The Board of Directors is pleased to present the Seventeenth Annual Report of Niva Bupa Health InsuranceCompany Limited ("the Company”), along with the Audited Financial Statements for the financial yearended March 31, 2025.
The Company’s financial performance for the year ended March 31, 2025 is summarised below:
(INR in '000)
Particulars
2024-25
2023-24
Gross Written Premium
6,76,22,258
5,60,75,740
Earned Premium (Net)
4,89,44,572
3,81,12,486
Investment Income
47,98,277
30,42,228
Other Income
1,29,649
31,598
Less: Claims Incurred (Net)
2,99,65,221
2,25,21,939
Less: Commission Paid (Net)
1,06,45,738
74,81,819
Less: Operating Expenses
1,08,31,202
1,00,71,647
Less: Other Expenses
2,88,781
2,74,258
Less: Provision for diminution in the valueof investments
-
Less: Provision for doubtful debts
6,341
18,131
Profit/(Loss) before Tax
21,35,215
8,18,518
Key Business Parameters
Solvency Ratio
3.03
2.55
Share Capital (INR in '000)
1,82,70,263.98
1,69,95,345.95
No. of Employees
8,936
7,868
No. of offices
212
210
No. of Individual Agents
1,80,905
1,43,074
No. of Policies (Policies in force)
28,26,688
24,43,605
The Solvency Ratio is calculated as per requirements of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authorityof India (Actuarial, Finance and Investment Functions of Insurers) Regulations, 2024. The solvency ratio ofyour Company as on March 31, 2025 stood at 303% against required solvency of 150%.
Your Company posted a Gross Written Premium of INR 6,762 crores for the year thereby registering a 21%growth over previous year. The Company posted underwriting loss of INR 249.8 crores during the year ascompared to underwriting loss of INR 196.3 crores during the previous year. The Net Profit for the year wasINR 213.52 crores as compared to net profit of INR 81.85 crores in the previous year.
Your Company aims to be the preferred family health insurer for retail customers and offers quality healthinsurance services through its comprehensive distribution network comprising of Agency, Bancassurance &Alliances (NBFCs & Brokers), Direct & digital channel.
Key highlights of the year are as follows:
• Launched Rise, new health insurance product with innovative features like Flexi-pay, Return, Smart Cash& Unlimited Digital Consultations
• Certified Great Place to Work (GPTW) for 5th consecutive year
• Recognised amongst India's Top 25 Best Workplaces in BFSI 2025
The Board of Directors has not recommended any dividend for the financial year 2024-25.
Pursuant to Regulation 43A of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations andDisclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ('SEBI LODR’), the Board of Directors of the Company hadformulated a Dividend Distribution Policy ('the Policy’). The Policy is available on the Company’s website athttps://transactions.nivabupa.com/pages/ investor-relations.aspx.
During the year under review, the Company has not transferred any amounts to the General reserve.Change(s) in the Nature of Business
During the year under review, there were no material changes in the nature of business of the Company.
During the financial year 2024-25, the Company successfully completed its Initial Public Offering (IPO),and its equity shares were listed on BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited onNovember 14, 2024, following receipt of listing and trading approvals from the respective stock exchanges.The IPO comprised a fresh issue of 10,81,08,108 equity shares of face value ?10 each, aggregating to ?800crore, and an Offer for Sale (OFS) of 18,91,89,188 equity shares of face value ?10 each, aggregating to?1,400 crore. The issue price was set at ?74 per share, including a premium of ?64. The OFS consisted of (i)4,72,97,297 equity shares worth ?350 crore by Bupa Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd. and (ii) 14,18,91,891 equityshares worth ?1,050 crore by Fettle Tone LLP. Post completion of the IPO, the Company’s paid-up sharecapital stood at ^1,827.03 crore as on March 31, 2025.
There have been no material changes or commitments affecting the financial position of the Companybetween the end of the financial year and the date of this report.
As of March 31, 2025, the authorised share capital of the Company stood at ?5,000 crore (Rupees FiveThousand Crore only), comprising 500 crore (Five Hundred Crore) equity shares of face value ?10 (RupeesTen) each.
