The Directors are pleased to present the Thirtieth Annual Report of ICICI Securities Limited (‘the Company') along with the audited financial statements for the financial year ended at March 31, 2025.
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Fiscal 2025 witnessed general elections coupled with extreme weather conditions with heat waves in Q1-FY2025 and floods in several states during monsoons which impacted aggregate demand resulting in lower capex during the first half of the year. Consequently, during Q3-FY2025, India's Gross Domestic Product ('GDP') for fiscal 2025 was revised downward from 7.2% to 6.4% by RBI. Inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) settled at the mid-range of the RBI's 2%-6% target range towards the end of fiscal 2025.
India remains the largest recipient of remittances globally in 2024 with an estimated inflow of USD 129.1 billion according to the World Bank. India's foreign exchange reserves at around USD 640 billion provide an import cover of over 10 months. The Indian Rupee after depreciating in line with global currencies against the US Dollar during fiscal 2025 has begun to stabilize around the 86 level.
The equity markets which remained volatile during FY2025 saw a relatively lower return of ~5% with almost all the gains in H1-FY2025 erased amid concerns over global growth as well as some softness in overall growth
domestically. The volatility in the equity markets has impacted growth momentum in both cash and derivatives segment, though retail cash segment is up ~36% Y-o-Y in Average Daily Turnover ('ADTO') whereas retail derivatives (option premium and future turnover) has witnessed growth of ~10% Y-o-Y in ADTO. Customer accretion (in absolute terms) continued to remain steady on Y-o-Y basis.
Outlook
With election related uncertainties largely over, investment rate is likely to pick up going ahead driven by private and central government capex. Positive catalysts, such as favourable growth inflation dynamics of India (~6%-7% sustainable GDP growth with comfortable inflation of sub ~5%) continues to present Indian equity as superior proposition in this global backdrop. While H1-FY2026 could remain volatile amidst the uncertainty on tariffs, we expect markets to eventually follow the relative outperformance of domestic macroeconomic and earnings, and thus, witness a resilient performance.
Company overview
ICICI Securities Limited is one of India's leading financial service company and operates across capital market segments including retail and institutional equity, financial product distribution, private wealth management and investment banking. The Company services its customers, comprising retail investors, High Net Worth Individuals
Ý li !
(‘HNIs') and Ultra HNIs, who together hold assets worth ^ 7.7 trillion (assets of our clients including equity demat assets maintained with ICICI Bank Limited and excluding promoter holding) by providing research, access to markets as well as distributing financial products. The Company also serves its institutional clients comprising corporates and financial institutions, by offering a range of services.
ICICI Securities Limited operates www.icicidirect.com, leading financial services platform, and has a physical presence in 65 cities in India through its branch network of 130 branches and has offices of its wholly-owned subsidiary in US and Singapore.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The table below summarises the key financials of your Company for FY2025:
Particulars
|
Standalone
|
Consolidated
|
FY2024
|
FY2025
|
Change %
|
FY2024
|
FY2025
|
Change %
|
Gross Income
|
50,498.0
|
63,332.7
|
25.4%
|
50,511.0
|
63,348.7
|
25.4%
|
Profit/(Loss) before Depreciation and Tax
|
23,838.6
|
27,588.7
|
15.7%
|
23,864.4
|
27,621.5
|
15.7%
|
Depreciation
|
1,089.0
|
1,568.7
|
44.0%
|
1,089.2
|
1,568.9
|
44.0%
|
Profit/(Loss) before Tax
|
22,749.6
|
26,020.0
|
14.4%
|
22,775.2
|
26,052.6
|
14.4%
|
Provision for Tax
|
5,807.4
|
6,636.4
|
14.3%
|
5,808.3
|
6,638.1
|
14.3%
|
Profit/(Loss) After Tax
|
16,942.2
|
19,383.6
|
14.4%
|
16,966.9
|
19,414.5
|
14.4%
|
Other Comprehensive Income (net of tax)
|
-8.3
|
-148.1
|
1,684.3%
|
-8.3
|
-148.1
|
1,684.3%
|
Total comprehensive income
|
16,933.9
|
19,235.5
|
13.6%
|
16,958.6
|
19,266.4
|
13.6%
|
Balance brought forward from previous year
|
24,586.8
|
34,654.7
|
40.9%
|
24,811.6
|
34,904.2
|
40.7%
|
Amount available for appropriation
|
41,520.7
|
53,890.2
|
29.8%
|
41,770.2
|
54,170.6
|
29.7%
|
Surplus carried forward
|
34,654.7
|
48,393.1
|
39.6%
|
34,904.2
|
48,673.5
|
39.4%
|
Earnings per share on equity shares of ^ 5 each
|
Basic (in ^)
|
52.44
|
60.10
|
16.4%
|
52.51
|
61.11
|
16.4%
|
Diluted (in ^)
|
52.15
|
59.66
|
15.8%
|
52.22
|
60.48
|
15.8%
|
Note: Figures in parenthesis are negative APPROPRIATIONS
Your Company has ^ 53,890.2 million available fo appropriation, comprising total comprehensive income o ^ 19,235.5 million for FY2025 and balance of ^ 34,654.7 million brought forward from the previous financial year.
