Mar 31, 2018
To,
The Members,
The Directors present the Thirtieth Annual Report of your Company together with the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2018.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Financial Results Standalone and Consolidated
The financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2018 has been prepared in accordance with the Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) notified under Section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013 (âthe 2013 Actâ) read with the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 and the relevant provisions of the 2013 Act, as applicable.
(Rs. in lakhs, except per share data)
Standalone |
Consolidated |
|||
Particulars |
Current Year 2017-18 |
Previous Year 2016-17 |
Current Year 2017-18 |
Previous Year 2016-17 |
Total Income |
42,838.62 |
42,270.20 |
52,837.78 |
49,262.63 |
Total Operating expenditure |
24,768.82 |
25,735.04 |
39,642.43 |
37,627.62 |
EBITDA |
18,069.80 |
16,535.16 |
13,195.35 |
11,635.01 |
Finance costs |
722.55 |
2,113.03 |
969.88 |
2,302.12 |
Depreciation/amortization |
2,216.30 |
2,707.07 |
2,995.35 |
3,273.88 |
Profit / (Loss) before exceptional item and tax |
15,130.95 |
11,715.06 |
9,230.12 |
6,059.01 |
Exceptional Item |
(8,157.58) |
(3,075.00) |
(2,686.43) |
0.00 |
Profit / (Loss) before tax |
6,973.37 |
8,640.06 |
6,543.69 |
6,059.01 |
Provision for taxation |
5,335.61 |
3,732.14 |
5,356.90 |
3,763.64 |
Profit after Tax/Net Profit for the year |
1,637.76 |
4,907.92 |
1,186.79 |
2,295.37 |
Add: Net minority interest in profit of subsidiaries |
0.00 |
0.00 |
(20.42) |
(16.07) |
Profit after Tax/Net Profit for the year |
1,637.76 |
4,907.92 |
1,207.21 |
2,311.44 |
Earnings per share |
||||
Basic |
3.55 |
10.65 |
2.62 |
5.02 |
Diluted |
3.55 |
10.65 |
2.62 |
5.02 |
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND THE STATE OF COMPANYâS AFFAIRS
Standalone Financials
- The total revenue from operations for the year ended March 31, 2018 was at Rs. 22,671.54 lakhs as compared to Rs. 15,006.16 lakhs for the year ended March 31, 2017.
- For the year under review, your Company has reported profit before finance cost, depreciation, exceptional items and tax of Rs. 18,069.80 lakhs, compared to profit of Rs. 16,535.16 lakhs in the previous year. Profit before tax was Rs. 6,973.37 lakhs, compared to Profit of Rs. 8,640.06 lakhs in the previous year.
- The net profit after tax (PAT) during the year of Rs. 1,637.76 lakhs as compared to profit of Rs. 4,907.92 lakhs in the previous year.
Consolidated Financials
Pursuant to the provisions of the Section 136 of the Act, the financial statements of the Company, consolidated financial statements along with relevant documents and separate audited accounts in respect of subsidiaries, are available on the website of the Company.
The consolidated Net Profit for the year ended March 31, 2018 was at Rs. 1,207.21 lakhs, against Rs. 2,311.44 lakhs in the previous year ended March 31, 2017. Shareholdersâ funds as at the year ended March 31, 2018 was at Rs. 320,536.19 lakhs as against Rs. 316,886.15 lakhs as at March 31, 2017. Shareholdersâ fund includes non controlling interest of Rs. 207.21 lakhs as compared to Rs. 227.62 lakhs in previous year.
The Company continues to carry out activities as stated in the main object clause of its Memorandum of Association as there has been no change in the nature of its business.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW: FISCAL YEAR 2017-18
As you are aware, your Company has been facing legal challenges due to a payment default at one of its subsidiaries, the National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL). Since then, your Company is fighting legal battles to protect its reputation, identity and uniqueness in the fin tech sphere and, at the same time, countering all kinds of baseless and false allegations thrust upon it by vested interests.
Your Company has always extended complete cooperation to all investigative agencies with the sole purpose of unravelling the truth of the NSEL payment default and supported the subsidiary in taking all necessary steps to recover the default amount from the 24 defaulters.
It was way back in 1998 that your Company launched the path-breaking brokerage trading solution ODIN, a multi-exchange, multi-segment front-office trading and risk management system that enables seamless trading on multiple markets. ODIN soon emerged as the single largest player with a market share of over 80% pan-India and providing job-opportunities to over a million.
Your Company has a proven track record of generating jobs and enormous growth opportunities, something it had done by creating 10 world-class multi-asset exchange companies across continents. Your Company is confident of creating a million more jobs and building shareholder value by using innovative technology as its mainstay.
Your Company is aspiring to build synergies with the new next-gen advancements in technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) to enrich its suite of solutions in trading and risk management. During the year under review, your Company has incorporated a number of features into its suite of solutions ranging from brokerage trading solutions, risk solutions, and other mid office and back office solutions that provide ease of operations.
Technology Business & Outlook
1. Exchange Technology
The exchange technology business continues to support Indiaâs largest commodity exchange - MCX, and Equity / Derivatives / Currency Derivatives / Debt exchange MSEI. Your company is provider of mission critical technology solution to these exchanges. As one of the revenue stream is linked to turnover at the exchange, the growth of the exchange technology business is a function of growth of turnover value of these exchanges. The exchange technology team successfully implemented first phase of itâs low latency solution at MCX in September, 201 7. The second and final phase of the same is expected to go into production shortly.
2. Brokerage Technology Solutions
Business has witnessed a challenging year in 201718 largely due to unfair environment from a legal perspective. We are seeing a positive response to some of our new product offerings. We are also in the process of launching new products and services in mobility, online solutions & artificial intelligence. We believe these will be significant revenue drivers in the next fiscal.
The Brokerage Technology Solutions business has firmly re-established itself as the leader in this space with the success of its new and improved products & services. The Company expects business environment to improve further in the coming years. With the commercial successes achieved in creating newer products and services, your Company is well positioned to take advantage of the growth in the capital markets and further cement its leadership position in this space.
New Ventures
63 moons is sprinting towards its mission âDigital India @2025â. New Ventures, Heroes of the FT 3.0 wing, are applying various new age technologies for building robust and flexible technology framework, with Human-centered innovation to create new quantum leap in technology.
New Ventures is Crafting an avant-garde technology framework with agile blocks, for accelerating new possibilities with Technology transformation. It is enabling idea & digitisation to speed up realising value vision FT 3.0; âTechnology partner of choice across industry segmentsâ.
Risk Solutions
âRisk Solutionsâ division broadly has two products:
1. DataCollector
2. Riskalculator
âDataCollectorâ caters to leading regulatory clients in India and abroad. During the year under review, âRisk Solutionsâ was awarded a project from the Government of Rajasthan for implementing âIntegrated Management Information Systemâ (iMIS). The division also successfully implemented âForeign Accounting Tax Compliant Actâ (FATCA) system for a regulator abroad. This is a comprehensive solution enabling users to report United States tax information from its entities.
âRiskalculatorâ caters to the Enterprise Risk Management of banks and comprises of the following modules:
1. Credit Risk
2. Market Risk
3. Operational Risk
4. Asset Liability Management
5. Compliance reporting / ADF.
This application computes Regulatory Capital as per Basel norms prescribed by the Regulator. Riskalculator operates on a web platform with a single underlying data model, insulated from clientâs information architecture. âRiskalculatorâ has been successfully implemented in seven Multi-National Banks.
During the year under review, âRisk Solutionsâ won âBest Solution provider of the year, 2017â and our client bank won the âBest Risk Technology Implementation of the yearâ in the âCRO Leadership Summit 2017â.
surveymoons.in:
surveymoons.in is a web-based / online âsoftware as a serviceâ (SaaS) provider that specializes in online form building and survey. The product shall be launched for public access soon.
New Vision
As one of the best shareholder-rewarding corporate, your Company has been continuously looking forward to new initiatives and innovations to maximise its shareholders value.
With your Companyâs philosophy of âentrepreneurial innovation and next-gen technologyâ as its strong foundation, it is expanding its horizons by using its core strength of innovation and technological expertise to build new businesses to remain ahead in business.
Your Company believes that with the right opportunity, it can set newer milestones with its strength in innovation and technology in the emerging space of Digital India. In the years to come, your Company has a vision to become a technology partner of 108 digital disruptors spread across 12 industries. Your Company foresees itself to become the leader of the evolving digital ecology that will eventually govern the future, and that day is not far off.
Legal matters
In the wake of the crisis at NSEL, your Company has been made a party to several litigations over the last five years. Further, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Govt. of India (âMCAâ) issued a final order dated February 12, 2016 (âFinal Orderâ) for amalgamation of your Company with NSEL under section 396 of Companies Act, 1956. Your Company opposed the order for merger and challenged the said order for amalgamation before the Honâble Bombay High Court. The Honâble High Court has dismissed the writ petition challenging the final order of merger vide its order dated December 4, 2017. The Company has preferred the Special Leave Petition (SLP), before the Honâble Supreme Court of India, against the said order dated December 4, 2017. The Honâble Supreme Court was pleased to continue the relief of stay order of the High Court and the SLP is pending for admission.
Further, in a civil suit filed by L.J. Tanna Private Limited & Ors., your Company has been restrained from distributing any dividend amongst its Shareholders and/or pay any remuneration at the increased rate to its Managing Director/Directors/Senior Employees.
The Ministry of Corporate affairs (MCA) had filed the Petition inter alia under the provisions of Sections 388B, 397, 398 and 401 of the Companies Act, 1956 for removal and supersession of the Board, before the erstwhile Company Law Board (âCLBâ) being Company Petition No. 1 of 2015 (âCompany Petitionâ). The NCLT vide its order dated June 4, 2018 rejected the prayer of the Union of India for removal and supersession of the Board of the Company, however, Honâble Tribunal was pleased to order that the Government may nominate not more than 3 directors to the Board of your Company. Your Company has preferred appeal against the said order of the NCLT before the NCLAT. The NCLAT was pleased to stay the order of the NCLT.
Your Company continues to defend itself in various other litigations filed against it.
The Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai Police (âEOWâ) had issued a Notice dated February 28, 2015 to your Company inter alia restraining / restricting your Company from dealing with its assets. The Honâble Bombay High Court vide its order dated June 12, 2015 has granted a stay on the operation of the said letter. Further, EOW vide its notice dated July 18, 2016, secured the assets of your Company. The same was challenged by your Company before the Honâble Bombay High Court. The EOW in its affidavit has stated that it has no objection; if your Company utilizes the funds secured by its above said notice for incurring expenses necessary towards the running of its ordinary course of day-to-day business, payment of salaries to its employees and payment of statutory dues. The said affidavit has been recorded in the Order dated August 01, 2016 of the Honâble Bombay High Court.
The Government of Maharashtra vide its Notification dated September 21, 2016 has attached certain properties of your Company. The Government of Maharashtra, in the month of April / May 2018, vide its various Notifications attached the various bank accounts, properties, investments and ODIN software, its Intellectual Property rights and its receivables. The said notifications have been challenged before the Honâble Bombay High Court which is pending for hearing.
Modulus, USA has filed a case against the Company for alleged infringement of its trademark. The Notice of Motion filed in the said suit was disposed off by a consent order dated October 7, 2016. The Company has filed its written statement.
The Directorate of Enforcement has attached properties to the tune of Rs. 1,350 Crores (approx.) vide provisional attachment orders dated 14th September 2016, 30th September 2016 and 31st January 2017 issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (âPMLAâ).
The adjudication proceedings before the Adjudicating Authority under PMLA have been completed in respect of the provisional attachment orders dated 14th September 2016 and 30th September 2016 where in the attachments have been confirmed. The Company has filed appeals against these orders before the Appellate Tribunal established under PMLA. Vide interim orders dated 09.05.2017 and 12.05.2017 the parties have been directed by the Appellate Tribunal to maintain status quo in respect of the attached properties till the next date of hearing.
The adjudication proceedings in respect of provisional attachment order dated 31st January 2017 has been concluded and the Ld. Adjudicating Authority was pleased to confirm attachments vide its order dated 14.07.2017. The Company has filed an appeal before the Appellate Tribunal established under the PMLA, the parties have been directed by the Appellate Tribunal to maintain status quo till the next date of hearing.
Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), Regional Office, Mumbai, has sought certain information from the Company in respect of investigation into the affairs of NSEL and the Company has provided the requisite information as required by SFIO.
Except as stated above and explanation to the qualifications in auditor report as stated below, no material changes and commitments have occurred after the close of the financial year till the date of this Report, which significantly affects the financial position of the Company.
Explanation to the Qualifications in Auditor Report
A. Audit Report on Standalone Financial Statements
The Management explanation for qualifications made by the Statutory Auditors in their Independent Auditors Report dated May 21, 2018 on the Standalone Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2018 is as under:
a) During the previous years, civil suits have been filed against the Company in relation to the event that occurred on the exchange platform of NSEL, wherein the Company has been made a party. In these proceedings certain reliefs have been claimed against the Company, inter-alia, on the ground that the Company is the holding company of NSEL. These matters are pending before the Honâble Bombay High Court for adjudication. The Company has denied all the claims and contentions in its reply. There is no privity of contract between the Company and the Plaintiffs therein. The management is of the view that the parties who have filed the Civil Suits would not be able to sustain any claim against the Company. The matters are pending for hearing before the Honâble Bombay High Court.
First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against various parties, including the Company, with the Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai Police (EOW) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the events occurred on NSELâs trading platform. After investigation, EOW, Mumbai has presently filed 3 charge-sheets. It is pertinent to note that till date, no charge sheet has been filed against the Company by EOW. All investigations are presently pending. CBI has filed charge-sheets against the Company for alleged loss caused to PSUs - PEC Ltd. & MMTC Ltd. on NSEL platform and the case is pending for trial before the CBI court.
The CBI - EOW has also registered an FIR which pertains to alleged conspiracy between the accused private persons and the named officials of Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in granting renewal of stock exchange license to Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India Limited (MSEI) by SEBI in August 2010, by suppression of facts. There is no direct allegation against the Company in the FIR. Therefore, the Company has filed a petition before the Honâble Court for quashing of the said FIR against itself.
CBI EOW, has registered complaint against the Company along with certain officials of FMC, SEBI and other for giving illegal benefits to MCX and allowing MCX trading as private commodity exchange. The investigation in the matter is still in progress.
b) The Company has challenged EOW letter dated February 28, 2015 before Honâble Bombay High Court wherein Honâble Bombay High Court by its order dated June 12, 2015 granted a stay to EOW letter dated February 28, 2015 on the condition that the Company shall deposit Rs. 84 crs from the sale proceeds of IEX within four weeks from completion of sale of IEX. Accordingly, the Company has deposited Rs. 84 crs with the Registrar, Criminal Appellate Side, High Court, Bombay. The matter is pending for hearing before Honâble Bombay High Court.
c) On July 18, 2016, the Company received a notice from the EOW Mumbai inter alia directing the Company not to dispose of, alienate, encumber, part with possession of or create any third party right, title and / or interest, in, to, upon or in respect of any of the assets of the Company without permission of Honâble Designated Court under MPID Act, Mumbai. This letter has been challenged by the Company in a Writ Petition before the Bombay High Court and the same is pending for hearing. By virtue of an Affidavit filed by the EOW in the matter the Company is not prohibited from incurring day to day expenses. The Government of Maharashtra vide its Notification dated 21st September, 2016, notified the attachments of certain assets of the Company.
The Company has filed on 16th January, 2017 a Writ Petition before the Bombay High Court challenging inter alia, the notification attaching the assets of the Company under the provisions of the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors Act. The matter is pending for hearing.
EOW issued a letter dated 31st January, 2017 to NSDL directing it not to dispose of, alienate, encumber, part with possession of or create any third party right, title and / or interest in, to, upon, or in respect of any assets mentioned in the letter dated 31st January, 2017 of the Company without the permission of the Honâble Designated Court under the MPID Act, Mumbai. The Company challenged the letter dated 31st January, 2017 before the Honâble Bombay High Court, inter alia, on the ground that the EOW did not have the power to do so. The Honâble Court has been pleased to stay the same. The matter is pending for hearing.
The State Government under the MPID Act has attached several Bonds, bank accounts, investments, Fixed Deposits and ODIN software and its receivables of the Company vide gazette notifications dated April 4, 2018, April 7, 2018, April 11, 2018, April 19, 2018 and May 15, 2018 respectively. The Competent Authority has filed Misc. Applications before the MPID Court to make absolute the attached properties mentioned in aforesaid gazette notifications. The said Misc. Applications are pending for hearing before Honâble MPID Court, Mumbai. The Company has filed a writ petition before the Bombay High Court challenging the aforesaid notifications attaching the various assets of the Company under the provisions of the MPID Act. The Honâble High Court has granted partial relief to the Company. The said Writ Petition will come up for hearing in June, 2018
d) Certain assets of the Company have been attached by the Enforcement Directorate under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The three Provisional Attachments Orders have been confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority. The Company has filed Appeals challenging the confirmation orders passed by the Adjudicating Authority, before the Honâble Appellate Tribunal. The Honâble Appellate Tribunal has granted status quo on orders passed by the Adjudicating Authority confirming three attachments. The matter is pending for hearing before Honâble Appellate Tribunal.
e) The Serious Frauds Investigation Office (SFIO) published a Public Notice during December, 2016 in a newspaper wherein it has been mentioned that the Central Government had directed the SFIO to investigate into the affairs of the Company and also inviting the members of the public to lodge their alleged grievances against the Company with them. The Company is exploring its options in relation to the SFIO orders in consultation with its attorneys and Counsel.
B. Audit Report on Consolidated Financial Statements
The Management explanation for qualifications made by the Statutory Auditors in their Independent Auditors Reports dated May 21, 2018 on the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2018 are as under:
1. With respect to item no. 1 which pertains to the Company refer paragraph (A) above.
2. With respect to item no. 2 which are pertaining to the qualifications made by the Statutory Auditors of a subsidiary viz National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL) in their Independent Auditors Report on NSELâs Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2018 which has been reproduced by the Statutory Auditors of the Company (63moons) in their Independent Auditors Report (Auditors Report) dated May 21, 2018 on the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2018, the explanation given by the management of NSEL and its subsidiary âIndian Bullion Market Association Limitedâ (IBMA) are as under: (âCompanyâ in the qualifications below refer to NSEL or IBMA, as the case may be)
i) With respect to qualification 2(a) in Auditors Report, explanation of NSELâs Management is as under:
Investigating agencies are investigating genuineness of the warehouse receipts issued by the Exchange as well as the frauds apparently perpetrated by the then senior officials of the Exchange. The Government of India by the Gazette Notification SO 2529(E) dated September 19, 2014 has withdrawn its earlier Gazette Notification SO 906(E) dated June 05, 2007 (by which the Company was granted exemption under Section 27 of the FCR Act, 1952 for trading of forward contracts of one day duration) with immediate effect and consequently the notification SO 228(E) dated February 06, 2012 and notification SO 2406(E) dated August 06, 2013 ceased to be in force w.e.f. September 19, 2014, as informed to the Company by the FMC vide letter dated November 05, 2014.
As the reply to the said SCN has been given and actions, if any, required due to SCN have been taken, including withdrawal of the exemption itself, the Company does not foresee any further consequences on the SCN. Further, neither FMC nor MCrA has held the Company guilty of having violated any of the conditions of the exemption notification dated June 05, 2007 - which was the subject matter of the SCN. The company maintains that all contracts traded on the Exchange platform were proper and in conformity with applicable laws and exemption notifications. As per the records there were no violations in this regard. The Company had obtained a legal opinion on the legality of the contracts traded by the members on the exchange platform. The Company is taking all steps to defend its position, however since all matters are sub-judice, the Company is unable to quantify the impact, if any, of such legal proceedings on the financial statements of the Company.
ii) With respect to qualification 2(b) in Auditors Report, explanation of NSELâs Management is as under:
Majority in value of the trade and other receivables, loans and advances etc. are confirmed and such confirmations are available on record. Some confirmations were received from debtors, which were not in agreement with the balances shown in the books of accounts. Reconciliation process has been undertaken for such accounts and completed. The differences between account balances were communicated to debtors but the disagreement remains. The company has decided to litigate for recovering money where amounts are above Rs. 5 lakhs. Management is still contemplating legal action for the cases where amounts are below Rs. 5 lakhs.
iii) With respect to qualification 2(c) in Auditors Report, explanation of NSELâs Management is as under:
As per records, the Board came to know about the relationship between Mr. Anjani Sinha and MD of M/s SNP Design Pvt. Ltd. (SNP) as his wife only after the forensic audit was completed by Grant Thornton India LLP. IBMA has already initiated suitable legal action towards recovery. Although a provision of 75% of the outstanding amount is made in the previous years, the management is hopeful of recovery and no further provision is made in the current financial year.
iv) With respect to qualification 2(d) in Auditors Report, explanation of NSELâs Management is as under:
The Subsidiary Company [IBMA] has taken steps towards recovery of the unrealised outstanding debtors and receivables. During current financial year 2016-17, IBMA has made the provision for doubtful debts (Excluding Other Receivable) of Rs. 45.96 lakhs of debtors other than SNP and Harley Carmbel Pvt. Ltd. (Harley). With regard to the SNP, Company has initiated legal action as stated in note no (iii). For Harley, IBMA has initiated arbitration process towards recovery and the matter is currently sub-judice.