Consequent to the IPO and listing of equity shares, the paid-up share capital of the Company as of March31, 2025, stood at ^1,827.03 crore (Rupees One Thousand Eight Hundred Twenty-Seven Crore Three Lakhonly), comprising 182.70 crore (One Hundred Eighty-Two Crore Seventy Lakh Twenty-Six Thousand ThreeHundred Ninety-Eight) equity shares of face value ?10 (Rupees Ten) each.
During the financial year, no shares with differential voting rights and sweat equity shares were issued.Employees Stock Option Scheme
As on the financial year ended March 31, 2025, the Company has two employees stock option plan ("ESOPSchemes”), namely:
a) Niva Bupa Employees Stock Option Scheme 2020 ("ESOP 2020”); and
b) Niva Bupa Employees Stock Option Scheme 2024 ("ESOP 2024”).
During the year under review, the Shareholders in their Extra Ordinary General Meeting held on May10, 2024 amended the ESOP 2020 & ESOP 2024 Schemes by passing Special Resolutions, to meetthe regulatory requirement in terms of the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity)Regulations, 2021 ("SEBI SBEB & SE Regulations”). This was undertaken to ensure that the 'ESOP Schemes’were in compliance with SEBI SBEB & SE Regulations once the Company was listed and to provide ease ofadministration of the options.
Post listing of Equity Shares of the Company, the 'ESOP Schemes’ were ratified by the Shareholdersthrough Postal Ballot on January 16, 2025, in accordance with SEBI SBEB & SE Regulations.
Further, the details as required to be disclosed under Regulation 14 of the SEBI SBEB & SE Regulationscan be accessed at https://transactions.nivabupa.com/pages/investor-relations.aspx and details for 'ESOPSchemes’ of the Company also forms part of the notes to accounts of the financial statements.
The Company has also obtained certificates from the Secretarial Auditors confirming that ESOP 2020 &ESOP 2024 have been implemented in accordance with the SEBI SBEB & SE Regulations and as per theresolutions passed by the shareholders of the Company. The said certificates will be made available forinspection by the members electronically during the ensuing AGM of the Company.
As on March 31, 2025, the Company has 2,500 outstanding Non-Convertible Debentures ("NCDs”) havinga face value of INR 10 lakh each. NCDs are listed on the wholesale debt market segment of the NationalStock Exchange of India Limited.
The Company had paid annual interest to all the debenture holders on due date as mentioned below:
ISIN
Outstanding NCDs
Interest Payment Date
Due Date
INE995S08028
^1,00,00,00,000
March 12, 2025
March 15, 2025
INE995S08010
^1,50,00,00,000
November 13, 2024
November 15, 2024
There was no unclaimed interest amount lying with the Company.
During the year under review, the Company has maintained credit rating of "CARE AA (Stable)” assigned
by CARE Ratings Limited on ?250 Crore debentures of the Company.
The Company has no Subsidiary, Joint Venture and Associate companies.
During the year under review, the Company has followed the applicable Secretarial Standards, with
respect to Meetings of the Board of Directors (SS-1) and General Meetings (SS-2) issued by the Institute of
Company Secretaries of India.
Your Directors confirm that:
a) In the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended March 31, 2025, the applicable accountingstandards have been followed, with no material departures;
b) They have selected appropriate accounting policies and applied them consistently, making judgementsand estimates that are reasonable and prudent, to present a true and fair view of the state of affairs ofthe Company as at March 31, 2025, and of the profit for the year then ended;
c) They have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records, inaccordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, to safeguard the assets of the Companyand to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities;
d) The annual accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis;
e) They have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and confirm that suchcontrols are adequate and operating effectively; and
f) They have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws andconfirm that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
A detailed Report on Corporate Governance, prepared in accordance with Regulation 34 read withSchedule V of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("SEBI ListingRegulations”), forms part of this Annual Report.
A certificate from the Secretarial Auditors, confirming compliance with the conditions of CorporateGovernance as stipulated in Clause E of Schedule V to the SEBI Listing Regulations, is annexed to theCorporate Governance Report.
The Board Members and Senior Management Personnel have affirmed compliance with the Codeof Conduct for Directors and Senior Management for the year ended March 31, 2025. A certificatefrom the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director confirming this forms part of the CorporateGovernance Report.
Additionally, a certificate under Regulation 17(8) of the SEBI Listing Regulations, from the Chief ExecutiveOfficer and Chief Financial Officer, confirming the accuracy of the financial statements and the adequacyof internal control measures, also forms part of the Corporate Governance Report.