An appropriation of ^ 5,497.1 million towards dividend has been approved by the Board resulting in profit of ^ 48,393.1 million being the surplus carried forward. Your Company does not propose any transfer to reserves.
Particulars
|
Standalone
|
FY2024
|
FY2025
|
Balance brought forward from previous year
|
24,586.8
|
34,654.7
|
Add: Total comprehensive income
|
16,933.9
|
19,235.5
|
Amount available for appropriation1
|
^"41,520.7
|
53,890.2
|
Appropriations:
|
Equity Dividend
|
6,866.0
|
5,497.1
|
Surplus carried forward
|
34,654.7
|
48,393.1
|
The Board has recommended final dividend of ^ 24 per equity share (480%) for FY2025.
The recommendation of final dividend would result in dividend pay-out ratio of 30% of the standalone profits. The dividend proposal takes into account various factors laid out in Dividend Distribution Policy, including the capital requirement of the Business and is in accordance with the Board approved Dividend Distribution Policy.
TRANSFER OF UNCLAIMED/UNPAID AMOUNTS TO THE INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND (‘IEPF’)
In terms of the provisions of Section 124 of the Companies Act, 2013 (‘the Act') and the rules made thereunder, the provisions of IEPF Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016 (‘IEPF Rules') and other applicable provisions, all monies remaining unpaid or unclaimed for a period of seven years from the date of transfer to unpaid/ unclaimed dividend account are required to be transferred to IEPF.
Pursuant to the provisions of Rule 7 of IEPF Rules, Raju Nanwani, Company Secretary of the Company is the Nodal Officer for the purposes of verification of claims and co-ordination with IEPF Authority under IEPF Rules. Further, Siddhanth Nimbalkar, Assistant Vice President, Secretarial is the Deputy Nodal Officer to assist the Nodal Officer in connection with the verification of claims and for co-ordination with IEPF Authority. The said details can be viewed at:
https://www.icicisecurities.com/Upload/ ArticleAttachments/Details of Nodal Deputy Nodal officer of the Company for coordination with IEPF.pdf
SUBSIDIARY, ASSOCIATE AND JOINT VENTURE COMPANIES
At March 31, 2025, the Company has two subsidiaries (including step-down subsidiary) and has no associate and joint venture companies. The subsidiaries are: l
a. ICICI Securities Holdings, Inc.; and
b. ICICI Securities, Inc. (subsidiary of ICICI Securities Holdings, Inc.).
During FY2025, no Company has become or ceased to be Subsidiary, Joint Venture or Associate Company of the Company.
A separate statement containing the salient features of the financial statements of the subsidiaries required to be disclosed under Form AOC-1 is enclosed as Annexure A to this Report.
Our Board oversees our risk management and has constituted a Risk Management Committee, which frames and reviews risk management policies and controls. A comprehensive system for risk management and internal controls for all our businesses has been established to manage the risks we are exposed to. The objective of our risk management framework is to ensure that various risks are identified, measured and mitigated and also that policies, procedures and standards are established to address these risks and to ensure a systematic response in the case of crystallisation of such risks.
The key risks associated with our business have been classified into implied market risk, market risk, operational risk, information technology/cyber security risk, liquidity risk, credit risk and reputation risk. The policies have been framed with respect to such risks which set forth limits, mitigation strategies and internal controls. These policies include Corporate Risk and Investment Policy, Liquidity Risk Management Policy, Operational Risk Management Policy, Outsourcing Policy, Fraud Risk Management Policy, Information Technology Risk Management Policy, Information Security Management Policy, Cyber-security & Cyber Resilience Policy, Business Continuity Policy and Surveillance Policy.
We are particularly sensitive to the risks emanating from the introduction of new products and services. All new products are approved by the Committees constituted by the Board. In case a product entails taking credit risk or market risk on the Company's books or entails offering margin-based products to clients, then, the risk management framework for such products is approved by our Risk Management Committee. In case of all other new product offerings, approval is sought from our Product Committee which is a Committee constituted by our Board. Before we launch a new product or service, it is also reviewed and approved by our Risk Management Group, Compliance and Operations Groups and the Process Approval Committee review is set up for this purpose. These Groups and Committees review the product/ service through the lenses of regulatory compliance, risk management and integration with the existing risk management systems.
WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
The Company has in place a Whistle Blower Policy (‘the Policy') which aims to set up a mechanism that enables employees to report about potentially illegal and/or unacceptable practices. It seeks to enable employees to report such practices without fear of victimisation and reprisal. The Policy aims to administer good governance practices in the Company and to ensure that serious concerns are properly raised and addressed.
The purpose of the Policy is to enable a person who observes an unethical practice (whether or not a violation of law) to approach Chief Compliance Officer and Head - Legal/Chairman of Audit Committee without necessarily informing his/her supervisors and without revealing his/ her identity, if he/she so chooses. The Policy governs reporting and investigation of allegations of suspected improper activities.
The employees of the Company are encouraged to use guidance provided in the Policy for reporting all allegations of suspected improper activities. In all instances, the Company retains the prerogative to determine when circumstances warrant an investigation and accordingly, in conformity with the Policy and applicable laws and regulations, the appropriate investigative process is employed. The Policy complies with the requirements of the vigil mechanism as envisaged by the Companies Act, 2013 and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 and the rules framed thereunder.