Further, Management is hopeful of recovering the amounts due from SNP and Harley, hence, in the current year no provision in respect of amount due from them is made.
DIVIDEND
Your Directors have recommended a dividend of Rs. 2/per share i.e. 100% on the face value of Rs. 2/- per share for the FY 2017-18. The distribution of said dividend shall be subject to the approval of shareholders at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting and appropriate judicial orders.
As the Shareholders are aware, the following dividends are pending for distribution due to the Honâble Bombay High Court order:
a. The final dividend of Rs. 5/- per share for the FY 201415, approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on September 30, 2015, could not be paid as the Honâble Bombay High Court vide its order dated September 30, 2015 in Notice of Motion no. 1490 of 2015 in Suit no. 121 of 2014 - L.J. Tanna Shares & Securities Pvt. Ltd. and Ors., Vs. Financial Technologies (India) Limited inter-alia directed that pending hearing and final disposal of Notice of Motion âFTIL shall not distribute any dividend amongst its shareholders and shall also not deposit any amount in compliance with Section 123 sub-clause (iv) of the Companies Act, 1956â, (to be read as Companies Act, 2013).
b. Payment of Rs. 2/- per share for F.Y 2016-17 approved by the shareholders at the 29th AGM held on September 27, 2017 is pending subject to appropriate judicial orders.
Prior to the above mentioned High Court order, your Company has paid consecutive dividends for the past 38 quarters which is in accordance with the sustainable dividend payout policy of the Company and linked to its long term growth objectives.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
Your Company does not propose to transfer any sum to General Reserve for the year under review.
SHARE CAPITAL
There was no change in the Share Capital of the Company during the year under review. As on March 31, 2018, the paid-up equity Share Capital of your Company stood at Rs. 921.57 lakhs comprising of 46,078,537 equity shares of Rs. 2/- each. During the year under review the Company has not issued any shares with differential voting rights nor has it granted any Stock Option or Sweat Equity.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT
Management Discussion and Analysis Report for the year under review, as stipulated under SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (âListing Regulationsâ), is presented in a separate section forming part of this Annual Report.
DETAILS OF SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATE COMPANIES AND THEIR PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 (âActâ), a statement containing salient features of the financial statements of Companyâs subsidiaries, associate companies and joint ventures is given in Form AOC-1 as Annexure - I and the same forms part of this report. The statement also provides the details of highlights of performance of subsidiaries, associates and joint venture company and their contribution to the overall performance of the Company. The financial statements of each of the subsidiaries may also be accessed on the website of the Company www.63moons.com. These documents will also be available for inspection on all working days i.e. except Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays at the Registered Office of the Company till the date of AGM.
The Policy for determining material subsidiaries as approved by the Board may be accessed on the Companyâs website at the link: www.63moons.com/ investors/corporate-governance/policies/Material-subsidiary-policy.pdf
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company is committed to maintain the highest standards of Corporate Governance and adhere to the Corporate Governance requirements set out by SEBI. The report on Corporate Governance as stipulated by Regulation 34(3) read with Schedule V of the Listing Regulations, 2015, is annexed hereto, and forms part of this Annual Report. A Certificate from the Auditors of the Company confirming compliance with Corporate Governance norms is annexed to the report on Corporate Governance.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
The Business Responsibility Reporting as required under Regulation 34 of Listing Regulations is not applicable to your Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2018.
CONTRACTS AND ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
In line with the requirements of the Companies Act, 2013 and Listing Regulations, your Company has formulated a Policy on Related Party Transactions which is available on Companyâs website at www.63moons. com/investors/corporate-governance/policies/Related-Party-Transactions-Policy.pdf The Policy is to ensure that proper reporting, approval and disclosure processes are in place for all transactions between the Company and Related Parties.
All arrangements / transactions entered by your Company with its related parties during the year were in ordinary course of business and on an armâs length basis. During the year, the Company has made investments in one of its subsidiary i.e. NSEL amounting to Rs. 3081.66 lakhs in terms of shareholdersâ approval obtained on March 08, 2017. Except for the transaction with NSEL, the Company did not enter into any arrangement / transaction with related parties which could be considered material, in accordance with Companies Act and Listing Regulations. All transactions with related parties were reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee. Prior omnibus approvals are granted by the Audit Committee for related party transactions which are of repetitive nature, entered in the ordinary course of business and are on armâs length basis in accordance with the provisions of the Act read with the Rules issued thereunder and the Listing Regulations.
The details of the transactions with related parties are provided in the accompanying financial statements.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
The Corporate Social Responsibility Committee has formulated and recommended to the Board, a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy (CSR Policy) indicating the activities to be undertaken by the Company, which has been approved by the Board.
The Company has identified the areas for CSR activities which are in accordance with Schedule VII of the Act, some of which are highlighted as under:
- Health and social welfare
- Promotion of education
- Environment sustainability
- Employment enhancing vocational skills
- Employee engagement activities
The Report on CSR activities as required under Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 is set out as Annexure - II and the same forms part of this report. The policy is available on the website of the company at the link: www.63moons.com/investors/ corporate-governance/policies/CSR-policy.pdf
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Board of the Company has formed a Risk Management Committee to monitor the risk management policy for the Company.
The risk management system identifies and monitors risks which are related to the business and overall internal control systems of the Company. The Audit Committee has oversight responsibility in the areas of financial risks and controls. The risk management committee is responsible for reviewing the risk management policy and ensuring its effectiveness.
The Audit Committee and the Board has also noted the risk prevailing in respect of what is stated in the para relating to legal matters above effecting the business of the Company.
INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM AND THEIR ADEQUACY
Your Company has internal financial control systems, which are commensurate with its size and the nature of its operations. The Internal control system is improved and modified on an on-going basis to meet the changes in business conditions, accounting and statutory requirements. Internal Audit plays a key role to ensure that all assets are safeguarded and protected and that the transactions are authorized, recorded and reported properly. The Internal Auditors independently evaluate the adequacy of internal controls. The findings and recommendations of the Internal Auditors are reviewed by the Audit Committee and followed up till implementation wherever feasible. Further, as per requirement of clause (i) of sub-section (3) of section 143 of the Companies Act, 2013 (âthe Actâ), the statutory auditors have reported on the internal financial controls and opined that the Company has, in all material respects, an adequate internal financial controls system over financial reporting and such internal financial controls over financial reporting were operating effectively as at March 31, 2018.
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
During the year under review, Mr. Suresh Salvi (Retd. IAS) (DIN: 07636298) and Mr. Kanekal Chandrasekhar (DIN: 06861358) were appointed as Directors (Non-Executive) at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on September 27, 2017.
Further, Mr. S. Rajendran (DIN: 02686150) was appointed as Managing Director and CEO of the Company not liable to retire by rotation for a period of 3 years w.e.f. February 10, 2017. Mr. Devendra Agrawal (DIN: 03579332), Chief Financial Officer of the Company was appointed as Whole-time Director & CFO of the Company liable to retire by rotation w.e.f May 27, 2017 for a period of three years. The aforesaid two appointments were approved by the Members through postal ballot on August 23, 2017.
The following Directors ceased to be member of the Board:
1. Mr. Berjis Desai (DIN: 00153675), Non-Executive Director w.e.f. May 26, 2017
2. Mr. Jigish Sonagara (DIN: 07024688), Non-Executive Director w.e.f. August 10, 2017
Your Directors place on record their appreciation for the valuable advice and guidance provided by the above Directors during their tenure with the Company.
The Board of Directors at its meeting held on November 09, 2017, on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC), re-appointed Mr. Rajendra Mehta (DIN: 00390504) as a Whole-time Director of the Company for a period of one year commencing from November 21, 2017 subject to the approval of shareholders. Since the tenure of the said re-appointment shall be expiring on November 20, 2018, the Board of Directors at its meeting held on August 09, 2018, on the recommendation of the NRC, further extended the tenure of re-appointment of Mr. Rajendra Mehta by one more year commencing from November 21, 2018 subject to the approval of shareholders at the ensuing AGM.
In view of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) (Amendment) Regulations, 2018 dated 9th May, 2018 which will come into force with effect from 1st April, 2019, no listed entity can continue the directorship of any person as a non-executive director who has attained the age of 75 (seventy five) years unless a special resolution is passed to that effect. Accordingly, three existing Directors of the Company who have already attained the age of 75 years i.e. Mr. Venkat Chary (DIN: 00273036), Chairman, NonExecutive and Independent Director (aged 78 years), Justice (Retd.) Rajan J. Kochar (DIN: 06710558), NonExecutive & Independent Director (aged 76 years), and Mr. Suresh Salvi (DIN: 07636298), Non-Executive Director (aged 76 years) are recommended for their continuance as Directors of the Company after March 31, 2019 at this AGM as Special Business by way of Special Resolution in compliance of Section 102 of the Act read with the amended Regulation 17 (1A) of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations 2015. The Company has received declarations from all the Independent Directors of the Company confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as laid down under Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Listing Regulations.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Companyâs Articles of Association, Mr. Devendra Agrawal (DIN: 03579332) and Mr. Suresh Salvi (DIN: 07636298), Directors, retires by rotation at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting and, being eligible offers themselves for re-appointment. The Board recommend their re-appointment for the consideration of the Members of the Company at the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
The other Directors continue to be on the Board of your Company.
Pursuant to the provisions of section 203 of the Act, the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company are -
1. Mr. S. Rajendran, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
2. Mr. Rajendra Mehta, Whole-time Director
3. Mr. Devendra Agrawal, Whole-time Director and Chief Financial Officer (appointed as Whole-time Director w.e.f. May 27, 2017)
4. Mr. Hariraj Chouhan, Company Secretary.
BOARD EVALUATION
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, SEBI Listing Regulations and the Guidance Note on Board Evaluation issued by the SEBI on January
5. 2017, a process has been devised for evaluation of Board, Committees and Directors taking into consideration the various aspects of the Boardâs functioning, execution and performance of specific duties, obligations and governance. The performance of the Board and Independent Directors was evaluated by the Board after seeking inputs from all the Directors. The criteria for performance evaluation of the Board included aspects such as Board composition and structure, effectiveness of Board processes, contribution in treasury and risk management, legal challenges faced by the Company, general corporate governance, strategic planning etc. The performance of the Committees was evaluated by the Board after seeking inputs from the committee members. The criteria for performance evaluation of the Committees included aspects such as composition of committees, effectiveness of committee meetings, etc.
In a separate meeting of Independent Directors, performance of Non-Independent Directors, performance of the Board as a whole and performance of the Chairman was evaluated, taking inputs from Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors.
On review of Board as a whole, members expressed satisfaction on the diversity of experience, age group, and induction process of new members, and competency of directors. The members expressed appreciation on functioning of Audit committee, NRC, CSR, Stake holders, Risk Management and Investment Committee as observed from the minutes of those meeting placed for noting in the Board.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
The Board of Directors of the Company met 7 (seven) times during the financial year. The details of Board Meetings are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee comprises of 5 (five) members, three of whom are Independent Directors namely Mr. Venkat Chary, Justice (Retd.) R. J. Kochar, Mr. A. Nagarajan and two are Non-Executive Directors namely Mr. Suresh Salvi and Mr. K. Chandrasekhar. During the year, 6 (six) Audit Committee meetings were held and the details of which are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENT BY COMPANY
Details of loans, guarantees and investments have been disclosed in the Financial Statements.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The particulars relating to conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo, as required to be disclosed under the Act, are provided in Annexure - III and the same forms part of this Report.
EXTRACT OF ANNUAL RETURN
Extract of Annual return of the Company in form MGT-9 has been posted on the website of the Company at www.63moons.com/investors/shareholders/ annual-reports.html
PARTICULAR OF EMPLOYEES AND RELATED DISCLOSURES
Disclosures with respect to the remuneration of Directors, KMPs and employees as required under Section 197 (12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are given in Annexure - IV to this Report.
Details of employee remuneration as required under provisions of Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(2) & 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are available at the Registered Office of the Company during working hours, 21 days before the Annual General Meeting and shall be made available to any shareholder on written request. Such details are also available on your companyâs website at www.63moons.com/investors/shareholders/annual-reports.html
WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY / VIGIL MECHANISM
The Company has a whistle blower policy to report genuine concerns or grievances. The Whistle Blower Policy has been posted on the website of the Company at the link: www.63moons.com/investors/corporate-governance/policies/Whistle-Blower-Policy.pdf
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
The Board of Directors has framed a policy for selection and appointment of Directors including determining qualifications, independence of a Director, Key Managerial Personnel, Senior Management Personnel and their remuneration as part of its charter and other matters provided under Section 178 (3) of the Act. The details of the policy are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report. The Nomination and Remuneration Policy has been placed on the website of the Company at the link: www.63moons.com/investors/corporate-governance/ policies/Nomination-and-Remuneration-Policy.pdf
MAINTENANCE OF COST RECORDS
The Company is not required to maintain cost records as specified by the Central Government under sub-section (1) of section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013.
PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORKPLACE
During the FY 2017-18, the Company has not received any complaints on sexual harassment and hence no complaints remain pending as of March 31, 2018. Further, the company has complied with the provisions relating to the constitution of Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS
Except as stated in the para relating to legal matters mentioned above, there are no other significant or material orders passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status and Companyâs operations in future. The details of litigation including tax matters are disclosed in the notes to the Financial Statements which forms part of this Annual Report.
DIRECTORSâ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to Section 134(5) of the Act, the Board of Directors, to the best of their knowledge and ability, confirm that:
a. in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards have been followed alongwith proper explanation relating to material departures;
b. the Directors have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit of the Company for that period;
c. the Directors have taken proper and sufficient care to maintain adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the 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 such internal financial controls are adequate and are operating effectively; and
f. the Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
EMPLOYEES STOCK OPTION PLAN (ESOP)
The Nomination & Remuneration Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, inter-alia, administers and monitors the Employees Stock Option Plan of the Company in accordance with the applicable SEBI Guidelines.
The applicable disclosures as required under SEBI Guidelines as on March 31, 2018, with regards to the Employees Stock Option Plan and as per the Act are given in Annexure - V and the same forms part of this report.
The Company has received a certificate from the Auditors of the Company that the ESOP Schemes have been implemented in accordance with the SEBI Guidelines and the resolution passed by the members. The certificate would be available at the Annual General Meeting for inspection by members.
SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Company is in compliance with applicable Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
AUDITORS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 139 of the Act and the rules framed thereunder, M/s. Sharp & Tannan Associates, Chartered Accountants, Mumbai (Regn. No. 109983W) were appointed as the Statutory Auditors of the Company at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on September 23, 2014 for a period of five years, subject to ratification of their appointment at every AGM. In accordance with the Companies Amendment Act, 2017, enforced on May 07, 2018 by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the appointment of Statutory Auditors is no longer required to be ratified at every Annual General Meeting.
M/s. Sharp & Tannan Associates have confirmed their eligibility and qualification for continuing as Auditors of the Company.
DETAILS OF FRAUD, IF ANY REPORTED BY THE AUDITORS
There have been no instances of fraud reported by Auditors pursuant to Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013.
SECRETARIAL AUDITOR
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Act, the Board has appointed M/s BNP & Associates, Practising Company Secretaries, to conduct Secretarial Audit for the financial year 2017-18. The Secretarial Audit Report for the financial year ended March 31, 2018 is annexed herewith marked as Annexure - VI and the same forms part of this report. The Secretarial Auditorsâ report does not contain any qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks, except one observation as under:
During the year, SEBI has imposed penalty of Rs. 1 lakh stating that the Company did not seek prior approval from Stock Exchanges i.e. BSE & NSE in terms of Regulation 45(3) of LODR Regulations, before obtaining certificate for effecting change in its name from ROC. The penalty was paid by the Company on 04.01.2018.
GENERAL
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the following items as there were no transactions on these items during the year under review:
- Details relating to deposits covered under Chapter V of the Act.
- Issue of equity shares with differential voting rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise.
- Neither the Managing Director nor the Whole-time Directors of the Company receive any remuneration or commission from any of its subsidiaries.
HUMAN RESOURCES
63 moons technologies Limited (formerly known as FTIL) provides an equal opportunity which ensures nondiscrimination at the workplace. The Company remains committed to its employees and values each oneâs contribution in the collective growth. As of 31 March 2018, the Company had employee strength of 847.
The HR Team is conditioned in a way to be always alert and available for any help sought by the employees. All HR systems and processes are fully automated to ensure that required information is available anytime. A number of employee beneficial programs (Insurance, health care etc.) have been initiated and also employee engagement initiatives conducted which makes 63 moons as one of the best companies to work. Company is equally concerned about the health of the employees. 63 moons have round the year free health check-up camps for the employees which (includes sub-staff) through Doctor-on-Site services of specialists like Physician, Gynaecologist, Nutritionist, Surgeon, Dietician, Dentist, Medical Counsellor etc.
In addition to the Privilege and Other leaves, the Company has also recently introduced âFamily Blissâ leaves, one for the anniversary and the other for birthday so that employees can spend time with their near and dear ones on their special day. A religion-specific holiday has also been introduced this year so that employees can take leave for their respective religious festival.
There are many training (Inbound and Outbound) program conducted to groom our employees in behaviour and domain aspects. A two day special training program was organized for female employees on Stress Management which was well appreciated by all our female staff.
63 moons has also launched an e-module on Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH), Information Security Awareness (ISA) and Innovative Thinking for the employees.
The Company has been awarded by World HRD Congress in employer Branding Awards as âMaharashtra Best Employer Brand Awards in 2018â in providing next generation technology ventures, innovations platforms and solutions for creating digital markets and market places that enable price discovery and transaction efficiencies across industry segments.
During the year under review, cordial relationship has been maintained with all the employees.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors place on record their gratitude to the Central Government, State Government, clients, vendors, financial institutions, bankers and business associates for the assistance and co-operation extended to your Company.
Your Directors also wish to place on record their appreciation for the continued support of investors, business associates and the contribution made by the employees at all levels.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors
Venkat Chary S. Rajendran
Place : Mumbai Chairman Managing Director & CEO
Date : August 09, 2018 DIN: 00273036 DIN: 02686150
Mar 31, 2016
To,
The Members,
The Directors present the Twenty Eighth Annual Report of your Company together with the Audited Statement of Accounts for the year ended March 31, 2016.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Financial Results standalone and Consolidated
(Rs. in lacs, except per share data)
|
Standalone |
Consolidated |
||
Particulars |
Current Year 2015-16 |
Previous Year 2014-15 |
Current Year 2015-16 |
Previous Year 2014-15 |
Total Income |
23,278.43 |
60,368.01 |
29,948.26 |
38,246.07 |
Total Operating expenditure |
27,895.17 |
27,471.95 |
45,777.31 |
47,466.15 |
EBITDA |
(4,616.74) |
32,896.06 |
(15,829.05) |
(9,220.08) |
Finance costs |
2,222.33 |
2,266.12 |
4,492.55 |
2,634.17 |
Depreciation/amortization |
4,006.34 |
3,905.73 |
4,113.82 |
4,496.14 |
(Loss)/ Profit before exceptional items and tax |
(10,845.41) |
26,724.21 |
(24,435.42) |
(16,350.39) |
Exceptional Items |
17,518.89 |
24,282.09 |
56,879.89 |
65,631.14 |
Profit/(Loss) before tax |
6,673.48 |
51,006.30 |
32,444.47 |
49,280.75 |
Provision for taxation |
8,014.56 |
6,492.42 |
8,049.41 |
6,648.20 |
Profit/(Loss) after Tax/Net Profit/(Loss) for the year |
(1,341.08) |
44,513.88 |
24,395.06 |
42,632.55 |
Add: Net share of profit in associates |
- |
- |
- |
(0.12) |
Add: Net minority interest in profit of subsidiaries |
- |
- |
(11.24) |
39.25 |
Profit/(Loss) after Tax/Net Profit/(Loss) for the year |
(1,341.08) |
44,513.88 |
24,383.82 |
42,671.68 |
Add: Balance brought forward from previous year |
213,301.04 |
177,089.54 |
230,590.94 |
181,799.93 |
Balance available for appropriation |
211,959.96 |
221,603.42 |
254,974.75 |
224,471.61 |
Less: Appropriations |
|
|
|
|
Final dividend (proposed) |
- |
2,303.93 |
- |
2,303.93 |
Interim dividend |
2,303.93 |
5,529.42 |
2,303.93 |
5,529.42 |
Tax on dividend |
469.03 |
469.03 |
469.03 |
469.03 |
Transfer to Statutory reserve |
- |
- |
12.75 |
- |
Add: Transfer from General Reserve |
- |
- |
- |
14,421.70 |
Balance carried forward to Balance Sheet |
209,187.00 |
213,301.04 |
252,189.04 |
230,590.94 |
Earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
Basic |
(2.91) |
96.60 |
52.92 |
92.61 |
Diluted |
(2.91) |
96.30 |
52.92 |
92.31 |
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND THE STATE OF COMPANY''S AFFAIRS Standalone Financials
- The total revenue from operations for the year ended March 31, 2016 was at Rs. 14,133.03 lacs as compared to Rs. 16,103.11 lacs for the year ended March 31, 2015.
