industry in which the Company operates, business model etc. The Programme
aims to provide insights into the Company to enable the Independent Directors to
understand its business in- depth and contribute significantly to the Company. They are
given full opportunity to interact with senior management personnel and are provided with
all the documents required and/or sought by them to have a good understanding of the
Company, its business model and various operations and the industry of which it is a part.
The details of the familiarization programme have been provided under the Corporate
Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report and also available on the
website of the company at the weblink:
https://www.pbfintech.in/pdf/pbfintech-ltd-details-of- familirization-programme-new.pdf
BOARD EVALUATION
The Company believes that an effective governance framework requires periodic
evaluation of the functioning of the Board as a whole, its committees and individual
director's performance evaluation. Keeping this belief in mind, the Company on the
recommendation of the NRC has established the Performance Evaluation criteria for (a)
Board as a whole (b) Committees of the Board (c) Individual Directors (d) Chairman of the
Board as required under the Act and provisions of SEBI Listing Regulations. Accordingly,
the Board has carried out the annual performance evaluation of its own performance,
Chairperson of the Board, the Directors individually as well as the evaluation of the
working of its Committees through structured questionnaires covering various aspects of
the functioning of Board and its Committees.
Some of the performance indicators based on which the evaluation takes place are -
attendance in the meetings, quality of preparation/participation, ability to provide
leadership and work as team player. In addition, few criteria for independent Directors
include commitment to protecting/enhancing interests of all shareholders and contribution
in implementation of best governance practices.
Information on the manner in which a formal annual evaluation for the financial year
2023-24 has been made by the Board of its own performance and that of its Committees,
Chairperson and Individual directors is given in the Corporate Governance Report, which
forms a part of the Annual Report.
The Board of Directors had expressed their satisfaction to the overall evaluation
process.
SEPARATE MEETING OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Pursuant to Schedule IV to the Act and the SEBI Listing Regulations, one meeting of
Independent Directors was held during the year i.e. on March 20, 2024 without the
attendance of Executive Directors and members of Management.
AUDITORS AND AUDITORS' REPORT STATUTORY AUDITORS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with
Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, as amended from time to time, M/s Walker
Chandiok & Co LLP having Firm Registration No: 001076N/N500013, were appointed
as Statutory Auditors of the Company in the fifteenth Annual General Meeting held of the
Company on September 23, 2023 to hold office for a period of five years from the
conclusion of the fifteenth Annual General Meeting until the conclusion of the twentieth
Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in the year 2028.
The Notes on the Financial Statements referred to in the Auditors' Report are
self-explanatory and do not call for any further comments. The Auditor's Reports on the
Standalone and the Consolidated Financial Statements for the financial year ended March
31, 2024 does not contain any qualification, reservation or adverse remark requiring any
explanations / comments by the Board of Directors.
SECRETARIAL AUDITOR
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 read with section 134(3) of the Companies
Act, 2013 and rules made thereunder, the Board has appointed Mr. Dhananjay Shukla,
Proprietor of M/s Dhananjay Shukla & Associates (CP No. 8271) Company Secretaries, to
undertake Secretarial Audit of the company for the FY 2023-24. The Secretarial Audit
Report for the year 2023-24 as issued by him in the prescribed form MR-3 is annexed to
this Report as Annexure IA. Further, pursuant to amendments under SEBI Listing Regulations
and SEBI circular dated 8 February 2019, a report on secretarial compliance as required
under Regulation 24A has been submitted to the stock exchanges as obtained from M/s
Dhananjay Shukla & Associates for FY 2023-24. The Audit Report does not contain any
qualification, reservation or adverse comments requiring reply/ explanation by the Board
of Directors.
The Secretarial Auditor in his report mentioned that during the FY 2023-24, the SEBI
has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs. 1,00,000 (Rupees One Lakh Only) on Paisabazaar
Marketing and Consulting Private Limited ("Paisabazaar), a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company, for the violation of the provisions of the Regulations 7(2) of
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Investment Advisors) Regulations, 2013, for
not having the requisite certification by Mr. Naveen Kukreja, WTD & CEO of the
Paisabazaar as mandated under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Investment
Advisors) Regulations, 2013.