Any employee who makes a disclosure or raises a concern under the Policy will be protected, if the employee discloses his/her identity, discloses the information in good faith, believes it to be substantially true, does not act maliciously nor makes false allegations and does not seek any personal or financial gain. The Company strictly prohibits any attempt of retaliation by anyone against any employee who raises a concern under the Policy in good faith. Nothing in this Policy precludes or is intended to preclude a complainant from seeking a monetary award from a Government, administrative or law enforcement authority, as provided for by law.
The details of establishment of the Whistle Blower Policy/ Vigil Mechanism have been disclosed on the website of the Company. Excerpts of Whistle Blower Policy can be viewed at the following link:
https://www.icicisecurities.com/UPLOAD/ ARTICLEIMAGES/Whistleblower Policy One Pager.pdf
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS AND ITS ADEQUACY
The internal financial controls with reference to financial statements as designed and implemented by the Company are adequate. The internal financial controls procedure adopted by the Company is adequate for safeguarding its assets, the prevention and detection of frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records and the timely preparation of reliable financial information. Further, the Statutory Auditors have verified the systems and processes and confirmed that the internal financial controls over financial reporting are adequate and such controls are operating effectively.
STATUTORY AUDITORS REPORT
There were no qualifications, reservations, adverse remarks or disclaimers in the report of Statutory Auditors of the Company.
No fraud was reported by the auditors under Section 143 (12) of the Act.
ANNUAL RETURN
The annual return for FY2025 comprising of the information available upto the date of this report can be viewed at the following link: https://www.icicisecurities. com/Upload/ArticleAttachments/Annual Return for Financial Year 2024 25.pdf
The said annual return shall be further updated as soon as possible but no later than sixty days from the date of the AGM.
SHARE CAPITAL
The share capital of the Company as at March 31, 2025 stood at ^ 1,208,263,460/-.
PUBLIC DEPOSITS
Your Company has not accepted any public deposits and as such, no amount on account of principal or interest on public deposits was outstanding as on the date of the balance sheet.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS
Details of loans, guarantees and investments covered under Section 186 of the Act are given in Annexure B to this report.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has put in place a policy for related party transactions (‘RPT Policy') which has been approved by the Board of Directors. The RPT Policy provides for identification of related party transactions, necessary approvals by the Audit Committee/Board of Directors/ Shareholders, reporting and disclosure requirements in compliance with the Act and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (‘Listing Regulations').
All transactions executed by the Company during the financial year with related parties were on arm's length basis and in ordinary course of business. All such related party transactions were placed before the Audit Committee for approval, wherever applicable.
The details of related party transactions under Section 188 (1) of the Act required to be disclosed under Form AOC-2 pursuant to Section 134 (3) of the Act are given in Annexure C enclosed to this report.
DIRECTORS AND OTHER KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
The Board of Directors of the Company as at March 31, 2025 consists of seven Directors, out of which four are Independent Directors, one is Non-Executive Non-Independent Director and two are Whole-time Directors.
As at the end of FY2025, T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104), Managing Director & CEO, Ajay Saraf (DIN: 0007488 5), Executive Director, Harvinder Jaspal - Chief Financial Officer and Raju Nanwani - Company Secretary are the Key Managerial Personnel as per the provisions of the Act and the rules made thereunder.
Changes in the composition of the Board of Directors and other Key Managerial Personnel
The Board of Directors, at its meeting held on April 18, 2024, based on the notice received from a Member under Section 160 of the Act and the recommendation of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, re-appointed Vijay Chandok (DIN: 01545262) as the Managing Director & CEO of the Company with effect from May 7, 2024 till the date of his retirement on February 28, 2026 and fixed his remuneration for FY2024-25, subject to the approval of the Members of the Company. The Members of the Company, vide Postal Ballot resolution passed on July 16, 2024, approved the re-appointment of Vijay Chandok (DIN: 01545262) as the Managing Director & CEO of the Company and payment of remuneration by way of Ordinary Resolution.
The Board of Directors, at its meeting held on April 18, 2024, based on the notice received from a Member under Section 160 of the Act and the recommendation of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, appointed T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104) as an Additional Director on the Board of Directors of the Company with effect from May 1, 2024 subject to necessary regulatory approvals. Further, the Board of Directors, on June 12, 2024, based on the recommendation of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, approved the appointment of T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104) as a Director of the Company with effect from the date of approval by the Members of the Company by Postal Ballot. The Members of the Company, vide Postal Ballot resolution passed on July 16, 2024, approved the said appointment of T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104) as a Director of the Company and such appointment was effective from July 16, 2024.
-Additionally, the Board of Directors, at its meeting held on April 18, 2024, based on the recommendation of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, approved the appointment of T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104) as the Joint Managing Director of the Company for a period of five years with effect from May 1, 2024 till April 30, 2029 and fixed his remuneration, subject to the approval of the Members of the Company and regulatory approvals. T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104), being the Joint Managing Director of the Company, was also designated as the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company with effect from May 1, 2024. The Members of the Company, vide Postal Ballot resolution passed on July 16, 2024, approved the appointment of T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104) as the Joint Managing Director of the Company for a period of five years with effect from May 1, 2024 till April 30, 2029 and payment of remuneration by way of Ordinary Resolution.