- During the year, profit under exceptional items reported Rs. 17,518.89 lacs compared to Rs. 24,282.09 lacs in previous year. It includes (a) gain of Rs. 53,708.88 lacs on sale of investments in shares (net of expenses) of IEX and DGCX (b) provision for / write off of other than temporary diminution in the value of investments in / loans and advances to subsidiaries at Rs. 36,189.99 lacs.
- Your Company has reported loss before finance cost, depreciation, exceptional items and tax of Rs. 4,616.74 lacs, compared to profit of Rs. 32,896.06 lacs in the previous year. Profit before tax was Rs. 6,673.48 lacs, compared to Rs. 51,006.30 lacs in the previous year.
- Your Company has reported a net Loss during the year of Rs. 1,341.08 lacs as compared to profit of Rs. 44,513.88 lacs in the previous year.
- Your Company''s operational income remained stable in 2015-16.
- The fluctuation in profit after tax compared to previous year was mainly on account of exceptional items and one time items.
- Your Company expects challenges to continue in the current financial year 2016-17 as well.
Consolidated Financials
The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, prepared in accordance with Accounting Standard 21, 23 & 27 issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, form part of the Annual Report and are reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Section 136 of the Act, the financial statements of the Company, consolidated financial statements along with relevant documents and separate audited accounts in respect of subsidiaries, are available on the website of the Company.
The consolidated Net Profit for the year ended March 31, 2016 was at Rs.24,383.82 lacs, against Rs. 42,671.68 lacs for the previous year ended March 31, 2015. Shareholders'' funds as at the year ended March 31, 2016 was at Rs. 311,829.03 lacs as against Rs. 292,827.18 lacs as at March 31, 2015.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW: FISCAL YEAR 2015-16
63 moons technologies limited (63 moonsâ¢) (Formerly Financial Technologies (India) Limited (FTIL)) has been facing a lot of challenges in the aftermath of the 2013 National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL) crisis. Your Company has the highest respect for Indian Judiciary and will use every resource available to counter allegations against it. Your Company believes that the truth will ultimately prevail. In the meantime, your Company continues to provide all assistance to every investigative agency in the country.
In the last three years, your Company has made every effort to negate the impact of the NSEL payment default in its business and will continue to endeavour to grow and create shareholder value.
Technology Business & Outlook
1. Exchange Technology
During the year under review, your Company was successful in maintaining a healthy relationship as a vendor and providing services as per the technology contract with Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd. (MCX), Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India Ltd. (MSEI - formerly popular as MCX-SX) and Indian Energy Exchange Ltd (IEX).
During the year under review, in the exchange technology business, your Company had a mixed year with volumes on MCX remaining flat, and IEX growing which had a positive impact on its exchange technology revenues. However, MSEI saw decline in volumes that had a minor negative impact.
The outlook for 2016-17 is neutral to positive for the exchange technology business. With the merger of Forward Market Commission (FMC) with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the expectations of clearance for MCX to launch Options, MCX may witness better volumes. However, this is subject to clearance and subsequent launch. We expect IEX volumes to remain stable and may grow depending on the macro generation and surplus of power for the day-ahead market.
2. Brokerage Technology Solutions
Business witnessed a challenging year in 2015-16 due to the volatility of the market and decreasing margins for the brokerages. However, there are new opportunities of growth that are now visible in the area of premium mobility and online products.
The outlook for the Member Technology business is improving and the Company expects the business environment to improve in the ensuing years. With the upturn in the economy and favorable policy environment, Indian Capital markets are positioned for strong growth in the forthcoming years. Your Company is now working on creating newer products and services and believes is well positioned to take advantage of the anticipated growth in the capital markets through its Brokerage Technology Solutions Business.
Divestments
Without prejudice to its legal rights and remedies, your Company has successfully completed the divestments of its balance holdings in Indian Energy Exchange Limited (IEX) and Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX).
New Ventures:
Your Company is in the process of implementing vision for ''Digital India @2025, as a part of FT 3.0. The New Ventures division has closely worked on various new age technologies during the year to build a robust and flexible technology framework. Digitalization of an idea is the demand of the times and New Ventures division is creating state-of-art technology framework with in-built flexible blocks for enabling ''idea digitalization''. It will help the vision FT 3.0 to become ''technology partner of choice'' for new digital giants in different sectors.
A New Name and a New Vision
With due approval from the Registrar of Companies, Chennai dated May 27, 2016 the name of your Company has been changed from "Financial Technologies (India) Limited" to "63 moons technologies limited".
The new name reflects the Company''s core philosophy "to be a global digital ecology" through technology innovation. We are now transitioning from being just a financial technologies company to a company that can leverage its core strengths of technologies and innovations into building new business leveraging existing IPRs.
In line with our Founders vision of "Digital India @2025", the company will now empower itself with a new genesis of business and growth. 63 moons⢠will endeavor to partner with several emerging new-tech companies in sectors like e-commerce, digital media, education, sports, life sciences, to name a few. We aim to be leaders in the digital ecology that will govern the future. Needless to add, 63 moons⢠will do so in accordance with law and in compliance with all judicial decisions.
Legal matters
In the wake of the crisis at NSEL, your Company has been made a party to several litigations over the last three years. Further, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs ("MCA") issued a draft order dated October 21, 2014 for amalgamation of your Company with NSEL under section 396 of Companies Act, 1956 and filed a petition, inter alia, under Section 397 of the Act with the Company Law Board, for removal and supersession of the Board . Your Company has opposed the draft order for merger and has challenged the petition for removal and supersession of the Board in the Company Law Board. The MCA passed a final order of amalgamation on February 12, 2016 ("Final Order"). Your Company has challenged the Final Order as well, in the Hon''ble Bombay High Court and the same has been stayed by the Hon''ble Bombay High Court.
Further, in a suit filed by L.J. Tanna Private Limited & Ors., your Company has been restrained from distributing any dividend amongst its Shareholders and/or pay any remuneration at the increased rate to its Managing Director/Directors/Senior Employees.
The MCA has filed a Petition inter alia under the provisions of Sections 388B, 397, 398 and 401 of the Companies Act, 1956 before the Company Law Board seeking replacement of the current board of directors of the Company. Your Company has opposed the same. On June 30, 2015 the Company Law Board passed an order restraining the Company from selling, alienating or creating third party rights in its assets or investments. This order was appealed against by your Company before the Madras High Court and vide Order dated August 10, 2015 the order of June 30, 2015 was modified and the restraints on the Company were restricted only in respect of its immovable assets. The order of the Madras High Court was set aside by the Hon''ble Supreme Court of India vide its order of April 18, 2016 in an appeal filed by the MCA. The order of the Supreme Court restored the order passed by the Company Law Board of June 30, 2015. However, the Supreme Court permitted your Company to incur expenses for its day to day business and granted liberty to your Company to seek modification of the order dated June 30, 2015 from the Company Law Board. Since the Company Law Board was dissolved, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) (earlier CLB) vide its Order dated June 25, 2016, has constituted a Committee comprising five members i.e. two Independent Directors and Managing Director of the Company, Retired Judge of the Hon''ble Supreme Court and a nominee of Union Of India, both of whom having veto power individually, to consider viz., Sale of investments held by the Company in compliance with any order/direction passed by any Regulatory or Statutory Authority in India or Abroad, as an when such sale is proposed by the Company, treasury operations of available surplus funds and funding of the working capital requirements of the subsidiaries of the Company by the Company. This Committee is formed pending hearing and final disposal of the above said Company Petition.
Your Company continues to defend itself in various other litigations filed against it.
The Economic Offences Wing ("EOW") had issued a Notice dated February 28, 2015 to your Company inter alia restraining / restricting your Company from dealing with its assets. The Hon''ble Bombay High Court has granted a stay vide its order dated June 12, 2015 in respect of the direction given in EOW''s abovementioned letter restraining / restricting on the dealing of assets. Further, Economic Offence Wing (EOW), Mumbai Police, Mumbai, vide its notice dated July 18, 2016, secured the assets of the Company. The same was challenged by the Company before the Hon''ble Bombay High Court. By an Order dated August 01, 2016, the Hon''ble Bombay High
Court directed EOW to file an affidavit, which, interalia, states that it has no objection, if the Company utilizes the funds secured by its above said notice for incurring expenses necessary towards the running of its ordinary course of day-to-day business, payment of salaries to its employees and payment of statutory dues. EOW obliged to the same by submitting the affidavit before the Hon''ble Bombay High Court.
Modulus, USA has filed a case against the Company for alleged infringement of its trademark. The Notice of Motion filed in the said suit is listed for hearing and final disposal on August 24, 2016. The Company has strongly opposed these allegations.
Except as stated above, no material changes and commitments have occurred after the close of the financial year till the date of this Report, which significantly affects the financial position of the Company.
Explanation to the Qualifications in Auditor Report
(A) Audit Report on standalone financial statements:
The Management explanation for qualification made by the Statutory Auditors in their Independent Auditors Report dated May 30, 2016 on the Standalone Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2016 is as under:
With respect to qualification regarding Writ Petitions (WP), Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and Civil Suits which have been filed against the Company in relation to event occurred on NSEL''s trading platform, wherein the Company has been made a party in the WP and Civil Suits, these matters are pending at various stages of adjudication. The Company has denied all the claims and contentions in its reply. There is no privity of contract between FTIL and the Petitioners. The management of the Company is of the view that the parties who have filed the WP, PIL, Civil Suits would not be able to sustain any claim against the Company. With respect to mention of First Information Reports/complaints/ notice registered/received against various parties including the Company with the Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai Police (EOW), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and MIDC Police Station, Mumbai District,. EOW, Mumbai has presently filed 3 charge-sheets - on January 06, 2014, June 2014 and August 04, 2014. It is pertinent to note that till date, no charge sheet has been filed against the Company. The matters are pending at various stages of adjudication/investigation.
(B) Audit Report on consolidated financial statements:
The Management explanation for qualifications made by the Statutory Auditors in their Independent Auditors Reports dated May 30, 2016 on the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2016 are as under:
1. With respect to item no. 1 which pertains to the Company regarding Writ Petitions (WP), Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and Civil Suits which have been filed against the Company in relation to event occurred on NSEL''s trading platform, wherein the Company has been made a party in the WP and Civil Suits. These matters are pending at various stages of adjudication. The Company has denied all the claims and contentions in its reply. There is no privity of contract between the Company and the Petitioners. The management of the Company does not foresee that the parties who have filed the WP, PIL, Civil Suits would not be able to sustain any claim against the Company. With respect to mention of First Information Reports/ complaints / notice registered/received against various parties including the Company with the Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai Police (EOW), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and MIDC Police Station, Mumbai District, EOW, Mumbai has presently filed 3 charge-sheets - on January 06, 2014, June 2014 and August 04, 2014. It is pertinent to note that till date, no charge sheet has been filed against the Parent Company. The matters are pending at various stages of adjudication/investigation.
2. With respect to item no. 2 which are pertaining to the qualifications made by the Statutory Auditors of a subsidiary viz National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL) in their Independent Auditors Report on its Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2016 which has been reproduced by the Statutory Auditors of the Company (63moons) in their Independent Auditors Report (Auditors Report) dated May 30, 2016 on the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2016, the explanation given by the directors'' of NSEL and its subsidiary "Indian Bullion Market Association Limited" (IBMA) are as under: ("Company" in the qualifications below refer to NSEL or IBMA, as the case may be)
(i) Qualification 2(a) in Auditors Report:
As stated in note nos. 51, 56, 58, 59, 60, 61 and 63 to the Financial Statement, the Company has been served with notices/letters/summons from various statutory authorities/regulators/ government departments and some purported aggrieved parties, pertaining to the period prior to suspension of the exchange related operations from July 31, 2013. There are some writ petitions, public interest litigations, civil suits including in representative capacity filed by and against the Company. Such matters against the Company are either in progress or sub-judice before different forums. The Company may have civil / criminal liability arising out of one or more of the proceedings initiated against the Company. We are unable to comment on the consequential impact, if any, in respect of the same in the Financial Statement" [Refer note 68, 69, 72, 73, 75, 76 and 78 of the consolidated financial statements of the Group]
Management response:
Investigating agencies are investigating genuineness of the warehouse receipts issued by the Exchange as well as the frauds perpetrated by the erstwhile senior officials of the Exchange. Impact on financials, if any, can be ascertained only after investigations are concluded and orders are obtained from Court.
The Government by Gazette Notification SO 2529(E) dated September 19, 2014 has withdrawn the Gazette Notification SO 906(E) dated June 5, 2007 (by which NSEL was granted exemption u/s. 27 of the FCR Act, 1952 for trading of forward contracts of one day duration) with immediate effect and consequently the notification SO 228(E) dated February 6, 2012 and notification SO 2406(E) dated August 6, 2013 ceased to be in force w.e.f. September 19, 2014, as informed to the Company by the Forward Markets Commission (FMC) vide letter dated November 5, 2014. As the reply to the said SCN has been given and actions, if any, required due to SCN has been taken, including withdrawal of the exemption itself, company do not foresee any further consequences on the SCN. Further, neither FMC nor Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) has held NSEL guilty of having violated any of the conditions of the exemption notification dated June 5, 2007, which was the subject matter of the SCN.
All contracts traded on the Exchange platform were proper and in consonance with applicable laws, exemption notifications and there were no violations in this regard. NSEL had obtained a legal opinion on the legality of the contracts traded by the members on the Exchange platform.
Since the matters mentioned are under investigation/ sub-judice, impact on financial statement, if any, cannot be ascertained at this stage. Company is taking all steps to defend its position and currently unable to quantify the impact, if any.
(ii) Qualification 2(b) in Auditors Report:
"The trade receivables, other receivables, loans and advances and deposits are subject to confirmation and reconciliation. The management, however, does not expect any material changes on account of such reconciliation / confirmation from parties. In many cases legal notices have been sent to the parties; however we are unable to form any opinion on the recoverability of the outstanding balances of such parties.
The Company may be exposed to liabilities in case of any adverse outcome of these investigations / enquiries or legal cases or any other investigations as referred above enquires or suits which may arise at a later date. In the light of the above, the outcome of which is not presently known and is uncertain at this stage, we are not able to comment on the impact in respect of the same on these Financial Statements. Also, the matters stated above could also have a consequential impact on the measurement and disclosure of information provided, but not limited to, profit / (loss) before tax, provision for tax, cash flow statement, segment information, and earnings per share for the year ended March 31, 2016 in these Financial Statements."
Management response:
NSEL and IBMA, are following up with the parties who have outstanding receivables and have sent legal notices in all suitable cases. Further legal steps are being explored by the NSEL and IBMA looking at the materiality aspect of the outstanding amounts. The consequential impacts of the aforesaid qualifications are dependent on the outcomes of the various investigations/ hearings pending in various for a, and hence presently not known and is uncertain at this stage.
(iii) Qualification 2(c) in Auditors Report:
"As stated in note no. 42 (a) and (b) of Notes to Accounts, the Company had rendered services to one M/s SNP Designs Pvt. Ltd (SNP) relating to trade in future commodity contracts in earlier financial years. At the end of the year a sum of Rs. 77,47,18,046/- was due and receivable from SNP. The Managing Director and majority shareholder of SNP is Mrs. Shalini Sinha, wife of Mr. Anjani Sinha (Director and KMP at IBMA). This related party relationship was not informed by Mr.Anjani Sinha to the Company. No money has been received from SNP despite substantial amounts dues and outstanding. SNP denied having any liability to pay to the Company and the matter is under dispute. It has been informed by management that such transactions were carried out on the instruction issued by erstwhile- director of the Company Mr. Anjani Sinha who was managing the affairs of the Company." [Refer note 67(b) of the consolidated financial statements of the Group]
Management response:
Post the crisis that ensued at NSEL, NSEL appointed an Internal Enquiry Committee (IIC) to investigate and report on matters in relation to the crisis. IIC also covered trades undertaken by IBMA on future commodity exchanges on behalf of SNP Designs Pvt Ltd (SNP) in terms of an agreement signed between IBMA and SNP. IIC observed that such trades were executed on the directions of erstwhile Director and Key Managerial Personnel, Mr. Anjani Sinha and as per the available records, Mr. Anjani Sinha was exclusively dealing with SNP and no efforts were made by him to recover the outstanding from SNP. No funds were received by IBMA during the course of the trades. Board of IBMA did not approve of such trades executed on behalf of SNP. The trades for SNP were executed by Mr. Anjani Sinha without informing the board.
Pursuant to the forensic audit report of Grant Thornton India LLP, the IBMA came to know that Mrs. Shalini Sinha, wife of erstwhile director and KMP Mr. Anjani Sinha, was the Managing Director and major shareholder of SNP Designs Pvt. Ltd. The details of such relationship were not disclosed by Mr. Anjani Sinha to the board of directors. SNP had confirmed the balance outstanding to IBMA as on March 31, 2013 and continued transacting with IBMA until July 2013. Later, when demand was raised by IBMA, SNP denied owing any liability to IBMA. IBMA sent a legal notice rebutting their contention in response to their reply. In the wake of such irregularities and on directions received from the holding Company NSEL, Mr. Anjani Sinha was removed from the Board of Directors of IBMA on October 23, 2013. IBMA has filed a civil suit in the Hon''ble Bombay High court under Civil jurisdiction praying for, directions to SNP to pay the outstanding sum with interest.
(iv) Qualification 2(d) in Auditors Report:
"As stated in note no. 42 (c) of Notes to Accounts the company has made provision for bad and doubtful debts, in case of receivables for sale and services entered by the company to the extent of Rs. 20,43,18,363/-. In our opinion the Company should have provided 100% of all its bad and doubtful debts and other receivables. In our view including the above other receivables and debtors as stated in paragraph 4(b) and 4(c) above, the unrealized outstanding debtors and receivables should also have been provided fully in the books of accounts. Accordingly, had the Company provided for the entire amount as provision for Bad and Doubtful Debts (including other receivables) the amount of provision should have been higher by Rs. 20,54,71,918/-.
The matters stated above could also have a consequential impact on the measurement and disclosure of information provided under, but not limited to statement of profit and loss, provision for tax, cash flow statement and earnings per share for the year ended March 31, 2016 in these Financial Statements." [Refer note 67(f) of the consolidated financial statements of the Group]
Management response:
IBMA has taken steps towards recovery of the overdue receivables. IBMA on prudent basis has provided for doubtful debts of Rs.2,043.18 lacs in total during FY 2015-16 being 25% of the outstanding receivables of debtors and believes that such provision is currently reasonable.
3. With respect to item no. 3 which is pertaining to the qualifications made by the Statutory Auditors of a subsidiary FT Group Investments Private Limited (''FTGIPL'') vide their audit report on the consolidated financial statement of FTGIPL for the year ended March 31, 2016 which has been reproduced by the Statutory Auditors of the Company in their Independent Auditors Report (Auditors Report) dated May 30, 2016 on the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2016.
Qualification 3 in Auditors Report:
"The Company''s subsidiary, Bourse Africa Limited (BAL) holds a Securities Exchange License issued by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) to operate as a Commodity Exchange.
Further to issues affecting the ultimate holding company during the financial year 2014/2015, the FSC has requested the latter to dispose of its stake in BAL. As at date of this report, the disposal has not yet taken place due to legal issues presently being debated at the level of the Supreme Court in India and which affect the ability of the ultimate holding company to dispose of its assets.