The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report ("BRSR”), as required under Regulation 34 of theSEBI Listing Regulations, is presented in a separate section of this Annual Report and has also been madeavailable on the Company’s website.
The Management Discussion and Analysis Report for the year under review, prepared in accordance withthe SEBI Listing Regulations, is presented as a separate section forming part of this Annual Report.
During the year under review, all transactions with related parties were conducted on an arm’s lengthbasis and in the ordinary course of business. These transactions were reviewed and approved by the AuditCommittee, with omnibus approval obtained wherever applicable.
No transactions with related parties fell within the scope of Section 188(1) of the Companies Act, 2013.Accordingly, there are no disclosures required under Sections 134(3)(h) and 188 of the Act read with Rule8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, in Form AOC-2.
The policy on dealing with related party transactions ("RPT Policy”) formulated by the Board can beaccessed at https://transactions.nivabupa.com/pages/investor-relations.aspx
The Company has complied with the provisions of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, includingall subsequent amendments. During the year under review, the Company was not required to incur anyexpenditure under CSR, as per Section 135 of the Act and the applicable Rules.
The CSR Policy is available on the Company’s website at https://transactions.nivabupa.com/pages/investor-relations.aspx.
The Annual Report on CSR activities forms part of this Report and is annexed herewith as Annexure-1.
The information required under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with the Companies(Accounts) Rules, 2014, relating to conservation of energy, technology absorption, and foreign exchangeearnings and outgo, is annexed to this Report and marked as Annexure-2.
The remuneration paid to Directors, Key Managerial Personnel, and Senior Management is in compliancewith Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 ("the Act”), read with the Companies (Appointment andRemuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, as amended. It is also aligned with the Company’sNomination & Remuneration Policy, formulated in accordance with Section 178 of the Act, Regulation 19read with Schedule II of the SEBI Listing Regulations, and the Master Circular on Corporate Governance forInsurers, 2024, issued by IRDAI.
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details, as required under Section 197(12) of the Act readwith Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, areannexed to this Report and marked as Annexure-3.
The statement containing particulars of the top 10 employees and other details as required under Section197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the said Rules forms a separate annexure to this Report.
In accordance with the proviso to Section 136(1) of the Act, this annexure is not being sent to shareholdersbut is available for inspection. Members interested in obtaining a copy may write to investor@nivabupa.com. None of the employees listed in the said annexure are related to any Director of the Company.
In line with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition andRedressal) Act, 2013 ("POSH Act”) and the Rules made thereunder, the Company has implemented a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment at the workplace.
Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) have been constituted to address and resolve complaints inaccordance with the POSH Act. The Company also conducts regular training and awareness programmesto foster a respectful and inclusive work environment.
In accordance with the requirements of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 ("POSH Act”), the Company has in place a policy that ensures a safeand respectful workplace. The status of complaints during the year is as follows:
a) Number of complaints pending as on April 1, 2024: 5
b) Number of complaints filed during the financial year: 20
c) Number of complaints disposed of during the financial year: 19
d) Number of complaints pending resolution as on March 31, 2025: 6
The Company continues to conduct regular training and awareness programmes to reinforce a culture ofrespect and inclusion across all levels.
The Company’s Board is constituted in compliance with the Companies Act, 2013, SEBI Listing Regulations,and the Master Circular on Corporate Governance for Insurers, 2024.
As on March 31, 2025, the Board comprised eight (8) Directors, including four (4) Non-Executive Directors(non-Independent), three (3) Independent Directors, and one (1) Executive Director. The Board alsoincludes one Woman Independent Director, reflecting the Company’s commitment to gender diversity.
Details of the composition of the Board of Directors are provided in the Corporate Governance Report,which forms part of this Annual Report.
Changes in the Board composition during FY 2024-25 and up to the date of this Report, are given below:Appointment of Director(s)
Sr. No.