Prasanna Balachander (DIN: 02257744), Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of the Company tendered his Jresignation from the Board of Directors of the Company with effect from close of business hours on October 22, 2024.
Vinod Kumar Dhall (DIN: 02591373) ceased to be the Independent Director of the Company due to completion of his second term of five consecutive years as an Independent Director with effect from close of business hours on October 27, 2024.
Vijay Chandok (DIN: 01545262), Managing Director & CEO 1 of the Company (Key Managerial Personnel) tendered his resignation from the Board of Directors of the Company with effect from close of business hours on November 27, 2024.
Consequently, the Board of Directors, at its meeting held on November 8, 2024, based on the recommendation of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, approved the appointment of T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104) as the Managing Director & CEO of the Company for the period from November 28, 2024 till the date of his retirement on May 31, 2029, subject to the approval of the Members of the Company and regulatory approvals. T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104), being the Managing Director & CEO of the Company, was also designated as the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company. The Members of the Company, vide Postal Ballot resolution passed on February 21, 2025, approved the appointment of T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104) as the Managing Director & CEO of the Company for the period from November 28, 2024 till the date of his retirement on May 31, 2029 by way of Ordinary Resolution.
The Board of Directors, vide circular resolution passed on April 4, 2025, pursuant to the provisions of Section 161 of the Act, appointed Ajay Kumar Gupta (DIN: 07580795) as an Additional Director on the Board of Directors of the Company with effect from April 4, 2025, subject to necessary regulatory approvals. Further, the Board of
ill1 "
Directors, at its meeting held on April 15, 2025, based on the notice received from a Member under Section 160 of the Act and the recommendation of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee and subject to the approval of the shareholders, appointed Ajay Kumar Gupta (DIN: 07580795) as a Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of the Company with effect from the date on which the resolution is passed by the shareholders.
Declaration of Independence
All Independent Directors have given declarations that they meet the criteria of independence as laid down under Section 149 of the Act and Regulation 16 of Listing Regulations which have been relied upon by the Company.
Based on the declarations received from the Independent Directors, the Board is of the opinion that the Independent Directors fulfil the criteria of independence as specified in Listing Regulations and the Act and are independent of the Management.
All Independent Directors have given declarations that they have complied with the Code for Independent Directors prescribed in Schedule IV of the Act and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of the Company during FY2025.
Retirement by rotation
In terms of Section 152 of the Act and the Articles of Association of the Company, Rakesh Jha (DIN: 00042075), Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of the Company, would retire by rotation at the ensuing AGM and being eligible for re-appointment, has offered himself for re-appointment.
Brief details of the Director proposed to be re-appointed as required under Secretarial Standard - 2 are provided in the Notice of the ensuing AGM.
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT & ETHICS
The Code of Business Conduct & Ethics (‘Code') of the Company aims at ensuring consistent standards of conduct and ethical business practices across the Company. This Code is reviewed at least once in two years and the latest Code is available on the website of the Company (www.icicisecurities.com).
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PROHIBITION OF INSIDER TRADING
In accordance with the requirements of SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015, the Company has instituted a comprehensive code of conduct to regulate, monitor and report trading activities of its directors, employees and other connected persons in securities of all the listed companies as SEBI registered intermediary.
CREDIT RATINGS OBTAINED BY THE COMPANY
Your Company has obtained credit rating from:
Name of the credit rating agency
|
Credit rating obtained in respect of various securities
|
Amount in millions)
|
Ratings
Given
|
Issue Date/ Revalidation
|
Validity of Rating
|
If Rating Downgraded (Specify reason)
|
CRISIL
|
Non-Convertible
Debentures
|
500.0
|
AAA/
Stable
|
March 20, 2025
|
180 days
|
Rating not downgraded
|
CRISIL
|
Commercial Papers
|
300,000.0
|
CRISIL
A1
|
March 20, 2025
|
60 days
|
Rating not downgraded
|
ICRA
|
Non-Convertible
Debentures
|
500.0
|
AAA/
Stable
|
March 28, 2025
|
Review on annual basis
|
Rating not downgraded
|
ICRA
|
Commercial Papers
|
350,000.0
|
ICRA
A1
|
March 28, 2025
|
3 months
|
Rating not Downgraded
|
BOARD AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Board of Directors of the Company meets at regular intervals to discuss and decide on business policy and strategy apart from other business. The Board of Directors met eight times during FY2025 on April 18, 2024, July 23, 2024, August 30, 2024, October 3, 2024, October 21-22,
2024, November 8, 2024, January 20, 2025 and March 11,
2025.
Separate Meeting of Independent Directors
During FY2025, two separate meetings of the Independent Directors were held on April 18, 2024 and January 17, 2025, which were chaired by the Independent Directors.
The details of the composition Ý of the mandatory Committees constituted by the Board, along with the details of their meetings held during FY2025 are set out below:
Audit Committee
During FY2025, there was no change in the constitution of the Audit Committee.
As at the end of FY2025, the Audit Committee comprised of following as it members:
• Ashvin Parekh (DIN: 06559989), Independent Director (Chairman);
• Subrata Mukherji (DIN: 00057492), Independent Director; and
• Vijayalakshmi Iyer (DIN: 05242960), Independent Director.