The FSC has on March 30, 2016 given a deadline of May 31, 2016 for the change in shareholding to take place failing which the Securities Exchange License will be revoked. The ultimate holding company has on May 11, 2016 made a request to the FSC for an extension of the deadline of May 31, 2016 because of the ongoing legal cases in India. However, as at the date of this report the FSC has not responded to this request.
Because of the significance of the license for BAL, we believe that if the revocation takes place as stipulated in the letter of March 30, 2016, this will deeply affect the very reason for existence of BAL in its capacity to act as a Multi-Asset Class Exchange. Such revocation will also affect the carrying value of the investment." [Refer note 49 of the consolidated financial statements of the Group]
Management response:
The Company has on May 11, 2016 made a request to the FSC for an extension of the deadline of May 31, 2016 because of the ongoing legal cases in India. As on at the date of this Audit report the FSC has not responded to this request.
Though FSC had granted time till June 30, 2016 in view of NCLT referred to in the legal matter para above, based on our further representation to FSC, as on date of this Report, FSC has granted time up to September 18, 2016 to complete the stake sale in BAL.
DIVIDEND
During the year under review, your Company paid one interim dividend totaling Rs.2,303.93 Lacs (Rs. 5/- per share on par value of '' 2/- per share). The final dividend of Rs. 5/- per share for the FY 2014-15, declared by the shareholders at the last Annual General Meeting held on September 30, 2015 could not be paid as the Hon''ble Bombay High Court vide its order dated September 30, 2015 in Notice of Motion no. 1490 of 2015 in Suit no. 121 of 2014 - L.J. Tanna Shares & Securities Pvt. Ltd and Ors., Vs. Financial Technologies (India) Limited inter-alia directed that pending hearing and final disposal of Notice of Motion "FTIL shall not distribute any dividend amongst its shareholders and shall also not deposit any amount in compliance with Section 123 sub-clause (iv) of the Companies Act, 1956", (to be read as Companies Act, 2013).
Prior to the above mentioned High Court order, your Company has paid consecutive dividends for the past 38 quarters which is in accordance with the sustainable dividend payout policy of the Company and linked to its long term growth objectives.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
During the year under review Rs.41.98 lacs has been transferred to General Reserve from Share Options Outstanding Account as per requirements of accounting standards.
SHARE CAPITAL
There was no change in the Share Capital of the Company during the year under review. As on March 31, 2016, the paid-up equity Share Capital of your Company stood at Rs. 921.57 Lacs comprising of 46,078,537 equity shares of Rs. 2/- each. During the year under review the Company has not issued any shares with differential voting rights nor has it granted any Stock Option or Sweat Equity.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT
Management Discussion and Analysis Report for the year under review, as stipulated under SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (''Listing Regulations''), is presented in a separate section forming part of this Annual Report.
DETAILS OF SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATE COMPANIES AND THEIR PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
During the year under review the following Companies have ceased to be the Company''s subsidiary, step-down subsidiary and joint venture Company:
Name of the Company |
Date of cessation |
Financial Technologies Projects Private Limited (Mauritius) (Subsidiary Company) |
June 18, 2015 |
Capricorn Fin-Tech (Private) Limited (Subsidiary of Financial Technologies Middle East DMCC) (Step-Down Subsidiary) |
June 15, 2015 |
Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange DMCC (Joint Venture) |
March 16, 2016 |
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 ("Act"), a statement containing salient features of the financial statements of Company''s subsidiaries, associate companies and joint ventures is given in Form AOC-1 as Annexure - I and the same forms part of this report. The statement also provides the details of highlights of performance of subsidiaries, associates and joint venture company and their contribution to the overall performance of the Company. The financial statements of each of the subsidiary may also be accessed on the website of the Company www.63moons.com. These documents will also be available for inspection on all working days i.e. except Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays at the Registered Office of the Company till the date of AGM.
The Policy for determining material subsidiaries as approved by the Board may be accessed on the Company''s website at the link: www.63moons.com/ investors/corporate-governance/policies/Material-subsidiary-policy.pdf
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company is committed to maintain the highest standards of Corporate Governance and adhere to the Corporate Governance requirements set out by SEBI. The report on Corporate Governance as stipulated by Regulation 34 (3) read with Schedule V of the Listing Regulations, 2015, is annexed hereto, and forms part of this Annual Report. A Certificate from the Auditors of the Company confirming compliance with Corporate Governance norms is annexed to the report on Corporate Governance.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
The Business Responsibility Reporting as required under Regulation 34 of Listing Regulations is not applicable to your Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2016.
CONTRACTS AND ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
In line with the requirements of the Companies Act, 2013 and Listing Regulations, your Company has formulated a Policy on Related Party Transactions which is available on Company''s website at www.63moons. com/investors/corporate-governance/policies/Related-Party-Transactions-Policy.pdf. The Policy is to ensure that proper reporting, approval and disclosure processes are in place for all transactions between the Company and Related Parties.
All arrangements / transactions entered by your Company with its related parties during the year were in ordinary course of business and on an arm''s length basis. During the year, your Company did not enter into any arrangement / transaction with related parties which could be considered material, in accordance with Companies Act and Listing Regulations. All transactions with related parties were reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee. Prior omnibus approvals are granted by the Audit Committee for related party transactions which are of repetitive nature, entered in the ordinary course of business and are on arm''s length basis in accordance with the provisions of the Act read with the Rules issued there under and the Listing Regulations.
The details of the transactions with related parties are provided in the accompanying financial statements.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
The Corporate Social Responsibility Committee has formulated and recommended to the Board, a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy (CSR Policy) indicating the activities to be undertaken by the Company, which has been approved by the Board.
The Company has identified the areas for CSR activities which are in accordance with Schedule VII of the Act, some of which are highlighted as under:
- Health and social welfare
- Education
- Environmental Sustainability
- Rural Transformation
The Report on CSR activities as required under Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 is set out as Annexure - II and the same forms part of this report. The policy is available on the website of the company at the link: www.63moons.com/ investors/corporate-governance/policies/CSR-policy.pdf
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Board of the Company has formed a Risk Management Committee to monitor the risk management policy for the Company.
The risk management system monitors and identifies risks which are related to the business and overall internal control systems of the Company. The Audit Committee has oversight responsibility in the areas of financial risks and controls. The risk management committee is responsible for reviewing the risk management policy and ensuring its effectiveness.
The Audit Committee and the Board has also noted the risk prevailing in respect of what is stated in the para relating to legal matters above effecting the business of the Company.
INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM AND THEIR ADEQUACY
Your Company has internal financial control systems, which are commensurate with its size and the nature of its operations. The Internal control system is improved and modified on an on-going basis to meet the changes in business conditions, accounting and statutory requirements. Internal Audit plays a key role to ensure that all assets are safeguarded and protected and that the transactions are authorized, recorded and reported properly. The Internal Auditors independently evaluate the adequacy of internal controls. The findings and recommendations of the Internal Auditors are reviewed by the Audit Committee and followed up till implementation wherever feasible. Further, as per requirement of clause (i) of sub-section (3) of section 143 of the Companies Act, 2013 (''the Act''), the statutory auditors have reported on the internal financial controls and opined that the Company has, in all material respects, an adequate internal financial controls system over financial reporting and such internal financial controls over financial reporting were operating effectively as at March 31, 2016.
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
During the year under review, Mr. Anil Singhvi, Mr. Berjis Desai, Mr. Sunil Shah and Mr. Miten Mehta were appointed as Directors (Non-Executive â Non-Independent) at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on September 30, 2015.
Further, Ms. Nisha Dutt was appointed as Independent Director, not liable to retire by rotation for a period of five years at the annual general meeting of the Company held on September 30, 2015.
Mr. Prashant Desai was appointed as a Director of the Company not liable to retire by rotation and as Managing Director and CEO of the Company for a period of 3 years w.e.f November 21, 2014. Mr. Jigish Sonagara and Mr. Rajendra Mehta were appointed as Directors liable to retire by rotation and as Whole-time Directors of the Company for a period of three years w.e.f November 21, 2014. All the said appointments were approved by the Members through postal ballot on August 30, 2015.
The Company has received declarations from all the Independent Directors of the Company confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as laid down under Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Listing Regulations.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Company''s Articles of Association, Mr. Rajendra Mehta (DIN: 00390504), Mr. Jigish Sonagara (DIN: 07024688) and Mr. Miten Mehta (DIN: 06749055), Directors, retires by rotation at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting and, being eligible offer themselves for re-appointment. The Board recommends their re-appointment for the consideration of the Members of the Company at the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
The other Directors continue to be on the Board of your Company.
Pursuant to the provisions of section 203 of the Act, the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company are -Mr. Prashant Desai, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jigish Sonagara, Whole-time Director, Mr. Rajendra Mehta, Whole-time Director, Mr. Devendra Agrawal, Chief Financial Officer and Mr. Hariraj Chouhan, Company Secretary. There has been no change in Directors and Key Managerial Personnel during the year.
BOARD EVALUATION
The Company has devised a Policy for performance evaluation of Independent Directors, Board, Committees and other individual Directors which includes criteria for performance evaluation of the non-executive directors and executive directors.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Listing Regulations, a structured format has been devised taking into consideration the various aspects of the Board''s functioning, execution and performance of specific duties, obligations and governance. The performance of the Board and individual Directors was evaluated by the Board after seeking inputs from all the Directors. The criteria for performance evaluation of the Board included aspects such as Board composition and structure, effectiveness of Board processes, contribution in the long term strategic planning etc. The performance of the committees was evaluated by the Board after seeking inputs from the committee members. The criteria for performance evaluation of the committees included aspects such as composition of committees, effectiveness of committee meetings, etc.
In a separate meeting of Independent Directors, performance of Non-Independent Directors, performance of the Board as a whole and performance of the Chairman was evaluated, taking into account the views of Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors. The same was discussed in the Board Meeting that followed the meeting of the Independent Directors, at which the feedback received from the Directors on the performance of the Board, its Committees and Individual Directors was also discussed.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
The Board of Directors of the Company met eleven times during the financial year. The details of Board Meetings are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee comprises of 4 (four) members all of whom are Independent Directors namely Mr. Venkat Chary, Justice R. J. Kochar (Retd.), Mr. A. Nagarajan and Mr. S. Rajendran. During the year, 8 (eight) Audit Committee meetings were held and the details of which are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENT BY COMPANY
Details of loans, guarantees and investments have been disclosed in the Financial Statements.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The particulars relating to conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo, as required to be disclosed under the Act, are provided in Annexure - III and the same forms part of this Report.
EXTRACT OF ANNUAL RETURN
Extract of Annual return of the Company in form MGT-9 is annexed herewith as Annexure - IV and the same forms part of this Report.
PARTICULAR OF EMPLOYEES AND RELATED DISCLOSURES
In terms of the provisions of Section 197 (12) of the Act, read with Rules 5(1), 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 and the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Amendment Rules, 2016, disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details and a statement showing the names and other particulars of the top ten employees in terms of remuneration drawn and employees drawing remuneration in excess of the limits set out in the said Rules are given in Annexure - V and the same forms part of this report.
WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY / VIGIL MECHANISM
The Company has a whistle blower policy to report genuine concerns or grievances. The Whistle Blower Policy has been posted on the website of the Company at the link: www.63moons.com/investors/corporate-governance/policies/Whistle-Blower-Policy.pdf
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
The Board of Directors has framed a policy for selection and appointment of Directors including determining qualifications, independence of a Director, Key Managerial Personnel, Senior Management Personnel and their remuneration as part of its charter and other matters provided under Section 178 (3) of the Act. The details of the policy are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
DISCLOSURE AS PER SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION & REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
During the financial year 2015-16, the Company has not received any complaints on sexual harassment and hence no complaints remain pending as of March 31, 2016.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS
Except as stated in the para relating to legal matters mentioned above, there are no other significant or material orders passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status and Company''s operations in future. The details of litigation including tax matters are disclosed in the notes to the Financial Statements which forms part of this Annual Report.
DIRECTORS'' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to Section 134(5) of the Act, the Board of Directors, to the best of their knowledge and ability, confirm 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 have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the loss of the Company for that period;
c. the Directors have taken proper and sufficient care to maintain adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the 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 such internal financial controls are adequate and are operating effectively; and
f. the Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
EMPLOYEES STOCK OPTION PLAN (ESOP)
The Nomination & Remuneration Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, inter-alia, administers and monitors the Employees Stock Option Plan of the Company in accordance with the applicable SEBI Guidelines.
The applicable disclosures as required under SEBI Guidelines as on March 31, 2016, with regards to the Employees Stock Option Plan and as per the Act are given in Annexure - VI and the same forms part of this report.
The Company has received a certificate from the Auditors of the Company that the ESOP Schemes have been implemented in accordance with the SEBI Guidelines and the resolution passed by the members. The certificate would be placed at the Annual General Meeting for inspection by members.
AUDITORS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 139 of the Act and the rules framed there under, M/s. Sharp & Tannan Associates, Chartered Accountants, Mumbai (Regn. No. 109983W) were appointed as the Statutory Auditors of the Company at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on September 23, 2014 for a period of five years, subject to ratification of their appointment at every AGM.
The Company has received a confirmation from M/s. Sharp & Tannan Associates to the effect that their appointment, if ratified at the ensuing AGM would be in terms of Sections 139 and 141 of the Act and rules made there under. The Board recommends ratification of appointment of M/s. Sharp & Tannan Associates.
DETAILS OF FRAUD, IF ANY REPORTED BY THE AUDITORS
There have been no instances of fraud reported by Auditors pursuant to Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013.
SECRETARIAL AUDITOR
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Act, the Board has appointed M/s BNP & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries, to conduct Secretarial Audit for the financial year 2015-16. The Secretarial Audit Report for the financial year ended March 31, 2016 is annexed herewith marked as Annexure - VII and the same forms part of this report. The Secretarial Auditors'' report does not contain any qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks.
GENERAL
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the following items as there were no transactions on these items during the year under review:
- Details relating to deposits covered under Chapter V of the Act.
- Issue of equity shares with differential voting rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise.
- Neither the Managing Director nor the Whole-time Directors of the Company receive any remuneration or commission from any of its subsidiaries.
HUMAN RESOURCES
At 63 moons technologies limited (Formerly FTIL), we strongly believe in communication at all times and across levels. HR has an open door system and employees can walk-in to HR at any time during office hours. We have various communication channels in place, such as Departmental meets, HOD meets, HR Zone (e-HR) on the intranet. 63 moons⢠HR communicates with daily news updates. We also have a confidential email facility which redresses specific issues of the employees. This ensures that the HR team is alert and available to listen to and help employees. All our systems and processes are fully automated, thus ensuring that required information is available at fingertips for employees for speedy redressal.
As of March 31, 2016, your Company had an employee strength of 873. Your Company is going through a major crisis since 3 years now.
It is the HR oriented culture in the Company that has helped us to tide over this crisis. The bonding and belongingness, along with confidence of the employees have strengthened the business verticals and kept our focus on customers and development remained constant. One of the cornerstones of our crisis management strategy has been to communicate constantly with our employees. Many HR Connect sessions were also held to address the employee concerns and strengthen the bonding across levels. Your Company''s confidence in its ability to innovate and grow in challenging times was reiterated in open houses/connect sessions. Even during the times of crisis, your Company''s HR department has ensured that their well-established processes are always followed i.e. induction, training, performance management etc.
Employee''s connect and engagement can be spotted in many initiatives like Women''s Day Celebration, Yoga Shivir, Stepathlon, Diwali celebrations, Christmas, and Juniors Day. Employee Talent Shows are also held. Your Company is proud to inform that 63 moons⢠Team stood first (among 5000 teams) at the global level in the Stepathlon event. Stepathlon is a pedometer-based, 100 day race around a ''virtual world'' across continents and countries. 63 moons⢠continues to believe strongly in the ability and quality of its HR and has started working on the next phase of your Company''s growth. Your Company treats its employees as an integral part of the organization and its growth. Your Company is charting new horizons and has revised its business strategies. Employees are being groomed to meet the changing requirements / business landscapes. A Catalyst program has been launched and over 600 employees upto Manager level have been trained.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors place on record their gratitude to the Central Government, State Government, clients, vendors, financial institutions, bankers and business associates for the assistance and co-operation extended to your Company.
Your Directors also wish to place on record their appreciation for the continued support of investors, business associates and the contribution made by the employees at all levels.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors
Venkat Chary Prashant Desai
Place: Mumbai Chairman Managing Director & CEO
Date : August 09, 2016 DIN: 00273036 DIN: 01578418
Mar 31, 2015
The Directors present the Twenty Seventh Annual Report of your Company
together with the Audited Statement of Accounts for the year ended
March 31, 2015.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Your Directors would like to inform you that because of the events
occurred at National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL) during the previous
year, audit of NSEL Consolidated Financial Statements for the year
ended March 31, 2013 (as amended) and for the year ended March 31, 2014
were delayed due to which the audited consolidated financial statements
of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2013 (as amended) and for
the year ended March 31, 2014 could not finalized on time. Since now
Consolidated Financial Statement of NSEL are available, the
Consolidated Financial Statements of your Company have been finalized
and audited for the year ended March 31, 2013 (as amended), for the
year ended March 31, 2014 and for the year ended March 31, 2015.
Financial Results standalone and Consolidated
(Rs. in lacs, except per share data)
Particulars standalone Consolidated
Current
Year Previous
Year Current
Year Previous
Year Previous
Year
2014-15 2013-14 2014-15 2013-14 (as amended)
2012-13
Total
Income 60,368.01 54,126.66 38,246.07 70,949.59 95,138.66
Total
operating
expenditure 27,471.95 24,881.27 47,466.15 67,903.17 62,697.22
EBITDA 32,896.06 29,245.39 (9,220.08) 3,046.42 32,441.44
Finance
costs 2,266.12 3,053.82 2,634.17 8,176.96 9,799.95
Depreciation/
amortization 3,905.73 3,074.86 4,496.14 4,295.84 3,268.15
Profit /
(Loss) before
exceptional
item
and tax 26,724.21 23,116.71 (16,350.39)(9,426.38) 19,373.34
exceptional
Item 24,282.09 (41,152.11) 65,631.14 94,436.33 -
Profit /
(Loss)
before tax 51,006.30 (18,035.40) 49,280.75 85,009.95 19,373.34
Provision for
taxation 6,492.42 4,819.45 6,648.20 4,846.76 12,469.37
Profit after
Tax/Net
Profit for
the year 44,513.88 (22,854.85) 42,632.55 80,163.19 6,903.97
Add: Net
share of
profit in
associates (0.12) 6,347.53 10,097.89
Add: Net
minority
interest in
profit of
subsidiaries 39.25 440.03 339.61
Profit after
Tax/Net Profit
for the year 44,513.88 (22,854.85) 42,671.68 86,950.75 17,341.47
add: Balance
brought
forward from
previous
year 177,089.54 204,257.15 181,799.93 100,592.88 90,900.50
Balance
available
for
appropria
tion 221,603.42 181,402.30 224,471.61 187,543.63 108,241.97
Appropria
tions
Final
dividend
(proposed) 2,303.93 921.57 2,303.93 921.57 921.57
Interim
dividend 5,529.42 2,764.71 5,529.42 2,764.71 2,764.71
Tax on
dividend 469.03 626.48 469.03 626.48 616.92
Transfer
to General
reserve - - 3,253.00
change in
Jv
holding - 1,419.82 -
Transfer to
Statutory
Reserve - 11.11 8.24
Transfer to
Security
Guarantee
Fund - - 84.66
Transfer
from General
reserve (14,421.70) - -
Balance
carried
forward to
Balance
Sheet 213,301.04 177,089.54 230,590.94 181,799.93 100,592.88
earnings
per
share
Basic 96.60 (49.60) 92.61 188.70 37.63
Diluted 96.301 (49.60) 92.311 188.09 36.79
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND THE STATE OF COMPANY'S AFFAIRS
Standalone Financials:
- Revenue from operations for the year ended March 31, 2015 was at Rs.
16,103.11 lacs as compared to Rs. 33,471.49 for the year ended March 31,
2014.
- During the year, profit under exceptional items was Rs. 24,282.09 lacs
compared to loss of Rs. 41,152.11 lacs in previous year. This includes
(a) gain of Rs. 98,789.50 lacs on sale of investments in shares (net of
expenses) including shares in MCX, NBHC and MCX-SX (b) provision for
other than temporary diminution in the value of investments and loss on
account of capital reduction in the investments of subsidiaries Rs.