The material unlisted subsidiary of the Company namely, Policybazaar Insurance Brokers
Private Limited and Paisabazaar Marketing and Consulting Private Limited have also
undergone Secretarial Audit for the FY 2023-24 and the Secretarial Audit Reports as issued
by Mr. Dhananjay Shukla, Proprietor of M/s Dhananjay Shukla & Associates in the
prescribed form MR-3 are annexed to this Report as an Annexure IB and Annexure IC
respectively.
INTERNAL AUDITORS
The Company has appointed KPMG Assurance and Consulting Services LLP (KPMG) as an
Independent Internal Auditors under Section 138(1) of the Act for the FY 2023-24. Internal
Audit is governed by the Internal Audit Charter approved by the Audit Committee and
outcome of Internal Audits are submitted and presented in the Audit Committee meeting half
yearly.
FRAUDS REPORTED BY AUDITOR
The Auditor's has not reported any fraud Under Section 143(12) of the Companies Act,
2013 and Rules made there under.
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY
Your Company has put in place adequate internal financial controls with reference to
the financial statements. During the year, such controls were tested and no reportable
material weakness in the design or operation was observed.
The Company has also put in place adequate systems of Internal Control to ensure
compliance with policies and procedures which is commensurate with size, scale and
complexity of its operations. The Internal Audit of the Company is regularly carried out
to review the internal control systems and processes. The internal Audit Reports along
with implementation and recommendations contained therein are periodically reviewed by
Audit Committee of the Board.
MAINTAINANCE OF COST RECORDS
The provisions of maintenance of Cost Records as specified by the Central Government
under sub-section (1) of Section 148 of the Act are not applicable on the Company.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
The SEBI Listing Regulations mandates the top one thousand listed entities based on
market capitalization to submit a 'Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report' in
their Annual Report describing their performance against the nine principles of the
'National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct' and disclosures on Environmental,
Social and Governance ('ESG') parameters in the format specified by the SEBI. The BRSR
Report is a forming part of Annual Report as an Annexure II.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS INSURANCE ('D AND O INSURANCE')
Pursuant to SEBI Listing Regulations, the Company has taken Directors & Officers
insurance (D&O') from Tata AIG General Insurance Company Ltd.
INVESTOR RELATIONS
As per the Circular No. CIR/OIAE/2/2011 dated June 03, 2011 issued by the Securities
and Exchange Board of India, Company is timely redressing the Investor Complaints through
the SEBI Complaint Redress System (SCORES). Asa part of compliance, the Company
has constituted Stakeholders Relationship Committee (SRC) to redress investors' related
issues. The SRC comprised of four Members namely Ms. Kitty Agarwal, Chairperson, Mr. Alok
Bansal, Member, Ms. Lilian Jessie Paul, Member and Mr. Nilesh Bhaskar Sathe, Member. The
details of this Committee is provided in the Corporate Governance Report forming part of
the Annual Report.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
Your Company has taken adequate steps to adhere to all the stipulations laid down in
the SEBI Listing Regulations. The Corporate Governance Report as stipulated under
Regulation 34(3) and other applicable Regulations read with Part C of Schedule V of SEBI
Listing Regulations, forms part of this Report. The Report on Corporate Governance also
contains certain disclosures required under the Companies Act, 2013.
CERTIFICATE ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The requisite Certificate from Mr. Dhananjay Shukla, proprietor of M/s Dhananjay Shukla
& Associates (C.P. No.: 8271), Company Secretaries in respect of compliance with the
conditions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under Regulation 34(3) read with Clause E
of Schedule V of the SEBI Listing Regulations, is attached and forms part of the Annual
Report.