Name
Category
Date of Appointment
1
Mr. Carlos Antonio Jaureguizar Ruiz Jarabo
Non-executive director
10-05-2024
2
Ms. Geeta Dutta Goel
Independent Director
21-06-2024
3
Mr. Mohit Gupta
13-12-2024
4
Mr. Sridhar Srinivasan
10-04-2025
Retirement/Cessation of Director(s)
Date of Cessation
Date of Retirement
Mr. Dinesh Kumar Mittal
30-10-2024
Mr. Divya Sehgal
Nominee Director
09-12-2024
Mr. Pradeep Pant
19-01-2025
The Board records its deepest appreciation for the contribution by Mr. Dinesh Kumar Mittal, Mr. DivyaSehgal and Mr. Pradeep Pant during their tenure on the Board of the Company.
Section 152(6) of the Companies Act, 2013, provides that not less than two-thirds of the total number ofdirectors of a public company shall be liable to retire by rotation, and that one-third of such directors arerequired to retire at every Annual General Meeting (AGM).
In accordance with these provisions, Mr. David Martin Fletcher and Ms. Penelope Ruth Dudley, Non¬Executive Directors, being the longest in office since their last appointment, are liable to retire by rotationand, being eligible, have offered themselves for re-appointment at the 17th AGM.
Resolutions seeking Members’ approval for their re-appointment form part of the Notice convening the17th AGM of the Company.
The details regarding the number of meetings of the Board and its various Committees, attendance ofDirectors, and the constitution of Committees are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, whichforms part of this Annual Report.
The Company has received declarations from all Independent Directors confirming that they meet thecriteria of independence as prescribed under Section 149(6) of the Act and the SEBI Listing Regulations.
In the opinion of the Board, the Independent Directors fulfil the specified conditions and are independentof management. The Board further believes that they possess integrity, expertise, and the requisiteproficiency, which brings significant value to the Company.
During the year under review, the Independent Directors met on April 19, 2024, and October 31, 2024,without the presence of Non-Independent Directors, Executive Directors, and members of management.All Independent Directors attended these meetings.
Pursuant to Section 203 of the Act, the Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of the Company as on May 07,2025, are as follows:
Mr. Krishnan Ramachandran1
CEO & Managing Director
Mr. Vishwanath Mahendra2
Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Ankur Kharbanda2
Executive Director & Chief Business Officer
Mr. Rajat Sharma
Company Secretary
Note: There is no change in the Key Managerial Personnel during the financial year 2024-2025
In terms of the Master Circular on Corporate Governance for Insurers, 2024 issued by IRDAI read withIRDAI (Registration, Capital Structure, Transfer of Shares and Amalgamation of Insurers) Regulations, 2024,the Company has following Key Management Persons in addition to aforesaid KMP, as on May 07, 2025:
Mr. Tarun Katyal
Director and Chief Sustainability & HR Officer
Dr. Bhabatosh Mishra
Director & Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Manish Sen
Executive Vice President & Appointed Actuary
Mr. Dhiresh Rustogi
Director and Chief Technology Officer
5
Mr. Vikas Jain
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer
6
Mr. Rajat Bajaj
Director & Chief - Legal, Compliance, Secretarial &Regulatory Affairs
7
Ms. Joanne Elizabeth Woods
Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer
8
Ms. Smriti Manchanda
Senior Vice President and the Head Internal Audit
The Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC),has adopted a performance evaluation framework that provides guidelines for the annual assessmentof the Board, its Committees, the Chairperson, and individual Directors. This framework is aligned withthe provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Guidance Note on BoardEvaluation issued by SEBI on January 5, 2017, and the Master Circular on Corporate Governance forInsurers, 2024, issued by IRDAI.
As part of this process, the Board, with assistance from the NRC, has evaluated the performance ofthe Board as a whole, each of its Committees, and individual Directors. The NRC supports the Boardin determining evaluation criteria, including for the Chairman, Independent Directors, Non-ExecutiveNon-Independent Directors, and Managing/Executive Directors. These criteria are designed to promotelong-term value creation for all stakeholders and to help the Board identify its strengths as well as areasfor improvement.
Additionally, the Independent Directors have conducted the annual performance evaluation of theChairman, the Non-Independent Directors, and the Board and its Committees as a whole.
The Nomination & Remuneration Policy, including the criteria for remuneration of Directors, Key ManagerialPersonnel (KMP), and other employees, is recommended by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee(NRC) and approved by the Board. In accordance with the provisions of Section 178 of the Companies Act,2013, Regulation 19 of the SEBI Listing Regulations, and the Master Circular on Corporate Governance forInsurers, 2024, issued by IRDAI, the Board has formulated the Policy.