Ajay Kumar Gupta (DIN: 07580795), Non-Executive Non-Independent Director, was inducted as a Member of the Audit Committee with effect from April 15, 2025.
During FY2025, eight meetings of the Audit Committee were held on April 12, 2024, April 18, 2024, July 19, 2024, July 23, 2024, October 15, 2024, October 22, 2024, January 15, 2025 and January 20, 2025.
Nomination & Remuneration Committee
During FY2025, Nomination & Remuneration Committee (‘NRC') was re-constituted by inducting Vijayalakshmi Iyer (DIN: 05242960) as a Member in place of Vinod Kumar Dhall (DIN: 02591373) with effect from October 28, 2024.
As at the end of FY2025, NRC comprised of following as its members:
• Ashvin Parekh (DIN: 06559989), Independent Director (Chairman);
• Vijayalakshmi Iyer (DIN: 05242960), Independent Director; and
• Rakesh Jha (DIN: 00042075), Non-Executive Non-Independent Director.
Vijayalakshmi Iyer (DIN: 05242960), Independent Director, was appointed as the Chairperson of the NRC with effect from April 15, 2025 in place of Ashvin Parekh (DIN: 06559989), Independent Director. Ashvin Parekh (DIN: 06559989), Independent Director, continued to be a Member of the NRC.
During FY2025, six meetings of NRC were held on April 18, 2024, July 23, 2024, October 3, 2024, October 22, 2024, November 8, 2024 and January 17, 2025.
Corporate Social Responsibility Committee
During FY2025, T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104) was inducted as a Member of the Corporate Social Responsibility (‘CSR') Committee with effect from May 1, 2024. The CSR Committee was further re-constituted by inducting Dr. Gopichand Katragadda (DIN: 02475721) as the Chairman, in place of Vinod Kumar Dhall (DIN: 02591373) with effect from October 28, 2024. Further, Vijay Chandok (DIN: 01545262) ceased to be a Member of the CSR Committee consequent to his resignation from the Board of Directors of the Company with effect from close of business hours on November 27, 2024.
As at the end of FY2025, CSR Committee comprised of following as its members:
• Dr. Gopichand Katragadda (DIN: 02475721), Independent Director (Chairman);
• T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104), Managing Director & CEO;and
• Ajay Saraf (DIN: 00074885), Executive Director.
During FY2025, four meetings of CSR Committee were held on April 15, 2024, July 9, 2024, October 14, 2024 and February 25, 2025.
The Annual Report on Corporate Social Responsibility as per the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 is given in Annexure D enclosed to this report.
Stakeholders Relationship Committee
During FY2025, T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104) was inducted as a Member of the Stakeholders Relationship Committee (‘SRC') with effect from May 1, 2024. Further, Vijay Chandok (DIN: 01545262) ceased to be a Member of the SRC consequent to his resignation from the Board of Directors of the Company with effect from close of business hours on November 27, 2024.
As at the end of FY2025, SRC comprised of following as its members:
• Vijayalakshmi Iyer (DIN: 05242960), Independent Director (Chairperson);
• T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104), Managing Director & CEO;and
• Ajay Saraf (DIN: 00074885), Executive Director.
Subrata Mukherji (DIN: 00057492), Independent Director, was appointed as the Chairman of the SRC with effect from April 15, 2025 in place of Vijayalakshmi Iyer (DIN: 05242960), Independent Director.
During FY2025, four meetings of SRC were held on April 17, 2024, July 18, 2024, October 15, 2024 and January 15, 2025.
Risk Management Committee
During FY2025, T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104) was inducted as a Member of the Risk Management Committee (‘RMC') with effect from May 1, 2024. Prasanna Balachander (DIN: 02257744) ceased to be a Member of the RMC consequent to his resignation from the Board of Directors of the Company with effect from close of business hours on October 22, 2024. Further, Vijay Chandok (DIN: 01545262) also ceased to be a Member of the RMC consequent to his resignation from the Board of Directors of the Company with effect from close of business hours on November 27, 2024.
As at the end of FY2025, RMC comprised of following as its members:
• Vijayalakshmi Iyer (DIN: 05242960), Independent Director (Chairperson);
• Ashvin Parekh (DIN: 06559989), Independent Director;
• Subrata Mukherji (DIN: 00057492), Independent Director;
• T.K. Srirang (DIN: 10594104), Managing Director & CEO;
• Ajay Saraf (DIN: 00074885), Executive Director;
• Ripujit Chaudhuri, Chief Risk Officer; and
• Harvinder Jaspal, Chief Financial Officer.
Rakesh Jha (DIN: 00042075), Non-Executive
Non-Independent Director, was appointed as a Member of the RMC with effect from April 15, 2025 in place of Ashvin Parekh (DIN: 06559989), Independent Director.
During FY2025, four meetings of RMC were held on April 12, 2024, July 18, 2024, October 15, 2024 and January 15, 2025.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE BOARD, COMMITTEES AND DIRECTORS
The Company has in place an evaluation framework for evaluation of the Board, Directors and Chairman. The Board also carries out an evaluation of the working of the Audit Committee, Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Stakeholders Relationship Committee, Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, Risk Management Committee and Information Technology and Cybersecurity Committee. The evaluation of the Committees is based on the assessment of the compliance with the terms of reference of the Committees.