WEBUNK OF ANNUAL RETURN
Pursuant to Section 92(3) read with Rule 12 of the Companies (Management and
Administration) Rules, 2014 and Section 134(3)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013, the copy of
Annual Return in form MGT-7 forFY 2023-24 will be available at the official website of the
Company https://www.pbfintech.in/investor-relations/.
PARTICULARS OF CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENT WITH RELATED PARTIES
The Policy on Related Party Transaction and its materiality is available on the
Company's website at https://www.pbfintech.in/pdf/policy-on-related-party-
transactions-and-its-materiality-PB-Fintech.pdfRs.v=2
All related party transactions entered during the financial year under review were
approved by the audit committee and the board, from time to time and the same are
disclosed in the notes forming part of the financial statements provided in this Annual
Report. The attention of the Members is drawn to Note No 28 of the standalone financial
statements which set out related party disclosures. During the year under review, the
Company had not entered into any contract/ arrangement/transaction with the related
parties which could be considered material.
All transactions with related parties are in accordance with the policy on related
party transactions formulated by the Company. Accordingly, Form No. AOC-2, prescribed
under the provisions of Section 134(3) (h) of the Act and rule 8 of the Companies
(Accounts) Rules, 2014, for disclosure of details of related party transactions, which are
not at "arm's length basis" and also which are "material and at arm's
length basis", is not applicable since all the transaction are at arm length basis in
ordinary course of business and not material.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENT
Particulars of loans, guarantees or investments covered under Section 186 of the
Companies Act, 2013 and Schedule V of the SEBI Listing Regulations as at the end of the
Financial Year 2023-24 are provided in the notes forming part of the financial statements
provided in this Annual Report. All the loans, guarantees and investments made are in
compliance with the provisions of Section 186 Companies Act, 2013 and rules thereunder.
CODE FOR PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING
Your Company has adopted the code of conduct to regulate, monitor & report trading
by designated person and their immediate relatives as per the requirements under
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015.
The Code of practice and procedure for fair disclosure of unpublished price sensitive
information is in compliance with the provisions of Regulation 8 of SEBI (Prohibition of
Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 and also available on website of the Company at
https:// www.pbfinteeh.in/pdf/PB-Fintech-Code-of-practices- for-fair-disclosure-UPSI.pdf
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
The policy on nomination and remuneration of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and
Senior Management Personnel have been formulated by Nomination and Remuneration Committee
and approved by the Board of Directors of the Company. The policy is guided by the
principles and objectives as enumerated under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013
and the SEBI Listing Regulations.The policy on Nomination and Remuneration is available at
the website at https://www.pbfintech.in/pdf/PB-Fintech-
Nomination-Remuneration-Policy.pdf.
The details pertaining to composition of Nomination and Remuneration Committee are
included in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
The Company has adopted a Risk Management Policy in accordance with the provisions of
Regulation 21 of SEBI Listing Regulations, which identifies and evaluates business risks
and opportunities. The Company recognizes that these risks need to be managed and
mitigated to protect the interest of the shareholders and stakeholders, to achieve
business objectives and enable sustainable growth. The Company has also constituted a Risk
Management Committee in accordance with SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015 and the details of
which, including terms of reference, have been mentioned in Corporate Governance Report
forming part this Annual Report. The risk management framework is aimed at effectively
mitigating Company's various business and operational risks, through strategic actions.
Risk management is embedded in critical business activities, functions and processes. It
also provides control measures for risk and future action plans. The copy of the risk
management policy is available at https://www.pbfintech.in/pdf/PB-Fintech-Risk-
Management-Policy.pdf
WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY/VIGIL MECHANISM
The vigil mechanism as envisaged in the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules prescribed
thereunder and the SEBI Listing Regulations is implemented through the company's whistle
blower policy to enable all its employees of the company and its subsidiary companies to
report genuine concerns, to provide for adequate safeguards against victimization of
persons who use such mechanism and make provision for access to the Chairman of the Audit
Committee. The Whistle Blower Policy is uploaded on Company's website and can be accessed
at https://www.pbfmtech.in/pdf/whistle- blower-policy-pbfintech.pdf.