The Remuneration Policy lays down the criteria for identifying qualified and fit-and-proper individuals toserve as Directors, including criteria for determining qualifications, positive attributes, and independence.
The Policy is available on the Company’s website at https://transactions.nivabupa.com/pages/investor-relations.aspx. The remuneration paid to Directors during the year was in line with the Policy and compliantwith the IRDAI Master Circular. No stock options have been granted to any Non-Executive Directors.
During the year under review, this Policy was revised to align with the updated SEBI Listing Regulationsand the IRDAI Master Circular. Further details on Directors’ remuneration are provided in the CorporateGovernance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
All Directors have submitted declarations under Section 164 of the Companies Act, 2013, confirmingthey are not disqualified from serving as directors. Additionally, each Director has confirmed compliancewith the 'fit and proper’ criteria prescribed in the IRDAI Master Circular on Corporate Governance forInsurers, 2024.
Based on these disclosures and confirmations, the Board believes that all Directors are eminentindividuals of integrity, possessing the expertise and experience necessary to continue discharging theirresponsibilities effectively.
The Company conducts familiarization programmes to equip Independent Directors with their roles, rights,and responsibilities, as well as to provide insights into the Company’s business model and the dynamicsof the health insurance industry. These programmes are held at the time of appointment and periodicallyduring their tenure.
The details of familiarization programme imparted to Independent Directors for the FY 2024-25 have beenhosted on the Company’s website at: https://transactions.nivabupa.com/pages/investor-relations.aspx.
The Company is committed to maintaining a comprehensive and effective risk management frameworkthat aligns with its strategic objectives. The Management and the Board actively oversee the identification,assessment, and mitigation of key risks, including insurance, financial, market, cybersecurity, andoperational risks.
The Company strives to foster a robust risk management culture that ensures business continuity andcompliance with all applicable regulations. By focusing on resilience, strong governance, transparency, andinvestments in emerging talent and technology, the Company aims to proactively identify and addressemerging risks before they impact customers, stakeholders, or financial performance.
The Company has established a robust and comprehensive internal audit framework, supported byan independent review mechanism across all processes and systems to ensure the effectivenessof internal controls. The Internal Audit function works in close coordination with other governancefunctions, leveraging insights from the risk management framework, compliance reports, and externalauditor findings.
Internal audits are carried out by the in-house Internal Audit (IA) team in collaboration with a co-sourcedaudit partner. The audit planning process ensures comprehensive coverage of the Company’s informationsystems, business processes, and transactions across corporate and branch offices.
Significant audit observations and the corresponding follow-up actions are regularly reported to the AuditCommittee and are closely monitored to ensure timely and effective implementation.
The Company has established a robust and comprehensive internal audit framework, supported by anindependent review mechanism that spans all processes and systems to ensure the effectiveness of internalcontrols. The Internal Audit function works closely with other governance functions, incorporating keyinputs from the risk management framework, compliance reports, and external auditor findings.
Key audit findings and their follow-up status are reported to the Audit Committee on a quarterly basisfor review and oversight. The Internal Audit function operates under an Internal Audit Charter, dulyapproved by the Audit Committee, which defines its scope of work, accountability, reporting structure,responsibilities, authority, and the periodic assessment of the internal audit framework.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013, every company is required toappoint a Statutory Auditor to audit its financial statements. Additionally, the Master Circular on CorporateGovernance for Insurers, 2024, issued by IRDAI, mandates that every insurance company must appoint aminimum of two auditors as Joint Statutory Auditors.
M/s. S. R. Batliboi & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 301003E/E300005) and M/s.T.R. Chadha & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 006711N/ N500028) are the JointStatutory Auditors of the Company.
M/s T. R. Chadha & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants, will complete their term as Joint Statutory Auditors atthe conclusion of the 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2025.
Based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board, at its meeting held on May 7, 2025,approved the appointment of M/s Nangia & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No.002391C), as one of the Joint Statutory Auditors of the Company. Their appointment will be effectivefrom the conclusion of the 17th AGM (2025) and will continue until the conclusion of the 21st AGM (2029),subject to the approval of shareholders.