73,226.82 lacs and (c) provision of Rs. 1,280.59 lacs towards doubtful
loans and advances to and trade receivable from subsidiaries
- Your Company has reported profit before finance cost, depreciation,
exceptional items and tax of Rs. 32,896.06 lacs for year ended March 31,
2015, compared to Rs. 29,245.39 lacs in the previous year
- Your Company has reported net profit after tax of Rs. 44,513.88 lacs
for the year ended March 31, 2015 as compared to loss of
Rs. 22,854.85 lacs in the previous year
Consolidated Financials
The consolidated Net Profit for the year ended March 31 2015 was at f
42,671.68 lacs against f 86,950.75 lacs in the previous year ended
March 31, 2014 and f 17,341.47 lacs in the year ended March 31, 2013.
Shareholders' funds as at the year ended March 31, 2015 was at Rs.
292,827.18 lacs as against f 256,087.69 lacs as at March 31, 2014 and f
176,289.99 lacs as at March 31, 2013.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW: FISCAL YEAR 2014-15
The year gone by has been challenging for your Company with the several
legal cases due to the crisis at NSEL's trading platform. Your Company
has the highest regard and faith in the Indian judiciary and continues
to provide all assistance to every statutory authority in the country.
Your Company is confident that truth will prevail and it will come out
of the crisis soon. The crisis at NSEL's trading platform has had an
adverse impact due to the various regulators declaring your Company
"not ft & proper" to hold shares in an exchange which has been
challenged before Hon'ble Bombay High Court and at various forums.
Without prejudice to its legal rights and remedies, your Company has
taken a decision to exit its investments in Exchange ventures both in
India and globally. The exit of its investments in exchanges and low
volume on the respective exchange has adversely impacted the revenue
from Exchange technology on the one hand, but on the other hand, there
is increase in income from disinvestments and thereby increase in cash
reserves.
technology Business:
During the year, your Company re-negotiated the technology contract
with MCX and Metropolitan Stock Exchange (formerly MCX-SX) and due to
low volume on the respective exchange, the revenue of your Company was
impacted. However, it is observed that during the past six months, the
volume has picked up on the exchanges and recent announcement of making
FT 3.0 the de facto 'powered by' technology augurs well for the future.
Divestments:
Without prejudice to its legal rights and remedies, your Company has
successfully completed the divestments of its holdings in National Bulk
Handling Corporation Limited (NBHC), Multi Commodity Exchange of India
Limited (MCX) and Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India Limited (MSEI).
In addition, your Company has entered into a definitive agreement to
sell its entire stake in Bourse Africa Limited (BAL) and is in the
process of selling its entire investment in Indian Energy Exchange
Limited (IEX) along with an irrevocable, companywide, fully paid up,
perpetual, non- encumbered, non-transferable, non-assignable, license
of the Power ARMS Software installed in India, for internal use to IEX.
Business Outlook:
Your Company is going through challenging times as it tries to reinvent
itself into a pure play technology Company. Post the crisis at NSEL
trading platform, your Company has decided to grow on its core strength
 innovation through technology. Your Company continues to be a market
leader in the Member Technology business in India through its flagship
product ODIN. On the Exchange Technology Business, your Company
continues to provide technology to market leaders in its space such as
MCX, MCX-SX and IEX etc.
Member Technology Business has witnessed a challenging year in 2014-15
in wake of the crisis at NSEL. However, the business is stabilizing and
the Company expects business environment to improve in the coming
years. With the upturn in the economy and favorable policy environment,
Indian Capital markets are positioned for strong growth in the coming
years. Your Company is well positioned to take advantage of the growth
in the capital markets through its Member Technology Business.
Without prejudice to its legal rights and remedies, your Company took a
strategic decision to exit the exchange/ regulated businesses both in
India and around the world in light of the crisis at NSEL's trading
platform. Since, the Exchange Technology Business was primarily
catering to the exchanges seeded and nurtured by your Company, it
became imperative for your company to restructure the business as a
pure play technology service provider as it divested its stake in
various exchanges. Your Company continues to provide technology to MCX,
MCX-SX and IEX etc. in spite of divesting its stake in the respective
companies.
Your Company believes that it can become a signifcant player in this
space, given its proven pedigree in this space and relatively few
players in the space.
New Vision and change of name:
The Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on August 08,
2015 have in-principle approved the change in name of the Company from
"Financial Technologies (India) Limited" (FTIL) to "63 moons
technologies limited" (63 moons). The said approval by the Board is
subject to the approval by the Registrar of Companies, Chennai and the
shareholders of the Company.
In the near past, your Company has exited its investments in financial
exchanges and now in the revised context, your Company would be more
focused on non-financial verticals like e-commerce, digital education,
life science, sports and many others.
In November 2014, the Company had announced its founder's vision of
"Digital India @ 2025", the engine driving the transformation of FTIL
into making FT 3.0 the de facto 'powered by' technology partner of
choice to create and develop digital ecology leveraging SMAC (Social
Media Analytic and Cloud) technology stack. Hence it is imperative to
give the Company a new name and identity that reflects the genesis of
its business and the next phase of growth.
Jupiter, revered as the most powerful in ancient civilization is known
to have 63 moons. 63 moons will endeavor to partner several emerging
new-tech companies/innovations and start-ups in the sectors like
e-commerce, digital education, sports, life sciences, and others. It is
our endeavor to play a larger role and assume leadership in the digital
ecology that will govern the growth of the future. 63 moons reflect the
new FTIL.
The Company, as the Applicant/Owner, has already made applications in
various classes for registration of Trade Mark "63 moons The new
digital ecology".
Further details on the above are covered elsewhere in this report.
legal matters
In the wake of the crisis at NSEL, your Company has been made a party
to several litigations over the last two years. Further, the Ministry
of Corporate Affairs issued a draft order dated October 21, 2014 for
amalgamation of your Company with NSEL under section 396 of Companies
Act, 1956 and also fled a petition with Company Law Board under section
397 of Companies Act, 1956 seeking removal and supersession of the
Board of your Company. Your Company has opposed the draft order for
merger and has challenged the petition for removal and supersession of
the Board in the Company Law Board. Your Company continues to defend
itself in various other litigations fled against it. An interim order
has been passed by the Company Law Board directing your Company not to
sell/alienate or create third party rights in respect of its assets and
investments. Your Company has challenged this interim order in the
Hon'ble Madras High Court which has suspended the interim order save
and except in respect of immovable properties of your Company.
The Economic Offences Wing ("EOW") had issued a letter to your Company
inter alia restraining / restricting your Company from dealing with its
assets. The Hon'ble Bombay High Court has granted a stay in respect of
the direction of EOW in respect of the restraint / restriction on the
dealing of assets.
No material changes and commitments have occurred after the close of
the financial year till the date of this Report, which significantly
affects the financial position of the Company.
Explanation to the Qualifications in auditor Report
Standalone Financial Statements: Audit Report on standalone financial
statements:- The Management explanation for qualification made by the
Statutory Auditors in their Independent Auditors Report dated May 22,
2015 on the Standalone Financial Statements for the year ended March
31, 2015 is as under:
With respect to qualification regarding Writ Petitions, Public Interest
Litigations, Civil Suits which have been fled against the Company in
relation to the NSEL event, wherein the Company has been made a party
in the Writ Petitions and Civil Suits, these matters are pending before
the Hon'ble Bombay High Court for adjudication. The Company has denied
all the claims and contentions in its reply. There is no privity of
contract between FTIL and the Petitioners. Based on legal advice, the
management is of the view that the parties who have fled the W P, PIL
and Civil Suits would not be able to sustain any claim against the
Company. With respect to mention of First Information Reports in the
same qualification, which are registered against various parties
including the Company with the Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai
Police, Central Bureau of Investigation and MIDC, Police Station,
Mumbai District, EOW has fled charge-sheets on January 06, 2014, June
04, 2014 and August 04, 2014 after investigation. It is pertinent to
note that so far the Company has not been named in the said
charge-sheets. EOW investigation is in progress.
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Audit Report on consolidated financial statements:- The Management
explanation for qualifications made by the Statutory Auditors in their
Independent Auditors Report dated May 22, 2015 on the Consolidated
Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2015 are as under:
1. With respect to item no. 1 which pertains to the Company regarding
Writ Petitions, Public Interest Litigations, Civil Suits which have
been fled against the Company in relation to the NSEL event, wherein
the Company has been made a party in the Writ Petitions and Civil
Suits, these matters are pending before the Hon'ble Bombay High Court
for adjudication. The Company has denied all the claims and contentions
in its reply. There is no privity of contract between FTIL and the
Petitioners. Based on legal advice, the management is of the view that
the parties who have fled the W P, PIL and Civil Suits would not be
able to sustain any claim against the Company. With respect to mention
of First Information Reports in the same qualification, which are
registered against various parties including the Company with the
Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai Police, Central Bureau of
Investigation and MIDC, Police Station, Mumbai District, EOW has fled
charge-sheets on January 06, 2014, June 04, 2014 and August 04, 2014
after investigation. It is pertinent to note that so far the Company
has not been named in the said charge-sheets. EOW investigation is in
progress.
2. With respect to item no. 2 which are pertaining to the qualifications
made by the Statutory Auditors of a subsidiary viz National Spot
Exchange Limited (NSEL) in their Independent Auditors Report on its
Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2015
which has been reproduced by the Statutory Auditors of the Company in
their Independent Auditors Report (Auditors Report) dated May 22, 2015
on the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended March 31,
2015, the explanation given by the directors' of NSEL and its
subsidiary "Indian Bullion Market Association Limited" (IBMA) are as
under:
Qualification 2(a) in auditors Report:
"As stated in note no. 53 of the Consolidated Financial Statements
pertaining to the issue of warehousing receipts and as per the
explanations given by the Management, investigating agencies are
investigating genuineness of the warehouse receipt issued by the
Company. Its impact on financial statements, if any, can be ascertained
only after investigations are concluded and order obtained from the
court. Enforcement Directorate (ED) has applied provision of Prevention
of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) on defaulting members and the
Company. Investigations are in progress as on the date of the Audit
Report. In case of any adverse findings against the Company, the same
may have an effect on the financial position of one or more financial
years." [Refer note 68 of the consolidated financial statements of the
FTIL Group]
Management response:
Investigating agencies are investigating genuineness of the warehouse
receipts issued by the Exchange as well as the frauds perpetrated by
the erstwhile senior officials of the Exchange. Impact on financials, if
any, can be ascertained only after investigations are concluded and
orders are obtained from Court.
Qualification 2(b) in auditors Report:
"As stated in note no. 56 read with note no. 1 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements which refers to the matter pertaining to
regulatory framework for Spot Exchange and related compliance issues
with respect to the Exemption Notification No. S.O. 906(E) dated June 5,
2007 (issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India,
under section 27 of the Forward Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1952). The
doubts have been raised as to alleged non-compliance of two of the
conditions specified in the said Exemption Notification. While the
Company has responded to Show Cause Notice (SCN) dated April 27, 2012
vide letter dated May 23, 2012 and further correspondences made in
August, 2012 and July, 2013, the adjudication thereof is pending from
respective authorities and hence the possible consequences arising out
of same on the Company are not presently ascertainable. It is further
stated that the Ministry of Finance, the Government of India, has
withdrawn the aforesaid exemption notification w.e.f. September 19,
2014." [Refer note 73 of the consolidated financial statements of the
FTIL Group]
Management response:
The Government by Gazette Notification SO 2529(E) dated 19 September,
2014 has withdrawn the Gazette Notification SO 906(E) dated 5 June, 2007
(by which NSEL was granted exemption u/s. 27 of the FCR Act, 1952 for
trading of forward contracts of one day duration) with immediate effect
and consequently the notification SO 228(E) dated 6 February, 2012 and
notification SO 2406(E) dated 6 August, 2013 ceased to be in force
w.e.f. 19 Sep, 2014, as informed to the NSEL by the FMC vide letter
dated 5 November, 2014. As the reply to the said SCN has been given and
actions, if any, required due to SCN has been taken, including
withdrawal of the exemption itself, NSEL do not foresee any further
consequences on the SCN. Further, neither FMC nor DCA has held NSEL
guilty of having violated any of the conditions of the exemption
notification dated 5 June, 2007, which was the subject matter of the
SCN.
Qualification 2(c) in auditors Report:
"As stated in note no. 60 & 61 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements, the Company has been served with notices/ letters/summons
from various statutory authorities/ regulators/government departments
and some purported aggrieved parties. There are some Writ Petitions,
Public Interest Litigations, Civil Suits including in representative
capacity fled by and against the Company. Such matters against the
Company are either in progress or sub judice before different forums.
The Company may have civil/ criminal liability arising out of one or
more of the proceedings initiated against the Company." [Refer note 75
and 76 of the consolidated financial statements of the FTIL Group]
Management response:
Since all matters are sub-judice, impact on financial statement, if any,
cannot be ascertained at this stage. NSEL is taking all steps to defend
its position and currently unable to quantify the impact, if any.
Qualification 2(d) in auditors Report:
"As stated in note no. 58 & 59 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
the issue of legality of contracts traded on the Spot Exchange, the
management has clarified that all the contracts carried out on the
Exchange were proper and in consonance with the local applicable laws
and that there was no violation thereto. As far as availability of
commodities are concerned, it is stated that there were systems and
processes in place for deposit of commodities and generation of
warehouse receipts and allocation of the same. NSEL believed existence
of commodities in warehouse on account of the Depositing member's
declarations, invoices submitted by the depositing members, the
officials concerned in the NSEL at the relevant time being satisfied that
there were commodities deposited, generation of warehouse receipt by
the concerned officials. Further, due to various events, arising during
FY 2013-14, the Company had appointed an Internal Inquiry Committee
(IIC) and also two forensic auditors after July 31, 2013 for
verification of certain aspects of accounting, internal controls,
propriety of accounting policies etc. Pursuant to findings from
investigations related to the Company by aforesaid committee/forensic
auditors, material weaknesses were reported in certain areas of
internal control system pertaining to Spot Exchange related services.
There were instances where the commodities were found missing and there
were instances of commodities being available partly or fully. This is
part of the investigations by EOW, other investigation agencies."
[Refer note 67 and 72 of the consolidated financial statements of the
FTIL Group]
Management response:
All contracts traded on the Exchange platform were proper and in
consonance with applicable laws, exemption notifications and there were
no violations in this regard. NSEL had obtained a legal opinion on the
legality of the contracts traded by the members on the Exchange
platform. Since the matters mentioned are under investigation/sub-
judice, impact on financial statement, if any, cannot be ascertained at
this stage.
Qualification 2(e) in auditors Report
"As stated in note no. 63 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in
respect of effectiveness of internal controls, instances of
circumventing of internal controls in some areas of operations on the
Spot Exchange and in one of the group company viz. Indian Bullion
Market Association Limited ('IBMA'), weakness in effectiveness of
internal controls systems and control over financial reporting have been
observed. Such instances were unearthed by various investigations
carried out by IIC in the month of August 2013 and by a forensic
auditor M/s. Grant Thornton India LLP in the month of September 2013
and by another forensic auditor M/s. Chokshi and Chokshi, Chartered
Accountants in the month of February 2014.
There were irregularities which have been observed arising out of
misuse of powers by ex-MD & CEO along with some senior officials of the
Company. As per explanations given by the current management of the
Company, some of the controls which were circumvented by the erstwhile
management were lack of compliance with Rules, Bye laws and Business
Rules of the Exchange by the defaulting members, laxity in terms of
exemption from margin requirement to members, oversight over
commodities which were stored in the warehouses belonging to certain
members etc., the ex-MD & CEO at the relevant time had failed to
disclose non-compliance issues to the Board of Directors of the
Company. As the fnal outcomes of such investigations are pending, we
are unable to comment on the consequential impact, if any, in respect
of the same in the Financial Statements.
As per group company viz. IBMA the holding Company NSEL had appointed
Internal Inquiry Committee (IIC) which had examined certain
transactions pertaining to SNP and had recommended further inquiry into
the matter. As stated in Note no 63 of the Consolidated Financial
Statements, in respect of effectiveness of internal controls systems
and controls over the financial reporting, following weaknesses were
observed in the findings carried out by forensic auditors Grant Thornton
India LLP and Chokshi & Chokshi, Chartered Accountants in relation to
transactions carried out with one related party SNP were not disclosed
and segregation and earmarking of client margin was not done as was
required under NSEL's bye laws, which was required of IBMA as an
Institutional Trade and Clearing Member (ITCM) of NSEL. The weakness
had been identified after the Balance Sheet date by subsequent
investigations carried out by forensic auditors in this regards. Since
the matter is for separate investigation and pending such
investigation, we are unable to comment on the classification of such
transaction in the books of accounts of IBMA.
The matters stated above could also have a consequential impact on the
measurement and disclosure of information provided under, but not
limited to statement of profit and loss, provision for tax, cash fow
statement, segment information, and earnings per share for the year
ended March 31, 2015 in these Financial Statements." [Refer note 78 of
the consolidated financial statements of the FTIL Group]
Management response:
Since the matters mentioned are under investigation/sub judice, impact
on financial statement, if any, cannot be ascertained at this stage.
Qualification 2(f) in auditors Report
"The trade receivables and other receivables are subject to confirmation
and reconciliation. During the course of preparation of Financial
Statements of respective Company, letter of confirmations have been sent
to various parties by the respective company with a request to confirm
the balances as on March 31, 2015. However, few confirmations have been
received. The management, however, does not expect any material changes
on account of such reconciliation/ non receipt of the confirmation from
parties. However the balances between The Company and IBMA in respect
of Exchange Operations are subject to reconciliation. In many cases
legal notices have been sent to parties; however we are unable to form
any opinion on recoverability of the outstanding balances of such
parties".
Management response:
In case of NSEL, majority in value of the trade & other receivables,
loans and advances etc. are confirmed and such confirmation are available
on record. Some confirmations were received from debtors, which were not
in agreement with the balances shown in the books of accounts.
Reconciliation process has been undertaken for such accounts. However,
the management does not envisage any significant impact of the same on
the financials. In case of IBMA, it is following up with the parties who
have outstanding receivables and have sent legal notices in all
suitable cases. Further legal steps are being explored by the IBMA
looking at the materiality aspect of the outstanding amounts. The
process of reconciliation is currently underway and the management as
per the information currently available does not expect any material
impact on the profit and loss statement.
Qualification 2(g) in auditors Report
"As stated in note no. 41 of notes to accounts, in earlier financial
years the IBMA had rendered services to one M/s SNP Designs Pvt. Ltd.
(SNP) relating to trade in future commodity contracts. At the end of
the year a sum of Rs. 7,747.18 lacs was due and receivable on account of
such services from SNP. The Managing Director and majority shareholder
of SNP is Mrs. Shalini Sinha, the wife of Mr. Anjani Sinha (then
Director and KMP of NSEL as well as BMA).Such relationship was not
informed by Mr. Anjani Sinha. No money has been received from SNP
despite of substantial amounts due and outstanding. SNP denied having
any liability to pay to the IBMA and the matter is under dispute. It
has been informed by management that such transactions were carried out
on the instruction issued by erstwhile director of Company Mr. Anjani
Sinha who was managing the affairs of company." [Refer note 66(c) of
the consolidated financial statements of the FTIL Group]
Management response:
Post the crisis that ensued at NSEL, NSEL appointed an Internal Enquiry
Committee (IIC) to investigate and report on matters in relation to the
crisis. IIC also covered trades undertaken by IBMA on future commodity
exchanges on behalf of SNP Designs Pvt Ltd (SNP) in terms of an
agreement signed between IBMA and SNP IIC observed that such trades
were executed on the directions of erstwhile director and Key
Managerial Personnel, Mr. Anjani Sinha and as per the available
records, Mr. Anjani Sinha was exclusively dealing with SNP and no
efforts were made by him to recover the outstanding from SNP No funds
were received by IBMA during the course of the trades. Board of BMA did
not approve of such trades executed on behalf of SNP The trades for SNP
were executed by Mr. Anjani Sinha without informing the board.
Pursuant to the forensic audit report of Grant Thornton India LLP, the
IBMA came to know that Mrs. Shalini Sinha, wife of erstwhile director
and KMP Mr. Anjani Sinha, was the Managing Director and major
shareholder of SNP Designs Pvt. Ltd. The details of such relationship
were not disclosed by Mr. Anjani Sinha to the board of directors. SNP
had confirmed the balance outstanding to IBMA as on 31st March 2013 and
continued transacting with IBMA until July 2013. Later when the demand
was raised by the Company SNP denied owing any liability to IBMA. IBMA
had sent a legal notice rebutting their contention in response to their
reply. In the wake of such irregularities and on directions received
from the holding Company NSEL, Mr. Anjani Sinha was removed from the
Board of Directors of IBMA on 23rd October 2013. IBMA is in the process
of fling a suit in the Hon'ble Bombay High court under Civil
jurisdiction praying inter-alia to pass an order directing SNP to pay
the outstanding sum with interest.