During the year under review, your company did not receive any complaints under the
said policy.
DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION POLICY
Your Company's policy on Dividend Distribution is available at the website of the
Company at https://www.pbfintech.in/pdf/Dividend-Distribution- Policy.pdf.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Company has constituted Corporate Social Responsibility Committee in accordance
with the provisions of Companies Act, 2013. As on 31.03.2024, The CSR Committee consist of
three directors including two independent directors. The Composition including other
details is given in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual
Report.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with
the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Amendment Rules, 2014, as amended
and read with CSR Policy of the Company, the Company is required to spend two percent of
the average net profit of the Company for three immediately preceding financial years
calculated as per Section 198 of the Companies Act, 2013 on the activities and programs
fulfilling its Corporate Social Responsibilities. As the Company's average net profit of
the last three consecutive years (i.e. 2020-21,2021-22 and 2022-23) is negative, it is not
required to spend any amount on CSR activities during the FY 2023-24. The CSR Policy of
the Company can be viewed at https:// www.pbfintech.in/pdf/PB-Fintech-Corporate-Social-
Responsibility-Policy.pdf
The annual report on CSR including a brief outline of the CSR Policy is enclosed as
Annexure III to this Report.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS ISSUED BY ICSI
During the year under review, your Company has duly complied with all applicable
provisions of Secretarial Standard-1 and Secretarial Standard-2 issued by the Institute of
Company Secretaries of India ("ICSI") and notified by Ministry of Corporate
Affairs.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5
of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules 2014,
details of the Employees are set out in Annexure IV.
DISCLOSURE AS PER SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND
REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
Pursuant to the provisions stipulated under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the Company has framed a Policy on
Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace. Your Company is fully committed to
uphold and maintain the dignity of women working in the Company and has zero tolerance
towards any action, which may fall under the ambit of sexual harassment at workplace.
The Company has complied with provisions relating to the constitution of Internal
Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and
Redressal) Act, 2013 ("POSH"). During the year under review, the number of cases
filed and their disposal under Section 22 of the POSH are as follows:
Particulars |
Numbers |
Number of complaints pending as on the beginning of the financial year |
NIL |
Number of complaints filed during the financial year |
NIL |
Number of complaints pending as on the end of the financial year |
NIL |
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Company grants share-based benefits to eligible employees with a view to attract
and retain talent, align individual performance with the Company's objectives, and promote
increased participation by them in the growth of the Company. The Company has two Employee
Stock Option Schemes, namely PB Fintech Employees Stock Option Plan, 2020 ("ESOP
2020) and PB Fintech Employees Stock Option Plan, 2021 ("ESOP 2021).
The shares to which Company's ESOP 2020 relates are held by the Trustees on behalf of
Etechaces Employees Stock Option Plan Trust. The individual employees do not have any
claim against the shares held by the said ESOP Trust unless they are transferred to their
respective de-mat accounts upon exercise of options vested in them. ESOP schemes can be
viewed at the website of the company at https://www.pbfintech.in/ investor-relations/.
Under ESOP 2021, the aggregate pool of options available for grant is 2,05,61,725
Options, out of which 1,72,35,146 options have been granted to the Founders and eligible
employees. The net pool of options available for grant as at March 31,2024 is 33,26,579
options.
Further, the details as required to be disclosed under Regulation 14 of the SEBI Share
Based Employee Benefit Regulations, 2021 is available on the website of the Company at
https://www.pbfintech.in/investor-relations/ and details for ESOP Scheme of the company
also forms part of the notes to accounts of the financial statements.
A certificate from Mr. Dhananjay Shukla, Proprietor of M/s Dhananjay Shukla &
Associates (CP No. 8271) Company Secretarieswithregardstotheimplementation of the
Company's Employee Stock Option Schemes in line with SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits
and
Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021 will be made available for inspection in electronic
mode during the Annual General Meeting.