M/s Nangia & Co. LLP has confirmed that:
a) their appointment is within the limits prescribed under Section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013;
b) they are not disqualified from continuing as Statutory Auditors under Section 141 of the Act; and
c) they hold a valid certificate issued by the Peer Review Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountantsof India.
The resolution for their appointment, along with a brief profile of the firm, forms part of the Noticeconvening the 17th AGM.
The Joint Statutory Auditors’ Report on the financial statements of the Company for FY2025 forms part ofthis Annual Report. The Auditors have expressed an unmodified opinion on the financial statements, andtheir reports do not contain any qualifications, reservations, adverse remarks, or disclaimers.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013, and the Companies (Appointmentand Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, read with Regulation 24A of the SEBI ListingRegulations, as amended from time to time, the Company appointed M/s Ranjeet Pandey & Associates,Practicing Company Secretaries (Firm Registration No. P2014MH034700), to conduct the Secretarial Auditfor FY2025.
The Secretarial Audit Report is annexed to this Report and marked as Annexure-4, except as stated below,the Secretarial Auditors have not made any qualifications, reservations, adverse remarks, or disclaimers intheir report:
The meeting of the Board of Directors to consider and approve the financial results for the quarter endedSeptember 30, 2024, was held on November 25, 2024—beyond the 45-day period stipulated underRegulation 52(1) of the SEBI Listing Regulations. Consequently, the National Stock Exchange of IndiaLimited (NSE) imposed a fine on the Company for this delay.
The shareholders are informed that, as per SEBI Listing Regulations, the financial statements for the debtsegment for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, were required to be submitted to the stock exchangesby November 14, 2024. Due to the Company’s pre-occupation with the IPO process, the submission wasdelayed. The financial statements were subsequently approved by the Board and submitted to the NSE onNovember 25, 2024.
The Company received a letter from NSE dated January 1, 2025, levying a fine of ?47,200, which was dulypaid on January 10, 2025.
The Annual Secretarial Compliance Report for FY2025 will be submitted to the stock exchangeswithin the prescribed timelines and will also be made available on the Company’s websiteat https://transactions.nivabupa.com/pages/investor-relations.aspx
At its meeting held on May 7, 2025, the Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the AuditCommittee, approved the appointment of M/s Ranjeet Pandey & Associates, Practicing CompanySecretaries (Firm Registration No. P1988MH009800), as the Secretarial Auditor of the Company for a termof five years, i.e., until the conclusion of the 22nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), subject to the approval ofshareholders at the ensuing 17th AGM.
The Company has received consent from M/s Ranjeet Pandey & Associates along with confirmation of theireligibility to act as Secretarial Auditor. Their brief profile has been included in the Notice convening the17th AGM.
During the year under review, no instances of fraud were identified in the Company by its officers oremployees that were reportable under Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013, by the Joint StatutoryAuditors or the Secretarial Auditor.
The Company has an in-house Internal Audit team that effectively carries out internal audits across allfunctions of the organization. The team highlights areas requiring attention and submits its findingsand recommendations to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee, in turn, reviews these findings,monitors the corrective actions taken, and assesses the effectiveness of the internal control systems on aquarterly basis.
In line with the IRDAI circular Ref. No. 100/2/Ind AS-Mission Mode/2022-23 dated October 31, 2022, theCompany constituted an Ind AS Steering Committee to oversee the implementation of Indian AccountingStandards (Ind AS). The implementation process has since been completed, and the Company is nowpreparing its financial statements in compliance with Ind AS. As the Management is of the view that nofurther process reviews are required, the Steering Committee has been dissolved.
A Compliance Certificate, confirming adherence to the Master Circular on Corporate Governance forInsurers, 2024, issued by IRDAI, has been provided by the Chief Compliance Officer under Clause 10.3(b) ofthe Circular. This certificate is annexed to this Report as Annexure-5.
The Board of Directors has constituted various Committees to assist in discharging its responsibilitieseffectively. These include the Audit Committee, Stakeholders’ Relationship Committee, CSR, ESG & ClimateChange Committee, Risk Management Committee, and the Nomination & Remuneration Committee.
Each Committee operates within a defined scope of work as approved by the Board and meets regularlyto review matters within its purview. Recommendations from these Committees are placed before theBoard for consideration in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, and the SEBIListing Regulations.