The evaluations for the Directors and the Board were done through circulation of questionnaires for evaluation of the performance of the Board, the Committees of the Board and the individual members of the Board, which assessed the performance of the Board on selected parameters related to roles, responsibilities and obligations of the Board and functioning of the Committees including assessing the quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of information between the Company management and the Board that was necessary for the Board to effectively and reasonably perform their duties. The evaluation criteria for the Directors (including Independent Directors) was, inter alia, based on their participation, contribution and offering guidance to and understanding of the areas that were relevant to them in their capacity as members of the Board.
With respect to the Whole-time Directors, the NRC has oversight over payment of compensation. The NRC defines Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs') for Whole-time Directors and the organisational performance norms. The KPIs include both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The NRC assesses organisational performance as well as the individual performance of the Whole-time Directors.
POLICY/CRITERIA FOR DIRECTORS’ APPOINTMENT
The Company with the approval of its NRC has put in place a policy on Directors' appointment and remuneration including the criteria for determining qualifications, positive attributes and independence of a Director. The NRC evaluates the composition of the Board and vacancies arising in the Board from time to time. The NRC, as and when required while recommending candidature
of a Director, considers the requisite special knowledge or expertise possessed by the candidate. The NRC assesses the fit and proper credentials of the candidate. The NRC also evaluates the prospective candidate for the position of Director from the perspective of the criteria for independence prescribed under the Act. The NRC based on the above assessment makes suitable recommendations on the appointment of Directors to the Board. The NRC evaluates the performance of the Executive Directors of the Company on an annual basis.
Remuneration Policy for Non-Executive Directors
The remuneration payable to non-executive/independent Directors (‘NEDs') of ICICI Bank Limited is governed by the provisions of Banking Regulation Act, 1949, RBI guidelines issued from time to time and the provisions of the Act and its applicable rules to the extent it is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949/RBI guidelines. The Company, being a subsidiary of ICICI Bank Limited, has adopted practices on these lines with respect to remuneration payable to non-executive/independent Directors of the Company.
Considering the above, the permitted modes of remuneration for the NEDs, would be sitting fee for attending each meeting of the Committee/Board as approved by the Board from time to time and profit related commission, within the limits as provided under the Act and related rules thereunder.
All the non-executive Directors/independent Directors would be entitled to reimbursement of expenses for attending Board/Committee meetings, official visits and participation in various forums on behalf of the Company.
Profit related Commission
The NEDs would be entitled for profit related commission, in compliance with the provisions of the Act (as amended from time to time) and other applicable law.
Disclosure
The Company would make the requisite disclosure on remuneration paid to NEDs in the Annual Financial Statements.
Review
The Policy would be reviewed annually by the NRC.
COMPENSATION POLICY FOR THE WHOLE-TIME DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL AS WELL AS OTHER EMPLOYEES
The Company already has in place a Compensation Policy applicable to Whole-time Directors (WTDs), Key Managerial Personnel (KMP), Senior Management and other employees.
The Compensation Policy is available on the website of the Company under the section titled ‘Corporate Policies' and can be accessed on the following link:
https://www.icicisecurities.com/UPLOAD/ARTICLEIMAGES/ Compensation Policy.pdf
Key features and objectives of Compensation Policy
The Compensation Policy of the Company is applicable for the Whole-time Directors, Key Managerial Personnel, Senior Management and all other employees of the Company. The Compensation Policy is framed under the guidance of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee (‘NRC' or ‘the Committee') to ensure effective governance and drive meritocracy under a prudent risk framework.
The Committee defines Key Performance Indicators (‘KPIs') . for the organisation based on the financial and strategic plan approved by the Board. The KPIs include both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The NRC assesses organizational performance and based on its assessment, it makes recommendations to the Board regarding compensation for Whole-time Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Senior Management along-with bonus and long-term incentive plan (LTIP) for employees.
The Company's performance objectives are a balanced mix of financial, customer, process and compliance related objectives. To ensure effective alignment of compensation with prudent risk parameters, the Company will take into account various risk parameters along with other pre-defined performance objectives of the Company. Acts of gross negligence and integrity breach shall be covered under the purview of the Compensation Policy. The deferred part of the variable pay will be subject to malus and clawback, under which the Company will prevent vesting of all or part of the variable pay in the event of an enquiry determining gross negligence or integrity breach.
STATUTORY AUDITORS
At the AGM held on August 26, 2017, the Members approved the appointment of B S R & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants, as the Statutory Auditors for a period of five years, to hold office from the conclusion of the Twenty-Second AGM l till the conclusion of the Twenty-Seventh AGM subject to the ratification by the Members at every AGM. Pursuant to the amendment in Section 139 of the Act vide Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017 effective from May 7, 2018, the requirement relating to ratification of appointment of Statutory Auditors by the Members of the Company at every AGM was dispensed with. Accordingly, the Members, at the Twenty-Fourth AGM of the Company held on August 2, 2019, dispensed with the requirement of annual ratification
of appointment of B S R & Co. LLP as the Statutory Auditors of the Company. Further, based on the recommendation of the Board, at the Twenty-Seventh AGM held on August 26, 2022, the Members approved the re-appointment of B S R & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants, as the Statutory Auditors for a second term of five years, to hold office from the conclusion of the Twenty-Seventh AGM till the conclusion of the Thirty-Second AGM.