Qualification 2(h) in auditors Report
"As stated in 5 (b) of basis of qualification in Auditors report of
IBMA, IBMA has made provision for bad and doubtful debts for f 2,049.66
lacs in case of receivables for sale and services entered by the IBMA.
As per opinion formed by IBMA's Auditor, the Company should have
provided 100% of all its bad and doubtful debts and other receivables.
Accordingly, had this provided for entire amount as provision for bad
and doubtful debts (including other receivables) the amount of
provisions should have been higher by Rs. 4,097.93 lacs"
Management response:
As detailed in above responses IBMA has taken steps towards recovery of
the overdue receivables. IBMA on prudent basis has provided for
doubtful debts of Rs. 2,049.66 lacs in total for FY 2014-15 being 25% of
the outstanding receivables of debtors for FY 2014-15 and believes that
such provision is currently reasonable.
Qualification 2(i) in auditors Report
"The Company may be exposed to liabilities in case of any adverse
outcome of these investigations/enquiries or legal cases or any other
investigations as referred to in 2(a) to 2(e) above enquires or suits
which may arise at a later date. In the light of the above, the
outcome of which is not presently known and is uncertain at this stage,
we are not able to comment on the impact in respect of the same on
these Consolidated Financial Statements. Also, the matters stated above
could also have a consequential impact on the measurement and
disclosure of information provided but not limited to, profit/(loss)
before tax, provision for tax, cash fow statement, segment information
and earnings per share for the year ended March 31, 2015 in these
Consolidated Financial Statements"
Management Response:
The consequential impacts of the aforesaid qualifications are dependent
on the outcomes of the various investigations/ hearings pending in
various Fora, and hence presently not known and is uncertain at this
stage.
Comments on the observation made in Secretarial Audit Report:
Observation made in Secretarial audit Report:
Mr. Miten Mehta (DIN: 06749055), Non-Executive Director of the Company
was paid consultancy fee for professional services rendered by him for
which the Company is seeking approval of the shareholders pursuant to
Section 188 (1)(f) of the Act and a Notice dated 24th July, 2015 for
voting by postal ballot on the same has been issued by the Company
Management Response:
The Company has sought approval of the members through Postal Ballot in
terms of Section 188(1)(f) of the Act for the rendering of services of
professional nature to the Company by Mr. Miten Mehta pursuant to
Section 197(4) of the Act. The Postal Ballot notice as approved by the
Board of Directors at its meeting held on July 24, 2015 has been
dispatched and the results of the same will be announced on September
1, 2015.
DIVIDEND
The Company follows a stable dividend payout policy. Your Company has
paid consecutive dividends for the past 37 quarters which is in
accordance with sustainable dividend payout policy of the Company and
linked to its long term growth objectives. During the year under
review, your Company paid three interim dividends totaling Rs. 5,529.42.
Lacs (Rs. 12 per share on par value of Rs. 2/- per share). The Directors
have recommended a final dividend of Rs. 5/- per share, subject to the
approval of the members at the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The
total dividend - including interim and final - aggregates to Rs. 17/- per
share, for the financial year ended 31st March, 2015 (previous year Rs.
8/- per share on par value of Rs. 2/- each). The total appropriation on
account of interim and final dividend and tax thereon amounts to Rs.
8,302.38 Lacs. The final dividend, if approved, will be paid to those
members whose names appear in the Register of Members as on the date of
the Annual General Meeting. The break-up of the dividend payouts are
as under:
(Rs. in Lacs except dividend per share data)
Final
Interim Dividends Dividend
1st 2nd 3rd
Interim Interim Interim Proposed Total
Dividend
per share 2.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 17.00
Dividend 921.57 2,303.93 2,303.93 2,303.93 7,833.35
Tax -* -* -* 469.03 469.03
TOTAL 921.57 2,303.93 2,303.93 2,772.96 8,302.38
*As per statutory provisions, tax payable on distribution of dividend
is adjusted against tax payable on dividend received from a foreign
subsidiary company.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
Your Company did not transfer any sum to General Reserve for the year
under review.
SHARE CAPITAL
There was no change in the Share Capital of the Company during the year
under review. As on 31st March, 2015, the paid-up equity Share Capital
of your Company stood at Rs. 921.57 Lacs comprising of 46,078,537 equity
shares of Rs. 2/- each.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT
Management Discussion and Analysis Report for the year under review, as
stipulated under Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement with the Stock
Exchanges in India, is presented in a separate section forming part of
this Annual Report.
DETAILS OF SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATE COMPANIES AND
THEIR FINANCIAL POSITION
During the year under review the following companies have ceased to be
Company's subsidiary, step-down subsidiaries and associate companies:
Name of the Subsidiary Date of cessation
National Bulk handling corporation
april 25, 2014
Limited
Boursa India Limited august 19, 2014
Trans-Global credit and Finance Limited august 19, 2014
Takshashila academia of economic
September 15, 2014
research Limited
Financial Technologies Projects
March 26, 2015*
Private Limited (Mauritius)
Step Down [Subsidiary of Bourse
Date of cessation
Africa (Botswana) Limited]
Bourse Africa (Kenya) Limited May 7, 2014
IcX africa Limited May 19, 2014
Bourse Tanzania Limited May 28, 2014
Bourse uganda Limited June 10, 2014
Bourse exchange Nigeria Limited January 19, 2015
Bourse Zambia Ltd January 24, 2015
Associate Companies Date of cessation
Indian Energy Exchange Limited May 13, 2014
*Dissolved on June 18, 2015
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013
("Act"), a statement containing salient features of the financial
statements of Company's subsidiaries, associate companies and joint
ventures is given in Form AOC-1 as annexure - I and the same forms part
of this report. The statement also provides the details of performance,
financial positions of each of the subsidiaries and joint venture
company.
The Policy for determining material subsidiaries as approved by the
Board may be accessed on the Company's website at the link:
www.ftindia.com/investors/corporategovernance/
Material-subsidiary-policy.pdf
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company is committed to maintain the highest standards of Corporate
Governance and adhere to the Corporate Governance requirements set out
by SEBI. The report on Corporate Governance as stipulated by Clause 49
of the Listing Agreement, is annexed hereto, and forms part of this
Annual Report. A Certificate from the Auditors of the Company confirming
compliance with Corporate Governance norms is annexed to the report on
Corporate Governance.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
The Business Responsibility Reporting as required under Clause 55 of
the Listing Agreement with the Stock Exchanges is not applicable to
your Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2015.
CONTRACTS AND ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
In line with the requirements of the Companies Act, 2013 and Equity
Listing Agreement, your Company has formulated a Policy on Related
Party Transactions which is available on Company's website at
www.ftindia.com/ investors/corporate governance/FTIL-Related-Party-
Transactions-Policy.pdf. The Policy is to ensure that proper reporting,
approval and disclosure processes are in place for all transactions
between the Company and Related Parties.
All arrangements / transactions entered by your Company with its
related parties during the year were in ordinary course of business and
on an arm's length basis. During the year, your Company did not enter
into any arrangement / transaction with related parties which could be
considered material, in accordance with Clause 49(VII) of Listing
Agreement on Related Party Transactions i.e. transactions exceeding ten
percent of the annual consolidated turnover as per the last audited
financial statements and accordingly, the disclosure of Related Party
Transactions in Form AOC 2 as required under Section 134(3) (h) of the
Companies Act, 2013 is not applicable. However as required under
Accounting Standard 18, names of Related Parties and details of
transactions with them have been included in Note no. 37 to the
standalone financial statements provided in the Annual Report and
pursuant to Section 188(1)(f) of the Act, approval is sought through
Postal Ballot for rendering of services of professional nature to the
Company by Mr. Miten Mehta, the same being in the ordinary course of
the business and at arm's length and covered under Section 197 (4) of
the Act.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
The Corporate Social Responsibility Committee has formulated and
recommended to the Board, a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy (CSR
Policy) indicating the activities to be undertaken by the Company,
which has been approved by the Board.
The Company has identified the areas for CSR activities which are in
accordance with Schedule VII of the Act, some of which are highlighted
as under:
- Health and social welfare
- Education
- Environmental Sustainability
- Rural Transformation
The Report on CSR activities as required under Companies (Corporate
Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 is set out as annexure - II
and the same forms part of this report. The policy is available on the
website of the company at the link:
www.ftindia.com/investors/corporategovernance/FTIL- CSR-policy.pdf.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Board of the Company has formed a risk management committee to
monitor the risk management policy for the Company.
The risk management system monitors and identifies risks which are
related to the business and overall internal control systems of the
Company. The Audit Committee has oversight responsibility in the areas
of financial risks and controls. The risk management committee is
responsible for reviewing the risk management policy and ensuring its
effectiveness.
INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM AND THEIR ADEQUACY
Your Company has internal financial control systems, which are
commensurate with its size and the nature of its operations. The
Internal control system is improved and modified on an on-going basis to
meet the changes in business conditions, accounting and statutory
requirements. Internal Audit plays a key role to ensure that all assets
are safeguarded and protected and that the transactions are authorized,
recorded and reported properly. The Internal Auditors independently
evaluate the adequacy of internal controls. The findings and
recommendations of the Internal Auditors are reviewed by the Audit
Committee and followed up till implementation wherever feasible.
DIRECTORS
During the year under review, Mr. Anil Singhvi and Mr. Berjis Desai
were appointed as Additional (Non-Executive  Non- Independent)
Directors w.e.f. November 7, 2014. Further, Mr. Sunil Shah and Mr.
Miten Mehta were appointed as Additional (Non-Executive Â
Non-Independent) Directors w.e.f. November 20, 2014.
Ms. Nisha Dutt was appointed as Additional (Non-Executive ÂIndependent)
Director w.e.f. November 20, 2014 and it is proposed to appoint Ms.
Nisha Dutt as Indpendent Director, not liable to retire by rotation for
a period of fve years from the date of ensuing Annual General Meeting.
The Company has received notices under Section 160 of the Act along
with the requisite deposit proposing appointments of Directors as
detailed in the AGM Notice.
Mr. Prashant Desai was appointed as Additional Director w.e.f. November
7, 2014 and designated as Whole-time Director with effect from same
date. Further, he was re- designated as Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company w.e.f. November 21, 2014. Mr.
Jigish Sonagara and Mr. Rajendra Mehta were appointed as Additional
Directors w.e.f. November 21, 2014. The Board has also appointed them
as Whole-time Directors with effect from the same date for a period of
three years.
The Company has an on-going Postal Ballot as approved by the Board of
Directors at their meeting held on July 24, 2015 under which approval
of shareholders is sought inter- alia for the appointment of Mr.
Prashant Desai, Mr. Jigish Sonagara and Mr. Rajendra Mehta as
Directors. The results of the same will be announced on September 1,
2015.
During the year under review, Mr. Venkat Chary, Justice Rajan J. Kochar
(Retd.), Mr. Achudanarayanan Nagarajan and Mr. Rajendran Soundaram were
appointed as Independent Directors, not liable to retire by rotation
for a period of five years at the annual general meeting of the Company
held on September 23, 2014.
The Company has received declarations from all the Independent
Directors of the Company confirming that they meet the criteria of
independence as laid down under Section 149(6) of the Act and Clause 49
of the Listing Agreement.
Further, during the year Mr. Jignesh Shah, Mr. Dewang Neralla and Mr.
Manjay Shah resigned from the Board w.e.f. November 20, 2014, as the
Managing Director and Whole- time Directors of the Company,
respectively.
The Board has placed on record its appreciation for the invaluable
contribution made by Mr. Jignesh Shah during his tenure as the Managing
Director of the Company, making the Company a leading technology
provider in the financial sector and being globally the second largest
company with licensing volumes, Mr. Dewang Neralla, as Whole-time
Director, putting his enormous efforts to shape the technology edge of
the Company and Mr. Manjay Shah, as Whole-time Director, who has
contributed greatly in the overall growth and development of the
Company ensuring 80% market share for the Company.
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
With effect from November 21, 2014, the Board suo-motto appointed Mr.
Jignesh Shah as the Chairman Emeritus and Mentor of the Company, a
non-board position, for advising and mentoring the Company specially in
relation to fulfillment of the Company's vision of FT 3.0 and other
strategic matters.
As the Company has grown into a formidable technology player and is in
the process of implementing its Founder's vision for 'Digital India @
2025' as part of FT 3.0, which is transformation of the Company into
becoming the de facto 'powered by' technology partner of choice for new
digital giants in sectors like retail, education, healthcare,
agriculture, environment, infrastructure and space over the next 10
years, on the invitation of the Board, Mr. Jignesh Shah has agreed to
act as the Chairman Emeritus and Mentor to the Company to nurture and
inspire the Company's future vision of FT 3.0 wearing his creative hat
and to guide the implementation thereof. In his new role, Mr. Jignesh
Shah will not be involved in the management of the Company.
ONE-TIME INCENTIVE TO EMPLOYEES
Your Company has created national assets like MCX, IEX, SMX, NBHC etc
over the last several years. Without prejudice to its legal rights and
remedies your Company had to force-exit from these assets and created
significant cash reserves. The team played a critical role in the
creation of IP and getting the fair value for them through exits. The
total divestments till date exceed Rs. 2000 cr. The one time reward was
necessary to keep the team motivated for the next phase of growth of
the Company. Your Company under the guidance of the Board has rewarded
the people responsible for the creation and exit of these assets
through a one-time incentive which was capped at 1% of the total
divestment. This is a one-time incentive and will not be a recurring
expenditure. The salary of the team continues to remain same.
Amount
Details Name of employee (Rs. Lacs)
Mr Paras ajmera 720.0
Mr Prashant Desai* 480.0
Mr Jigish Sonagara* 100.0
one-time Incentive Mr Dewang Neralla 38.5
paid to employees Mr Manjay Shah 38.5
during FY 2014-15
for divestment of assets Mr Devendra agrawal 25.0
in 2014-15 Mr ashish Kakade 20.0
Mr Jatin Doshi 10.0
Mr hariraj chouhan 7.5
Mr Sheetal Dhawan 5.0
amount of commission Mr Jignesh Shah 450.0
provision for FY 2014-15 to
executive Directors, to be Mr Prashant Desai* 325.0
paid in FY 2015-16 after Mr Jigish Sonagara* 125.0
approval of annual accounts
by the shareholders. Mr rajendra Mehta* 100.0
Mr Prashant Desai* 180.0
Mr Jigish Sonagara* 180.0
Mr rajendra Mehta* 120.0
Amount of salary as Mr Dewang Neralla** 180.0
cost to Company (CTC*) (MD&ceo of atom)
payable for 2015-16 Mr Manjay Shah** 240.0
(MD of Tickerplant)
*CTC includes company Mr Paras ajmera 240.0
contribution to provident Mr Devendra agrawal 80.0
fund, gratuity,
insurance etc Mr hariraj chouhan 41.0
Mr Jatin Doshi 35.0
Mr ashish Kakade 32.0
Mr Sheetal Dhawan 27.5
*All Executive Directors of the Company have given their written
consent to the Remuneration Committee that they will only draw salaries
with nominal increment, if given, for the next two years
** They have also given their consent that they will only draw salaries
with nominal increment, if given, for the next two years.
KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
As per the accounting standards and as reported in previous annual
reports, Mr. Jignesh Shah, Managing Director, Mr. Dewang Neralla,
Whole-time Director and Mr. Manjay Shah, Whole-time Director designated
as Key Managerial Personnel ceased to hold office as such w.e.f.
November 20, 2014.
During the year under review, the Company has appointed following
persons as Key Managerial Personnel:
sr.
Name of the person Designation
No.
Managing Director &
1 Mr. Prashant Desai Chief Executive Offcer
w.e.f. 21/11/2014
whole-time Director
2 Mr. Jigish Sonagara
w.e.f. 21/11/2014
whole-time Director
3 Mr. rajendra Mehta
w.e.f. 21/11/2014
Chief Financial Offcer
4 Mr. Devendra agrawal
w.e.f. 05/11/2014
Company Secretary
5 Mr. hariraj chouhan
w.e.f. 05/11/2014
BOARD EVALUATION
The Company has devised a Policy for performance evaluation of
Independent Directors, Board, Committees and other individual Directors
which includes criteria for performance evaluation of the non-executive
directors and executive directors. One of the key functions of the
Board is to monitor and review the board evaluation framework.
In a separate meeting held of Independent Directors, it was agreed that
since majority of the Board members are newly inducted, it would be
pre-mature to have a review of their performance as only a very short
period has elapsed since their induction on the Board.
It was also agreed to have a set of parameters prepared and circulated
to all the non-executive Directors for their review and comments and
the current methods of evaluation and parameters adopted by the Company
for Managing Director/Whole-time Directors would be considered by the
Board for their evaluation.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
The Board of Directors of the Company met twenty nine times during the
financial year. The details of Board Meetings are provided in the
Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The details pertaining to composition of audit committee are included
in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual
Report.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENT BY COMPANY
Details of loans, guarantees and investments have been disclosed in the
Financial Statements.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE
EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The particulars relating to conservation of energy, technology
absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo, as required to be
disclosed under the Act, are provided in annexure - III and the same
forms part of this Report.
EXTRACT OF ANNUAL RETURN
Extract of Annual return of the Company in form MGT-9 is annexed
herewith as annexure - IV and the same forms part of this Report.
PARTICULAR OF EMPLOYEES AND RELATED DISCLOSURES
In terms of the provisions of Section 197 (12) of the Act, read with
Rules 5(1), 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and
Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, disclosures
pertaining to remuneration and other details and a statement showing
the names and other particulars of the employees drawing remuneration
in excess of the limits set out in the said Rules are given in annexure
- V and the same forms part of this report.
WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY / VIGIL MECHANISM
The Company has a whistle blower policy to report genuine concerns or
grievances. The Whistle Blower Policy has been posted on the website of
the Company at the link:
www.ftindia.com/investors/corporategovernance/Whistle-
Blower-Policy.pdf.
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
The Board of Directors has framed a policy for selection and
appointment of Directors including determining qualifications,
independence of a Director, Key Managerial Personnel, Senior Management
Personnel and their remuneration as part of its charter and other
matters provided under section 178 (3) of the Act. The details of the
policy are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms
part of this Annual Report.
DISCLOSURE AS PER SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION,
PROHIBITION & REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
During the financial year 2014-15, the Company has not received any
complaints on sexual harassment and hence no complaints remain pending
as of March 31, 2015.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS
There are no significant or material orders passed by the Regulators or
Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status and Company's
operations in future. The details of litigation including tax matters
are disclosed in the notes to the Financial Statements which forms part
of this Annual Report.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to Section 134(5) of the Act, the Board of Directors, to the
best of their knowledge and ability, confirm 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 have selected such accounting policies and applied
them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable
and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs
of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit of the
Company for that period;
c. the Directors have taken proper and sufficient care to maintain
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the
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 such internal financial controls are
adequate and are operating effectively; and
f. the Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with
the provisions of all applicable laws and such systems are adequate and
operating effectively.
EMPLOYEES STOCK OPTION PLAN (ESOP)
The Nomination & Remuneration Committee of the Board of Directors of
the Company, inter-alia, administers and monitors the Employees Stock
Option Plan of the Company in accordance with the applicable SEBI
Guidelines.
The applicable disclosures as required under SEBI Guidelines as on
March 31, 2015, with regards to the Employees Stock Option Plan and as
per the Act are given in annexure  VI and the same forms part of this
report.
The Company has received a certificate from the Auditors of the Company
that the ESOP Schemes have been implemented in accordance with the SEBI
Guidelines and the resolution passed by the members. The certificate
would be placed at the Annual General Meeting for inspection by
members.
AUDITORS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 139 of the Act and the rules
framed there under, M/s. Sharp & Tannan Associates, Chartered
Accountants, Mumbai (Regn. No. 109983W) were appointed as the Statutory
Auditors of the Company at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on
September 23, 2014 for a period of five years, subject to ratification of
their appointment at every AGM.
The Company has received a confirmation from M/s. Sharp & Tannan
Associates to the effect that their appointment, if ratified at the
ensuing AGM would be in terms of Sections 139 and 141 of the Act and
rules made there under. The Board proposes to the members to ratify the
said appointment of M/s. Sharp & Tannan Associates.
DETAILS OF FRAUD, IF ANY REPORTED BY THE AUDITORS
There have been no instances of fraud reported by the Auditors under
Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013.
SECRETARIAL AUDITOR
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Act, the Board has
appointed M/s BNP & Associates, Practising Company Secretaries, to
conduct Secretarial Audit for the financial year 2014-15. The
Secretarial Audit Report for the financial year ended March 31, 2015 is
annexed herewith marked as annexure - VII and the same forms part of
this report. The observations made in the Secretarial Audit Report are
mentioned elsewhere in this report.