A detailed note on the composition and functioning of these Committees is provided in the CorporateGovernance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
The Board periodically reviews and approves key policies to ensure compliance with applicable laws andregulations, and to uphold high standards of governance and administration. An overview of these keypolicies is included in the Corporate Governance Report forming part of this Annual Report.
As part of its commitment to enhancing investor services, the Company has undertaken thefollowing initiatives:
• The Investor Section on the Company’s website (www.nivabupa.com) is updated regularly to provideshareholders with timely and relevant information.
• Disclosures made to the stock exchanges are promptly uploaded on the website in compliance with theSEBI Listing Regulations, ensuring transparency and easy access for investors.
• A dedicated e-mail address, investor@nivabupa.com, has been provided for shareholders tocommunicate directly with the Company Secretary and Compliance Officer. Members may use thise-mail ID to submit requests, complaints, and suggestions.
Pursuant to Section 134(3)(a) and Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, as amended, read with Rule12 of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the Annual Return of the Company forthe financial year ended March 31, 2025, has been hosted on the Company’s website at https://transactions.nivabupa.com/pages/investor-relations.aspx. The Annual Return will be filed with the Registrar ofCompanies within the statutory timelines.
During the year under review, the Company has not accepted any deposits under Section 73 of theCompanies Act, 2013, read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
Details of loans and advances granted, investments made, guarantees given, or securities provided, asrequired under Section 186(4) of the Companies Act, 2013, and Regulation 34 read with Schedule V of theSEBI Listing Regulations, are disclosed in the notes forming part of the financial statements included in thisAnnual Report.
The Company is committed to fostering an environment free from unfair practices and unethical conductby upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. To this end, a robust Vigil Mechanismhas been established, and a Board-approved Whistle-blower Policy has been implemented in compliancewith the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, and the SEBI Listing Regulations.
This Policy provides a formal framework for employees and other stakeholders to report concerns relatingto breaches of laws, statutes, or regulations; issues with accounting policies or procedures; acts leading tofinancial loss or reputational damage; leakage of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information ("UPSI”); misuseof office; suspected or actual fraud; and criminal offences.
The mechanism allows such concerns to be reported confidentially either to the Chairperson of the AuditCommittee or to the Chief Compliance Officer through specified channels, ensuring appropriate reviewand redressal.
During the year under review, no significant or material orders were passed by the Regulators, Courts, orTribunals that could impact the going concern status or future operations of the Company.
Being an insurance company, the Company is not required to maintain cost records as specified by theCentral Government under Section 148(1) of the Companies Act, 2013.
There were no unpaid or unclaimed dividends or shares requiring transfer to the Investor Education andProtection Fund during the year under review.
2016 during the year along with their status as at the end of the financial year.
The Company has not filed any application nor any such proceedings are pending under the Insolvencyand Bankruptcy Code, 2016, as at March 31, 2025.
The above is not applicable given that the Company has not filed any application for settlement during thefinancial year ended March 31, 2025.
This is not applicable to the Company, as it does not undertake any commodities business nor does it haveany exposure to foreign currencies that would necessitate the implementation of hedging strategies.
During the financial year under review, there were no revisions made to the financial statements or theBoard’s Report of the Company.
The Directors wish to place on record their deep appreciation for the hard work, dedicated efforts,teamwork, and professionalism shown by the employees, which have enabled your Company to establishitself among the leading health insurance companies in India.
The Board places on record its deep sense of appreciation for the committed services of all theemployees, agents, advisors, and partners of the Company. The Board would also like to express its sincereappreciation for the assistance and cooperation received from the financial institutions, banks, governmentand regulatory authorities, stock exchanges, customers, vendors, members, debenture holders, anddebenture trustee during the year under review.
We look forward to their continued support in the future.
For and on behalf of the Board,
Chairman and Independent Director Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director
DIN: 00059856 DIN: 08719264
Mr. Krishnan Ramachandran was re-appointed as the CEO & Managing Director of the Company, not liable to retire by rotation, tohold office for a second term for a further period of five years commencing on May 01, 2025 to April 30, 2030 on such terms andconditions including remuneration, as approved by the shareholders of the Company via Postal ballot on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
As on the date of Report Mr. Vishwanath Mahendra and Mr. Ankur Kharbanda were appointed as Whole Time Directors of theCompany with effect from May 07, 2025.