SECRETARIAL AUDIT
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Act, the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 and Regulation 24A of Listing Regulations, the Company had appointed M/s. Makarand M. Joshi & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries, as the Secretarial Auditor of the Company, to undertake the Secretarial Audit of the Company for FY2025. The Secretarial Audit Report is given in Annexure E enclosed to this report.
There are no material adverse observations in the Secretarial Audit Report.
DISCLOSURE ABOUT MAINTENANCE OF COST RECORDS
The Central Government has not prescribed the maintenance of cost records under Section 148 (1) of the Act for the services rendered by the Company.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The details of foreign exchange earnings and outgo required under Section 134 (3) (m) of the Act read with Rule 8 (3) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are as under:
|
FY2024
|
FY2025
|
Earnings
|
224.6
|
340.6
|
Outgo
|
646.7
|
803.8
|
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION
In view of the nature of business activities of the Company, the information relating to conservation of energy and technology absorption, as required under Section 134 (3) (m) of the Act read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules 2014, is not required to be given. The Company has, however, used information technology extensively in its operations.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY
There were no material changes and commitments between the end of the year under review and the date of this report, which could have an impact on the Company's operation in the future or its status as a ‘going concern'.
UPDATE ON DELISTING OF EQUITY SHARES OF THE COMPANY
The Board of Directors, at its meeting held on June 29, 2023, after considering the recommendation and reports of the Audit Committee and the Committee comprising of all the Independent Directors had approved the draft Scheme of Arrangement amongst ICICI Securities Limited, ICICI Bank Limited and their respective shareholders for delisting of equity shares of the Company (‘the Scheme'). Pursuant to receipt of requisite regulatory approvals and the order of the Hon'ble National Company Law Tribunals (‘NCLT'), a meeting of the equity shareholders of the Bank and the Company were held on March 27, 2024, wherein the Scheme was approved by the requisite majority of shareholders (including public shareholders).
The NCLT, Mumbai and NCLT, Ahmedabad passed orders sanctioning the Company Scheme Petitions in connection with the Scheme and further, Hon'ble National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, New Delhi (‘NCLAT') on March 10, 2025 also passed two orders in connection with the Scheme dismissing the appeals filed by two minority shareholders of the Company. Subsequently, the Board of Directors fixed March 24, 2025 as the Record Date pursuant to which ICICI Bank Limited (‘the Bank'/'Holding Company') issued equity shares to the public shareholders of the Company in lieu of cancellation of their equity shares in the Company, thereby making the Company a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank in accordance with Chapter VI, Part C, Regulation 37 of the SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2021 and Section 230 of the Companies Act, 2013.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS OR TRIBUNALS IMPACTING THE GOING CONCERN STATUS OF THE COMPANY AND ITS FUTURE OPERATIONS
During the year, there were no such orders passed by the Court or Tribunals which will have material impact on the Company.
DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors of the Company confirm:
i. that the applicable accounting standards have been followed in the preparation of the annual accounts and that there are no material departures;
ii. that such accounting policies have been selected and applied consistently and judgments and estimates made are reasonable and prudent, so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at March 31, 2025 and of the profit of the Company for the year ended on that date;
iii. that proper and sufficient care has been taken for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act to safeguard the assets of the Company and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities;
iv. that the annual accounts have been prepared on a ‘going concern' basis; and
v. that proper systems have been devised to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
INFORMATION REQUIRED UNDER SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION & REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
The Company has complied with provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The Company has a policy against sexual harassment and has a formal process for dealing with complaints of harassment or discrimination. The Company has constituted the Internal Committee as per the provisions of the above-mentioned Act. The said policy is in line with relevant Act passed by the Parliament in 2013. The Company believes in providing a safe working environment at the workplace. On an ongoing basis, the Company creates education and awareness amongst employees. During FY2025, 4 (four) complaints on sexual harassment were filed of which 1 was closed and 3 are currently under investigation and are well within the stipulated timelines provided under the said Act for inquiring into such matters.
ICICI SECURITIES LIMITED - EMPLOYEES STOCK OPTION SCHEME (ESOS) - 2017 AND ICICI SECURITIES LIMITED - EMPLOYEES STOCK UNIT SCHEME (ESUS) - 2022
Particulars of options granted by the Company as at March 31, 2025 pursuant to ICICI Securities Limited - Employees Stock Option Scheme - 2017 (‘the Scheme') are given below:
Particulars
|
No. of shares
|
Number of options outstanding at the beginning of the year
|
60,60,085
|
Number of options granted during the year
|
15,07,800
|
Number of options forfeited/lapsed during the year
|
13,81,345
|
Number of options vested during the year
|
16,48,985
|
Number of options exercised during the year
|
17,68,340
|
Number of shares arising as a result of exercise of options
|
17,68,340
|
Money realized by exercise of options (in ^), if scheme is implemented directly by the company
|
75,81,62,138
|
Loan repaid by the trust during the year from exercise price received
|
Not applicable
|
Number of options outstanding at the end of the year
|
-
|
Number of options cancelled during the year
|
44,18,200
|
Number of options exercisable at the end of the year
|
-
|
Particulars of options granted by the Company during FY2025:
During FY2025, the Company granted 15,07,800 options to its employees including Whole-time directors, Key Managerial Personnel, Senior Managerial Personnel and other employees.