GENERAL
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in
respect of the following items as there were no transactions on these
items during the year under review:
- Details relating to deposits covered under Chapter V of the Act.
- Issue of equity shares with differential voting rights as to
dividend, voting or otherwise.
- Neither the Managing Director nor the Whole-time Directors of the
Company receive any remuneration or commission from any of its
subsidiaries.
HUMAN RESOURCES
At Financial Technologies, we strongly believe in open communication at
all times, across levels. Varied communication channels, such as
Departmental meets, HOD meets, HR Zone (e-HR), FTIL HR Communication
and HR4U e-mail facility, have ensured that the HR team is always
around the corner and is available to listen to and help human
resources. All of our processes are fully automated and online thus
ensuring that information is available at fingertips for employees as
well as speed in operations. As of 31st March 2015, FTIL had employee
strength of 872.
Our Company went through a major crisis last year. The human resources
oriented culture in the Company has helped us to tide over this crisis
by keeping the confidence of the employees in the strength of the
business verticals intact. This ensured that our attrition did not
escalate substantially, and our focus on customers and development
remained constant.
One of the cornerstones of our crisis management strategy has been to
communicate constantly with our employees over the last one year. Many
HR Connect sessions were also held to address the employee concerns and
strengthen the bonding across levels. FTIL's confidence in its ability
to innovate and technological strength and grow in challenging times
was reiterated in open houses/connect sessions.
It is to be noted that 62% of our current employees have worked with
the Company for more than 3 years. Our attrition rate even in the year
of crisis i.e. 14/15 was 28%, which even though slightly higher than
the past few years, is still lower than comparable technology companies
across India.
To acknowledge the efforts and commitment of staff in challenging
times, a loyalty bonus was announced. The Loyalty Bonus was paid to
FTIL staff who has completed minimum 3 years of association/service
with Organization as on 31st March 2015. This has helped us to boost
the employee confidence in the Organization and also led to enhanced
retention of skilled staff Even during the times of crisis, FTIL's HR
department has ensured that their well-established processes continue
to be honored and followed i.e. induction, training, performance
management etc.
Many employee connect and engagement initiatives like Stepthlon, PUMA
Urban Stampede, Stills Photography contest, CSR focused activities like
Blood Donation drive, Clothes Donation Drive, Contribution for J&K
Flood relief were conducted. This has led to greater employee bonding.
Financial Technologies continues to believe strongly in the ability and
quality of its Human Resources, and has already started working on the
next phase of FTIL's growth. FTIL treats its employees as integral
partners in the organization's existence and growth.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors place on record their gratitude to the Central
Government, State Government, clients, vendors, financial institutions,
bankers and business associates for the assistance and co-operation
extended to your Company.
Your Directors also wish to place on record their appreciation for the
continued support of investors, business associates and the
contribution made by the employees at all levels.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors
Venkat Chary Prashant Desai
Place: Pawana Nagar, Pune Chairman Managing Director & CEO
Date: August 8, 2015 DIN: 00273036 DIN: 01578418
Mar 31, 2014
Dear Members,
The Directors present the Twenty Sixth Annual Report of your Company
together with the Audited Standalone Statement of Accounts for the year
ended March 31, 2014.
This is to bring to your notice that Ministry of Corporate Affairs has
issued a General Circular 08/2014 dated April 04, 2014 clarifying
inter-alia that the Boards'' Report shall be as per the provisions of
Companies Act 1956 for the companies whose Financial Year ends on or
before April 01, 2014. In view of the said circular, this report is
prepared in conformity to the said circular. However, wherever
necessary provisions of Companies Act 2013 have also been complied
with.
Your Directors would like to inform you that the Consolidated Financial
Statements of your Company have not yet been finalized because there
are payment defaults by defaulting members at one of the subsidiaries
of the Company, National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL) and in view of
the said defaults various agencies are investigating the matters.
Therefore, the financial statements for the financial year 2012-13 and
2013-14 of NSEL are yet to be audited. Consequently, the Consolidated
Financial Statements of the Company could not be finalized. The
Statutory Auditors of the Company, M/s Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP,
Chartered Accountants have submitted Auditor''s Report dated May 30,
2014 on Standalone Financial Statements of the Company for the year
ended March 31, 2014 .
In view of the above and in the interest of approx. 60,000 shareholders
and stakeholders of the Company, it was discussed and decided to
circulate to the members Standalone Financial Statements of the Company
and statement under section 212 excluding NSEL and its Subsidiaries
details. Therefore, in the larger interest of all its stakeholders, the
Board has taken the decision to announce Standalone Financial
Statements, so that you are not deprived of the financial information
of the Company.
FINANCIAL DATA
(Rs. in lacs, except per share data)
Particulars standalone
Current Year Previous Year
2013-14 2012-13
Total Income 61,115.80 65,742.09
Employee benefits expense 12,275.19 12,410.70
other operating expenses 12,598.02 6,546.38
Provision for other than temporary
diminution in value of long term
investments in subsidiaries 11,444.44 -
Provision for doubtful loans and
advances, and deposits 36,704.87 -
Finance costs 3,053.82 4,283.74
Depreciation/amortization 3,074.86 2,253.99
Total expenses 79,151.20 25,494.81
Profit/(Loss) before tax (18,035.40) 40,247.28
Provision for taxation 4,819.45 7,959.22
Profit/(Loss) after Tax/Net Profit
for the year (22,854.85) 32,288.06
Add: Balance brought forward from
previous year 2,04,257.15 1,79,513.50
Balance available for appropriation 1,81,402.30 2,11,801.56
Appropriations
Final dividend (proposed) 921.57 921.57
Interim dividend 2,764.71 2,764.71
Tax on dividend 626.48 605.13
Transfer to General Reserve - 3,253.00
Balance carried forward to Balance Sheet 1,77,089.54 2,04,257.15
Earnings per share
Basic (49.60) 70.07
Diluted (49.60) 69.48
Result of Operations:
Standalone Financials:
* The total income for the year ended March 31, 2014 was at Rs.
61,115.80 lacs as compared to Rs. 65,742.09 lacs in the previous year.
The total revenue from operations for the year ended March 31, 2014 was
at Rs. 33,471.49 lacs as compared to Rs. 45,090.10 lacs in the previous
year.
* Your Company has reported a loss during the year of Rs. 22,854.85
lacs as compared to profit of Rs. 32,288.06 lacs in the previous year.
* Excluding profit on Sale of Shares (net), diminution in long term
investment, and provision for doubtful loans and advances to
subsidiaries, during the year, profit before tax was Rs. 23,116.72
lacs, compared to Rs. 40,247.28 lacs in the previous year
* Excluding profit on Sale of Shares (net), diminution in long term
investment, and provision for doubtful loans and advances to
subsidiaries, during the year, profit after tax was Rs. 18,297.27 lacs,
compared to Rs. 32,288.06 lacs in the previous year.
* Net loss of Rs. 22,854.85 lacs for the year ended March 31, 2014 is
after making provision for other than temporary diminution in value of
long term investments in subsidiaries of Rs. 11,444.44 lacs and
Provision for doubtful loans and advances, and deposits of Rs.
36,704.87 lacs.
Qualifications in Audit Report on Standalone Financial Statements:
The qualifications made by the then Statutory Auditors in their
Independent Auditors'' Report dated May 30, 2014 on the Standalone
Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2014 and the
Management responses thereto are as under:
A. Pursuant to the developments relating to National Spot Exchange
Limited (NSEL), the management of NSEL, by their letter dated September
20, 2013, had communicated to its auditors and the Company that it was
not possible for NSEL to immediately ascertain the financial
implications (with respect to, inter alia, the various irregularities
in the operations of NSEL coming to light, agencies looking at the
legality of contracts and warehouse receipts and income booked by NSEL
therefrom, ongoing investigations and forensic audit) and whether its
books and records presented as of March 31, 2013 were true and fair and
what adjustments were needed to be carried out with a view to present a
correct financial position. Consequently, the auditors of NSEL and its
subsidiary, Indian Bullion Market Association Limited (IBMA), in which
NSEL has 60.88% equity ownership, citing various developments,
investigations and audits relating to NSEL, had communicated to NSEL
and IBMA, by their letters dated September 21, 2013, that the
standalone and consolidated financial statements of NSEL and the
standalone financial statements of IBMA for the year ended March 31,
2013 and their audit reports dated May 17, 2013 and May 16, 2013 on the
said financial statements of NSEL and IBMA, respectively, are no longer
to be relied upon.
B. Basis for Qualified Opinion and Management Response:
1. The following matters were qualified in our audit report dated 29th
November, 2013, on the financial statements (as amended) for the year
ended 31st March, 2013 and continue to be subject matters of
qualification:
a. As stated in Note 52 to the financial statements, the Company had
recognised income of Rs. 3,452.00 lacs during the year ended 31st
March, 2013 from rendering of various services to NSEL, which included
a variable component of Rs. 2,927.60 lacs. As on 31st March, 2013, the
total amount receivable from NSEL on this account was Rs. 2,489.27
lacs, which has been realised subsequently during the current financial
year.
The above variable component comprised:
(i) revenue of Rs. 2,841.46 lacs towards software maintenance and
support services derived on the basis of the underlying revenue
recognised by NSEL on account of "transaction fees, delivery charges,
warehouse receipt transfer charges for trading, settlement and delivery
activities" for the year ended 31st March, 2013, pursuant to
agreements/contracts; and
(ii) revenue of Rs. 86.14 lacs towards business support services
derived on the basis of the underlying gross profits earned on the
merchandising activities by NSEL for the year ended 31st March, 2013.
However, as stated in paragraph A above, the management of NSEL had
communicated that they were not in a position to determine whether its
books and records presented as of 31st March, 2013 were true and fair
and what adjustments were needed to be carried out with a view to
present a correct financial position due to, inter alia, the various
irregularities in the operations of NSEL coming to light, agencies
looking at the legality of contracts and warehouse receipts and income
booked by NSEL therefrom, ongoing investigations and forensic audit.
Consequently, the auditors of NSEL, citing various developments,
investigations and audits relating to NSEL, had also communicated that
the financial statements of NSEL for the year ended 31st March, 2013
and their audit reports thereon were no longer to be relied upon.
Further, as represented to us by the Management of the Company, the
audited financial statements of NSEL for the year ended 31st March,
2013 are not yet available.
In view of our aforesaid comments and in the absence of sufficient
appropriate audit evidence, particularly, in the absence of the audited
financial statements of NSEL for the year ended 31st March, 2013, which
we could have placed reliance on to validate the underlying elements of
revenue and gross profits of NSEL based on which the above mentioned
variable component of revenue were derived and accounted for by the
Company, significant uncertainty exists regarding the amount of the
consideration that could be derived from rendering the service and,
hence, we are unable to determine the extent to which the above
mentioned revenue aggregating Rs. 2,927.60 lacs should be de-recognised
in the Statement of Profit and Loss for the year ended 31st March, 2014
and postponed by the Company, in compliance with the recognition and
measurement principles stated in Accounting Standard (AS) 9, ''Revenue
Recognition''.
Management Response:
During the previous year ended 31st March, 2013, the Company had earned
Income of Rs. 3,452.00 lacs from NSEL, which constituted 5.25% of the
standalone total income of the Company. This included aggregate amount
of Rs. 2,927.60 lacs being variable component.
The above variable component comprises:
* revenue of Rs. 2,841.46 lacs towards software maintenance and support
services derived on the basis of the underlying revenue recognized by
NSEL on account of "transaction fees, delivery charges, warehouse
receipt transfer charges for trading, settlement and delivery
activities" for the year ended 31st March, 2013, pursuant to
agreements/contracts; and
* revenue of Rs. 86.14 lacs towards business support services derived
on the basis of the underlying gross profits earned on the
merchandising activities by NSEL for the year ended 31st March, 2013.
As on 31st March, 2013, total amount receivable from NSEL was Rs.
2,489.27 lacs, which has been realised subsequently during the current
financial year and as on date, there is no amount outstanding against
the same.
The above income was recognized as per the contractual terms on accrual
basis and there was no uncertainty with respect to realisability of the
aforesaid amount as on 31st March, 2013 or on the date on which the
Financial Statements were approved by the Board and, hence, the same
was accounted as income.
As of date, there have been no claims by NSEL nor has any dispute been
raised in connection with the amounts paid to the Company for the
Services provided by the Company during the financial year 2012-13. In
view of the above, no provision was considered necessary by the Company
as on 31st March, 2013 and as on 31st March, 2014 for the above said
Income from NSEL.
b. As stated by the Management of the Company in Note 55 to the
financial statements, Writ Petitions, Public Interest Litigations,
Civil Suits have been filed against the Company in relation to the NSEL
event, wherein the Company has been made a party in the Writ Petitions
and Civil Suits, and these matters are pending adjudication. In
addition, there is a First Information Report registered, inter alia,
against the Company with the Economic Offences Wing. Further, as
stated in the said Note 55 to the financial statements, based on legal
advice, the Management of the Company does not foresee that the parties
who have filed the Writ Petitions, Public Interest Litigations, Civil
Suits would be able to sustain any claim against the Company. In this
regard, the Management and those charged with Governance have
represented to us that other than as stated in the said Note 55 to the
financial statements, there are no claims, litigations, potential
settlements involving the Company directly or indirectly which require
adjustments to/disclosures in the financial statements.
In the light of the above representations regarding the ongoing
investigations and matters, the outcome of which is not known and is
uncertain as on date, we are unable to comment on the consequential
impact in respect of the same on these financial statements.
Management Response:
i. During the year, Writ Petitions (WP), Public Interest Litigation
(PIL), Civil Suits have been filed against the Company in relation to
NSEL event, wherein the Company has been made a party in the Civil
Suits and the WP In the said proceedings certain reliefs have been
claimed against the Company, inter alia, on the ground that the Company
is the holding company of NSEL. These matters are pending before the
Hon''ble Bombay High Court for adjudication. The Company has denied all
the claims and contentions in its reply. There is no privity of
contract between the Company and the Petitioners. Based on legal
advice, the management is of the view that the parties who have filed
the WP, PIL and Civil Suits would not be able to sustain any claim
against the Company. The matter is pending for hearing before the
Hon''ble Bombay High Court.
ii. First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against various
parties, including the Company, with the Economic Offences Wing of the
Mumbai Police (EOW) in connection with the NSEL event. After
investigation, EOW has filed charge-sheets on 06th January, 2014, 4th
June 2014 and 4th August 2014 and it is pertinent to note that so far
the Company has not been named in the said charge-sheets.
c. No provision was considered necessary by the Management of the
Company for diminution in the value of the Company''s long-term
investment in NSEL of Rs. 4,499.99 lacs as at 31st March, 2013.
In view of the aforesaid developments relating to NSEL, which
represented a subsequent discovery of facts existing on the date of the
Balance Sheet as at 31st March, 2013, in our opinion, there were
indications of ''other than temporary'' diminution in the carrying amount
of the Company''s investment in NSEL as at 31st March, 2013. However, in
the absence of the audited financial statements of NSEL for the year
ended 31st March, 2013 (refer paragraph A above), non-availability of
estimation of future cash flows and earning capacity of NSEL and
suspension of NSEL''s operations, we were not able to obtain sufficient
appropriate audit evidence to determine the amount of provision that
would have been needed to be made for diminution in the carrying amount
of the Company''s investment in NSEL of Rs. 4,499.99 lacs as at 31st
March, 2013, in accordance with Accounting Standard (AS) 13,
''Accounting for Investments''.
However, as stated in Note 51 to the financial statements, during the
year ended 31st March, 2014, on a conservative basis, the Company has
made a provision, towards diminution, other than temporary, in the
value of the entire amount of its long term investment of Rs. 4,499.99
lacs in NSEL and has charged the same to the Statement of Profit and
Loss for the year ended 31st March, 2014.
Management Response:
In view of the developments in respect of its subsidiary NSEL, during
the year ended March 31, 2014, on conservative basis, the Company has
made a provision towards diminution other than temporary in value of
long term investments of Rs. 4,499.99 lacs for its investment in NSEL.
2. We are informed that, on the directions of the Forward Markets
Commission, a special audit was carried out by an external agency in
respect of Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited (MCX) covering,
inter alia, the agreements and transactions between MCX and the
Company. MCX has, on 26th May, 2014, submitted the scanned copy of the
special audit report dated 21st April, 2014 for dissemination on the
website of BSE Limited (Refer Note 59 to the financial statements).
We are unable to comment on the consequential impact, if any, in
respect of the above matter on these financial statements.
Management Response:
MCX on 29th April, 2014 uploaded on BSE website Executive Summary with
the modification on selective basis (''Executive Summary'') of Special
Audit Report carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers Private Limited
(PwC) with a disclaimer. The Company replied to Executive Summary in
detail on 5th May, 2014 and the same was uploaded on BSE website.
Subsequently, on 26th May, 2014, MCX disseminated on BSE website
Special Audit Report without annexures, exhibits of the said report
with a disclaimer that document is yet to be independently verified by
MCX, MCX neither agrees nor disagrees with the contents thereof and
does not have any opinion on the same, it further recommends that no
person should consider and/or rely on the contents of the document at
this stage for undertaking any trade (buy or sell) in the securities of
MCX, it further states that it does not in any manner warrant, certify
or endorse the correctness, accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the
contents of the document (report) and it should not for any reason be
deemed or construed to mean that the observations (of the report) have
been verified / confirmed by MCX. The Company reiterated that views of
the Company were not taken into account before finalising the report
despite several written requests to MCX.
It may also be noted that the Special Audit Report contains several
disclaimers including a statement that the procedures performed under
the Special Audit did not constitute an audit or examination or a
review in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards or
attestation standards.
3. As stated in Note 50 to the financial statements, the Company has
investments in certain subsidiaries and a jointly controlled entity,
aggregating Rs. 12,590.95 lacs and has granted loans and advances to /
receivables from these entities, aggregating Rs. 90,758.89 lacs [which
exclude NSEL and its subsidiaries - refer paragraph B1 (c)above]. The
net worth of most of these entities has been eroded / substantially
eroded. A provision/adjustment of Rs. 8,681.71 lacs (including Rs.
6,944.45 lacs during the year) has been made, inter alia, for
diminution, other than temporary, in the value of investments and a
provision of Rs. 15,150.00 lacs has been made during the year for
doubtful loans and advances, which the Management of the Company
considers to be adequate.
In the absence of sufficient appropriate audit evidence, particularly,
in the absence of a fair valuation of the aforesaid investments at the
balance sheet date being provided to us, we are unable to determine the
adequacy of the provisions made.
Management Response:
As at 31st March, 2014, the Company''s investment in certain
subsidiaries and a jointly controlled entity aggregating Rs. 12,590.95
lacs (Previous Year Rs. 12,215.95 lacs) and loans and advances /
recoverables from these entities aggregating Rs. 90,758.89 lacs
(Previous Year Rs. 38,732.65 lacs) (excluding NSEL and its
subsidiaries, and FTSPL and its subsidiaries) which presently have
accumulated losses, [share of aggregate losses till 31st March, 2014
Rs. 112,881.99 lacs (Previous year Rs. 59,610.67 lacs)].
In view of the NSEL event, FMC declared the Company not a fit and
proper person to hold shares in MCX, consequently, various other
regulatory authorities also given direction to dispose of the Company''s
stake in the respective exchanges. Further the license of the exchange
venture situated in Botswana, which had not yet commenced its
operation, got cancelled. Considering these events and current scenario
(though Company ideally would like to retain the investment to fetch
its right price and not to sell in distress), the Company on a
conservative basis has made an additional provision of Rs. 6,944.45
lacs (Previous Year Nil) towards provision for other than temporary
diminution in the value of investments including provision (write down)
in value of investments of Rs. 15.00 lacs (Previous Year Nil) in
respect of investments reclassified during the year from long-term
(non- current) to current investments, and Rs. 15,150.00 lacs (Previous
Year Nil) towards doubtful loans and advances. Accordingly, total
provision of Rs. 8,681.71 lacs (Previous Year Rs. 1,737.26 lacs) for
other than temporary diminution in the value of investments and
provision of Rs. 15,150.00 lacs (Previous Year Nil) for doubtful loans
and advances as at the year ended on 31st March, 2014 is considered to
be adequate for these investments and loans and advances / receivables.
4. As stated in Note 45 to the financial statements, the directives of
the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) by its Order dated
19th March, 2014 requires the Company to divest its investments
referred therein within ninety days from the date of the Order. These
include 27,165,000 Equity Shares of Re. 1 each and 562,460,000 Warrants
of Re. 1 each (each Warrant will entitle the holder to one Equity
Share) both in MCX Stock Exchange Limited and 5,750,000 Equity Shares
of Rs. 10 each in MCX- SX Clearing Corporation Limited which are being
carried at an aggregate amount of Rs. 6,471.25 lacs. The Management of
the Company is of the view that the aggregate carrying amount of the
aforesaid investments at Rs. 6,471.25 lacs represents the lower of cost
and fair value of these investments as on the balance sheet date.