As required under SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations,
2021, the applicable disclosures are available on the website of the company.
PROCEEDING UNDER INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE, 2016
No application or any proceeding has been filed against the Company under the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (31 of 2016) ("IBC Code") during the
financial year 2023-24.
THE DETAILS OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMOUNT OF THE VALUATION DONE AT THE TIME OF ONE
TIME SETTLEMENT AND THE VALUATION DONE WHILE TAKING LOAN FROM THE BANKS OR FINANCIAL
INSTITUTIONS ALONG WITH THE REASONS THEREOF
The Company has not availed any financial facility from banks or financial institutions
during the year under review. Therefore, a one-time settlement does not apply to the
Company.
REVISION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND BOARD REPORT
During the financial year under review, there were no revision in the financial
statements and Board Report of the Company.
TRANSFER TO INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND
During the financial year under review, the Company was not required to transfer any
funds and equity shares to the investor education and protection fund as per the
provisions of Section 125 of the Act.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT/ TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION/ FOREIGN
EXCHANGE EARNING AND OUTGO
The particulars as required under the provisions of Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies
Act, 2013 read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 in respect of
conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo are as
under:
(A) Conservation of energy:
i. Steps taken / impact on conservation of energy;
Considering the nature of the business in which the Company is engaged, operation of
the Company is not energy-intensive, however the Company, being a responsible corporate
citizen, makes conscious efforts to reduce its energy consumption. To affirm its
commitment to Company's ESC Vision and to proactively reduce its carbon footprint, some of
the significant measures undertaken by the Company on a continuous basis including during
the year, are listed below:
a. Rationalization of usage of electricity and electrical equipment - air-conditioning
system, office illumination beverage dispensers, desktops
b. Installation of LED lights across all floors which almost emit no heat & UV
emissions;
c. Regular monitoring of temperature inside the buildings and controlling the air
conditioning system.
d. Usage of energy efficient illumination fixture s.
e. VRV/VRF air-conditioned systems are installed that are second generation energy
efficient products
f. All electrical appliances that we are sourcing for the office are 5* (star)
rated for higher energy efficiency.
ii. Steps taken by the Company for utilizing alternate sources of energy;
The business operations of the Company are not energy-intensive, hence apart from steps
mentioned above to conserve energy, the management would also explore feasible alternate
sources of energy.
iii. Capital investment on energy conservation equipment
In view of the nature of activities carried on by the Company, there is no capital
investment made on energy conservation equipment.
(B) Technology absorption:
The Company itself operates in the dynamic information technology space. The company
has a sizeable team of information technology experts who evaluate technology developments
continuously and keep the organization updated.
This allows the Company to serve its users in innovative ways and provide satisfaction
and convenience to the users and customers.
(C) Foreign Exchange earnings and outgo:
The Foreign Exchange outgo during the year under review in terms of actual outflows was
INR 83,11,800/- and there was no foreign earning during the year under review.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to the requirement under Section 134(3)(c) and 134(5) of the Companies Act,
2013, with respect to Directors' Responsibility Statement, it is hereby confirmed that:
a) in the preparation of the Annual Accounts, the applicable accounting standards
have been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures;
b) the Directors had 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 as at March 31,2024 and of the profit of
the Company for that year;
c) the Directors 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) the Directors have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
e) the Directors have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the
Company and that such financial controls are adequate and were operating effectively;
f) the Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions
of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors have pleasure in recording their appreciation for all the guidance and
co-operation received from all its customers, members, investors, vendors, partners,
bankers, government authorities and other stakeholders for their consistent support to
your Company in its operations. Your Directors take this opportunity to place on record
their sincere appreciation of the dedication, contribution and commitment of all
stakeholders and investors in Company's growth.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors PB Fintech Limited
Sd/-
Yashish Dahiya
Chairman, Executive Director & CEO
DIN: 00706336
Address: Plot No.119, Sector 44, Gurugram-122001, Haryana
Date: August 14, 2024 Place: Gurugram