All options were granted as per the Scheme.
The fair value of the underlying shares has been determined by an independent valuer. The calculation of fair value of grants is in accordance with the Black-Scholes options pricing model.
The fair value of the options granted in FY2025 are given below:
The fair value of the units granted in FY2025 are given below:
Financial Year
|
Date of Grant
|
Fair value of the options granted (?) per share
|
FY2025
|
April 18, 2024
|
231.12
|
Financial Year
|
Date of Grant
|
Fair value of the units granted (?) per share
|
FY9095
|
April 18 9094
|
616 14
|
The key assumptions used to estimate the fair value of options granted during FY2025 are given below:
Risk-free interest rate
|
7.07% to 7.10%
|
Expected life
|
3.5 to 5.51 years
|
Expected volatility
|
31.35% to 39.34%
|
Expected dividend yield
|
2.98%
|
ICICI Securities Limited - Employees Stock Unit Scheme (ESUS) - 2022
Particulars of units granted by the Company as at March 31, 2025 pursuant to ICICI Securities Limited - Employees Stock Unit Scheme - 2022 (‘ESUS Scheme') are given below:
Particulars
|
No. of shares
|
Number of units outstanding at the beginning of the year
|
7,08,200
|
Number of units granted during the year
|
5,05,660
|
Number of units forfeited/lapsed during the year
|
1,65,582
|
Number of units vested during the year
|
2,40,297
|
Number of units exercised during the year
|
1,25,471
|
Number of shares arising as a result of exercise of options
|
1,25,471
|
Money realized by exercise of options (in ?), if scheme is implemented directly by the company
|
6,27,355
|
Loan repaid by the trust during the year from exercise price received 1
|
Not applicable
|
Number of options cancelled during the year
|
9,22,827
|
Number of units outstanding at the end of the year
|
-
|
Number of units exercisable at the end of the year
|
-
|
The key assumptions used to estimate the fair value of units granted during FY2025 are given below:
Risk-free interest rate
|
7.07% to 7.10%
|
Expected life
|
3.58 to 5.59 years
|
Expected volatility
|
31.21% to 39.64%
|
Expected dividend yield
|
2.98%
|
During FY2025, the Company granted 5,05,660 units to its employees including Key Managerial Personnel, Senior Managerial Personnel and other employees.
All the units were granted as per the ESUS Scheme.
The fair value of the underlying shares has been determined by an independent valuer. The calculation of fair value of grants is in accordance with the Black-Scholes options pricing model.
Pursuant to the Scheme of Arrangement amongst ICICI Bank Limited (‘ICICI Bank'), ICICI Securities Limited (‘the Company') and their respective shareholders, the stock options granted under ICICI Securities Limited - Employees Stock Option Scheme - 2017 as well as the stock units granted under ICICI Securities Limited - Employees Stock Unit Scheme - 2022 and outstanding as on the Record Date i.e. March 24, 2025, were cancelled and after cancellation, fresh stock options and stock units were granted by ICICI Bank Limited to the employees of the Company under ICICI Bank Employees Stock Option Scheme - 2000 and ICICI Bank Employees Stock Unit Scheme - 2022 respectively.
CHANGE IN NATURE OF BUSINESS, IF ANY
None
COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Company has been in compliance with the applicable Secretarial Standards during FY2025.
COMMERCIAL PAPERS
The Commercial Papers (‘CPs') issued by the Company are listed on BSE Limited (‘BSE') on an on-going basis Further, from FY2025, the Company has started to list few of its CPs with National Stock Exchange of India Limitec (‘NSE').
DETAILS OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Annual General Meeting
|
Day, Date & Time
|
Venue
|
Thirtieth AGM
|
Friday, June 27, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. (IST)
|
AGM will be held through Video Conferencing / Other Audio¬ Visual Means (Deemed venue for the AGM will be the Registered Office: ICICI Venture House, Appasaheb Marathe Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 400 025).
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Company is grateful to the Securities and Exchange Board of India, National Stock Exchange of India Limited, BSE Limited, National Securities Depository Limited, Central Depository Services (India) Limited, The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority, other statutory authorities, its bankers and lenders for their continued co-operation, support and guidance.
The Directors express their gratitude for the support and guidance received from the Company's Holding Company, viz., ICICI Bank Limited and other group companies and also expresses their warm appreciation to all the employees of the Company for their commendable teamwork, professionalism and contribution during the year. The Directors extend their sincere thanks to the clients of the Company for their support.
For and on behalf of the Board Sd/-
Rakesh Jha
DIN:00042075 Chairman
Date: April 15, 2025 Place: Mumbai
1
^ (269.2) million as at March 31, 2025 [^ (121.1) million as at March 31, 2024] out of the total amount available for appropriation pertains to other comprehensive income which is not available for distribution as dividend.
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