In the absence of sufficient appropriate audit evidence, particularly,
in the absence of a fair valuation of the aforesaid investments at the
balance sheet date being provided to us, and having regard to the time
limit for divestment prescribed in the aforesaid Order, we have not
been able to validate whether the carrying amount of these investments
is the lower of cost and fair value, as required by Accounting Standard
(AS) 13, ''Accounting for Investments''
Management Response:
The Company holds 27,165,000 Equity Shares of Rs. 1/- each and
562,460,000 Warrants of Rs. 1/- each in MCX Stock Exchange Limited
(MCX-SX).
During the year, the Company has received show cause notice from the
SEBI dated 20th December, 2013 solely based on FMC Order under
Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, SEBI Act, 1992 and
Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Stock Exchange and Clearing
Corporations) Regulations, 2012, advising the Company to show cause as
to why directions should not be issued for divestment of shares and
transferable warrants held by the Company and any company/entity
controlled by the Company, either directly or indirectly, in MCX- SX,
MCX-SX Clearing Corporation Limited (MCX-SX CCL), Delhi Stock Exchange
Ltd (DSE), the Vadodara Stock Exchange Limited (VSE) and National Stock
Exchange of India Limited (NSEIL). The Company vide its letter dated
21st December, 2013 replied to SEBI stating that FMC Order is subject
matter of challenge before the Hon''ble Bombay High Court; therefore,
the Company requested SEBI not to take any precipitate action until the
writ petition filed by the Company is dealt with by the Hon''ble High
Court. SEBI has passed an Order on 19th March, 2014 declaring the
Company not a ''Fit and Proper'' person and directed the Company to
divest the equity shares or any instrument that provides for rights
over the equity shares held by the Company in MCX-SX, MCX-SX CCL, DSE,
VSE and NSEIL within 90 days from the date of order. The Company had
filed an appeal in the Security Appellate Tribunal (SAT) against the
said order. SAT vide its order dated 9th July 2014 directed the Company
to divest its stake from the abovesaid entities within four weeks from
the date of Order. The Company is in the process of divesting the stake
in the aforesaid entities. Investment in the aforesaid entities are
reclassified as current investment at the lower of cost and fair value
from long term investments. MCX-SX CCL is not considered as an
associate company from the date of order i.e. 19th March, 2014.
According to the Management''s view, on the basis of the information
available including latest financial statements/ results and/or latest
transactions carried out, the fair value of above investments exceeds
the cost of the investments. In case of investment in one company where
the book value is less than the investment amount, the Company has made
appropriate provision for the same.
5. The Company has recognised MAT Credit of Rs. 9,188.82 lacs as at the
year end, including Rs. 960.51 lacs during the year. In accordance with
the recommendations contained in the Guidance Note on Accounting for
Credit Available in respect of Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT) under the
Income - tax Act, 1961 issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants
of India, MAT Credit can be created by way of credit to the statement
of profit and loss account and shown as MAT Credit Entitlement in the
Balance Sheet, to the extent there is convincing evidence to the effect
that the Company will pay normal income tax during the specified
period. As per the aforesaid Guidance Note, where MAT credit is
recognised as an asset, the same should be reviewed at each balance
sheet date and a company should write down the carrying amount of MAT
credit asset to the extent there is no longer a convincing evidence to
the effect that the company will pay normal income tax during the
specified period.
In the absence of sufficient appropriate audit evidence, we are unable
to independently assess whether any right down is required in respect
of the aforesaid carrying amount of MAT Credit asset.
Management Response:
On the basis of the projections, Management is of the view that the MAT
credit can be utilized over available period.
6. As disclosed in Note 4 "Reserves and Surplus" an amount of Rs.
2,764.71 lacs has been paid as interim dividends for the year 2013-14
and the tax paid on these dividends is Rs. 469.86 lacs. However, the
Company has made a loss for the year ended 31st March, 2014. Further,
the consequential transfer of the stipulated minimum amounts of profits
to General Reserves in accordance with the Companies (Transfer of
Profits to Reserves Rules), 1975, has not been effected due to loss for
the year.
Management Response:
During the financial year 2013-14, the Company has paid three interim
dividends in accordance to Section 205 of the Companies Act, 1956 and
also recommended a final dividend of 100%, subject to approval of
shareholders in the forthcoming annual general meeting. According to
Section 205 of Companies Act, 1956 (Act), a company can also declare or
pay dividend for any financial year out of profits of the company for
any previous financial year or years arrived at after providing for
depreciation and remaining undistributed. Since the Company has made a
loss for the year ended March 31, 2014, the question of transferring of
stipulated minimum amounts of profits to general reserves in accordance
with the Companies (Transfer of Profits to Reserve Rules), 1975, does
not arise. Under Section 2(14A) of the Act, dividend includes interim
dividend. The Company has obtained necessary legal opinion for the same
and copy of the opinion was provided to the then Auditors.
7. The matters stated above could also have a consequential impact on
the measurement and disclosures of information provided under, but not
limited to, managerial remuneration, provision for tax, earnings per
share, segment information and related parties for the year ended 31st
March, 2014, in the financial statements.
Management Response:
As explained in the above said Management reply, the quantum of
consequential impact for matters referred in 1(a) & 1(c) in the
qualifications does not arise as the Management is of the view that
there was no impairment / revenue revision of the Company as of the
Balance Sheet date March 31, 2013. With respect to paragraph 1(b) and 2
to 6 above, the Management responses have been given in the respective
paragraph.
Qualification in annexure to Independent Auditors'' Report on the
matters specified in paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Companies (Auditors''
Report) Order, 2003.
8. We are unable to comment on the matters arising from the special
audit carried out by an external agency in respect of Multi Commodity
Exchange of India Limited on the directions of the Forward Markets
Commission as described in Note 59 to the financial statements (Also
see paragraph 2 above) and the enquiries from certain investigating
authorities as described in Notes 57 and 58 to the financial statement,
for the purpose of reporting on clause (xxi) of Paragraph 4 of the
Order.
Further to the above, and except for the matters arising from NSEL as
described in Note 55 to the financial statements (Also see Basis for
Qualified Opinion of our Audit Report as given in paragraph 1 (b)
above) on which also we are unable to comment, to the best of our
knowledge and according to the information and explanations gives to
us, no fraud by the Company and no material fraud on the Company has
been noticed or reported during the year.
Management Response:
The notes 55, 57, 58 and 59 to the financial statements are
self-explanatory.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW AND OUTLOOK:
FISCAL YEAR 2013-14
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
The bygone year has been one of the most challenging ones in the
history of your Company. The NSEL crisis that unfolded in July 2013 has
proven to be a watershed for all the good work and goodwill earned by
your Company over these years. As a result of the events that have
unfolded over the past year, your Company had strategically decided to
exit the exchanges/regulated businesses, both in India and around the
world, and focus on its core competency - IP centric technological
innovations.
Technology has always been the cornerstone of growth for your Company,
having gained precedence in setting new trends, extending high-end,
robust and efficient solutions for next-generation financial markets.
It has made significant investment in devising a scalable exchange and
trading technology that boasts incomparable domain expertise and an
invaluable IP Its technology has gained international acclaim for
providing pivotal advantages in propelling unrivaled mass disruptive
innovation. Your Company has made new inroads in this spectrum, with a
distinctive standing as the architect of organized, electronic and
regulated financial markets that are either inadequately served or
deprived of the advantage due to monetary unviability of traditional
markets.
Your Company continues to be the leading technology services provider
in the financial markets ecosystem and its technology solutions
continue to be used by all major exchanges as well as market
intermediaries. Keeping pace with the growing needs of the market, your
Company''s Exchange Technology Division has equipped its solutions to
cater to fixed income markets as well as newer asset classes, viz.
equity derivatives and currency options.
Your Company also leads in India''s Member Technology Solutions space
with ODINTM continuing to be the first choice of every brokerage house
in India holding a major market share in the country''s electronic
trading solutions space. Your Company has emerged as a global leader
in engineering technology-centric financial markets. Etching new levels
of achievements in making the segment transparent and amply
user-friendly, your Company has been unprecedented in defining the
progression of the online trading technology space.
Overall, in the previous year, despite the challenges and economic
downturn, your Company could sustain the business momentum in most of
its business segments.
BUSINESS OUTLOOK
Going forward times could be challenging as your Company looks to
reinvent itself while at the same time ensuring that it is able to
circumvent the legal and reputational challenges because of the NSEL
crisis. However, since the IP centric technological innovations being
at the core for your Company, the future prospects are extremely
encouraging. Despite the challenges thrown up by the NSEL crisis, your
Company envisions a larger scope for growth and newer avenues to expand
its business. Economic upturn will be dovetailed by a stronger growth
for technology companies. Having been built on a strong technology
foundation has helped and will help your Company deliver consistent
performance year on year. As a result of its actions to divest from the
regulated businesses, your Company will be able to focus on its
technology strengths because of a strong talent pool, a strong
infrastructure in FT Tower, a strong cash reserves and a very conducive
business environment. Your Company will focus on its technology
vertical that includes Exchange Technology Solutions and Member
Technology Solutions (Brokerage Solutions, Connectivity Solutions and
Consulting Solutions) apart from harnessing newer technologies, markets
and segments. Given its experience in delivering mission critical
technologies for financial markets, we are confident of leveraging the
same towards opening newer markets and industry segments that have
traditionally lagged behind in adopting technology but can jump the
curve on Cloud, Social Media, Mobile and Analytics.
Your Company will strive to consolidate its existing technology
portfolio and aggressively explore other emerging opportunities across
geographies.
DIVIDEND
The Company follows a stable dividend payout policy. Your Company has
paid consecutive dividend for last 33 quarters which is in accordance
with sustainable dividend payout policy of the Company and linked to
its long term growth objectives. During the year under review, your
Company paid three interim dividends totaling Rs. 2,764.71 Lacs (Rs. 6
per share on par value of Rs. 2/- per share). The Directors recommended
a final dividend of Rs. 2/- per share, subject to the approval of the
shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The total dividend
- including interim and final - aggregated Rs. 8/- per share, for the
financial year ended 31st March, 2014 (previous year Rs. 8/- per share
on par value of Rs. 2/- each). The total appropriation on account of
interim and final dividend and tax thereon amounts to Rs. 4,312.76
Lacs.
The final dividend, if approved, will be paid to those members whose
names appear in the Register of Members as on the date of the Annual
General Meeting.
The break-up of the dividend payouts are as under:
(Rs. in lacs except dividend per share data)
Final
Interim Dividends Dividend
1st 2nd 3rd
Interim Interim Interim Proposed TOTAL
Dividend 2 2 2 2 8
per share
Dividend 921.57 921.57 921.57 921.57 3686.28
Tax 156.62 156.62 156.62 156.62 626.48
TOTAL 1078.19 1078.19 1078.19 1078.19 4312.76
TRANSFER TO REsERVES
Your Company did not transfer any sum to General Reserve during the
year under review in view of the net loss reported during the year.
According to Section 205 of Companies Act, 1956 (Act), a company can
declare or pay dividend for any financial year out of profits of the
company for any previous financial year or years arrived at after
providing for depreciation and remaining undistributed. Since the
Company has made a loss for the year ended March 31, 2014, the question
of transferring of stipulated minimum amounts of profits to general
reserves in accordance with the Companies (Transfer of Profits to
Reserve Rules), 1975, does not arise.
SHARE CAPITAL
There was no change in the Share Capital of the Company during the year
under review. As on 31st March, 2014, the paid-up equity Share Capital
of your Company stood at Rs. 921.57 lacs comprising 46,078,537 equity
shares of Rs. 2/- each.
investment
At the end of FY 2013-14, your Company''s Investments (current
non-current) (net of provision) stood at Rs. 127,715.90 lacs as
compared to Rs. 221,507.56 lacs in the previous year. The total
investment mainly comprised of investment in mutual funds,
subsidiaries, joint venture and associate companies. For more details,
please refer to the audited standalone financial statements of the
Company, covered elsewhere in this Annual Report and investment section
in Management Discussion & Analysis.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Your Company is a pioneer in providing end-to-end Straight Through
Processing (STP) solutions to Financial markets. Our solutions cover
all stages of a trade life cycle from Pre-trade, Trade to Post-trade
and delivers high value single-point transaction fulfilment.
Technology and Innovation is our DNA that guides all that we do. We
have a very diverse employee base with myriad backgrounds and skill
sets. Our financial and domain knowledge experts complement the efforts
of technology experts in building world-class global trading platforms.
We derive our support from the repertoire of unmatched experience and
expertise of our leadership, and members of our Board of Directors.
We believe that an organization''s most valuable resource is its people.
It is the attitude, skills, and knowledge of the human resource, which
gives an organization its competitive edge, and can add value for
years. Our ''intellectually-stimulating'' work culture and great learning
opportunities have helped us retain people.
We believe that being driven by commitment, aided by technology and our
quality practices, have made FTIL a great place to work. It is a matter
of pride that over 50% of our employees are with this company for over
five years and our attrition rate is amongst the lowest in the
industry.
At Financial Technologies, we strongly believe in open communication at
all times, across levels. Varied communication channels, such as
Departmental meets, HOD meets, HR Zone (e-HR), Group HR Communication,
and HR4U e-mail facility, have ensured that the HR team is always
around the corner and is available to listen to and help human
resources. All of our processes are fully automated and online thus
ensuring that information is available at fingertips for employees as
well as speed in operations.
As of 31st March, 2014, FTIL had employee strength of 1005.
We have a healthy mix of competent professionals across levels, we are
structured as:
subsidiaries
Further to the Directors Report 2012-13, your Company would like to
provide further update on National Spot Exchange Limited ("NSEL"):
a) During the year, Writ Petitions (WP), Public Interest Litigation
(PIL), Civil Suits have been filed against the Company in relation to
NSEL event, wherein the Company has been made a party in the Civil
Suits and the WP In the said proceedings certain reliefs have been
claimed against the Company, inter alia, on the ground that the Company
is the holding company of NSEL. These matters are pending before the
Hon''ble Bombay High Court for adjudication. The Company has denied all
the claims and contentions in its reply. There is no privity of
contract between the Company and the Petitioners. Based on legal
advice, the management is of the view that the parties who have filed
the WP PIL and Civil Suits would not be able to sustain any claim
against the Company. The matter is pending for hearing before the
Hon''ble Bombay High Court.
b) First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against various
parties, including the Company, with the Economic Offences Wing of the
Mumbai Police (EOW) in connection with the NSEL event. After
investigation, EOW has filed charge-sheet on 06th January, 2014, 4th
June 2014 and 4th August 2014 and it is pertinent to note that so far
the Company has not been named in the said charge-sheets.
During the year under review, your Company has reduced/divested its
stake in the its subsidiaries/ associate companies to comply with
certain regulatory
requirements and for enhanced concentration on the core expertise
business of your Company:
During the year under review, your Company has reduced its stake in IEX
to comply Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Power Market)
Regulations, 2010 ("Regulations"). According to said Regulations your
Company was required to bring down its shareholding in IEX to the
extent of 25% within the time prescribed (with extensions, if any).
Your Company was holding 30.14% of total issued and paid-up share
capital on fully diluted basis in IEX till September 2013 and in order
to comply with the Regulation, your Company has diluted 5% of the
issued and paid up equity share capital of IEX during the year.
National Bulk Handling Corporation Limited (NBHC): During the year
under review, Your Company alongwith other shareholders entered into a
share purchase agreement for sale of 100% equity shares in the NBHC in
order to preserve the business developed and value generated over the
years in this subsidiary of the Company. The sale transaction was
completed in April 2014.
Singapore Mercantile Exchange Limited (SMX) and SMX Clearing
Corporation Limited (SMXCCL): Financial Technologies Singapore Pte.
Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of your Company which was
incorporated as per regulatory requirement of Monetary Authority of
Singapore (MAS) only to hold shares of SMX, an approved exchange by
MAS, Singapore and SMXCCL, the Clearing Corporation. Your Company
divested all its stake in the SMX and its clearing house SMXCCL,
through Financial Technologies Singapore Pte. Limited.
Your Company is a promoter and anchor investor of MCX, the country''s
leading commodity exchange. Your Company was holding 26% of the issued
and paid-up share capital of MCX out of which 20% of total issued and
paid up share capital of MCX was subject to lock- in upto March 7, 2015
in accordance with the SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2009. Without prejudice
to rights and contentions raised in Writ Petition filed by your Company
challenging the validity & propriety of the order dated December 17,
2013 passed by the Forward Markets Commission, your Company initiated
process of divestment of its shareholding in MCX. Accordingly, your
Company has sold 6% shares in the open market in July 2014 and entered
into a Share Purchase Agreement dated July 20,2014 with Kotak Mahindra
Bank Limited for sale of 15% shares in MCX subject fulfillment of
conditions precedents and receipt of regulatory approvals.
Your Company has also initiated the process of selling its investments
in some of the non-operative subsidiaries of the Company namely,
Riskraft Consulting Limited, Boursa India Limited, Takshashila Academia
of Economic Research Limited and Trans-global credit and Finance
Limited.
Subsidiaries of Bourse Africa (Botswana) Limited (step- down
subsidiaries) of the Company namely Bourse Uganda Limited, Bourse
Africa (Kenya) Limited, Bourse Exchange Nigeria Ltd. and Bourse Zambia
Limited, which are based in Africa are under process of voluntary
winding up as they have not yet initiated any business and operations
and your Company does not envisage any business operations in these
entities in near future. One of such subsidiaries, Bourse Tanzania
Limited was wound-up as on 28th May 2014 and was notified in the local
gazette as on 27th June 2014.
Due to the ongoing investigations of the matter of National Spot
Exchange Limited (NSEL) and Indian Bullion Market Association Limited
(subsidiary of NSEL) by various agencies/regulatory authorities, the
accounts for the Financial Years 2012-13 and 2013- 14 of NSEL & IBMA
are not yet finalized. Hence, your Company is unable to attach the
Consolidated Financial Statements. However, statement pursuant to
Section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956 containing the details of
subsidiaries of the Company (excluding NSEL & its subsidiaries) and
Balance Sheets, Profit and Loss Account, Directors Reports and
Auditors'' Report of the subsidiaries of the Company (excluding NSEL and
its subsidiaries) are enclosed in this Annual Report 2013- 14.
As soon as NSEL and its subsidiaries accounts are finalized, audited
and approved, your Company will announce the Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Company and will intimate the same to the stock
exchanges. Company will also upload such Consolidated Financial
Statements on the Company''s website. In compliance with the MCA
circular, your Company will make available Consolidated Financial
Statements along with Section 212 statement (including NSEL and its
subsidiaries) upon written request by any shareholder of the Company
interested in obtaining the same at any point of time.
The statement pursuant to Section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956,
containing details of subsidiaries of the Company, forms a part of this
Annual Report.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Your Company, as a part of its core business strategy, promotes and
invests in new ventures that utilize your Company''s technological
capabilities and domain expertise by way of subsidiary companies
setting up various Ventures. Your Company carries out transactions with
related parties on an arms-length basis.
Statement of these transactions given in the Notes to Accounts in
compliance of Accounting Standard AS-18, which forms a part of this
Annual Report.
EMPLOYEES STOCK OPTION PLAN (ESOP)
During the year under review, no stock options were granted or
exercised under ESOP Scheme 2009 and ESOP Scheme 2010. As on 31st March
2014, 6,14,495 and 6,03,406 stock options under ESOP Scheme 2009 and
ESOP Scheme 2010 respectively, are in force.
Requisite disclosure in respect of the Employee Stock Option Scheme in
terms of Guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(Employee Stock Option Scheme and Employee Share Purchase Scheme)
Guidelines 1999, as amended, has been provided in Annexure "B" in this
Report.
The erstwhile Remuneration and Compensation Committee at its meeting
held on 06th August 2014 approved the re-pricing of outstanding Options
granted under the ESOP 2009 and 2010 schemes. The Options shall be
re-priced at a discount of 25% on the closing price of the day prior to
the meeting of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee to be held,
post approval of shareholders in the ensuing AGM. The erstwhile
Remuneration and Compensation Committee also approved the extension of
exercise period of outstanding Options granted under the 2009 and 2010
schemes for a period of 3 years from the vesting date.
QUALITY
Your Company continues to maintain a Customer and Quality centric
approach. In line with this approach, your Company has successfully
cleared the rigorous surveillance audit for certification to ISO
9001:2008 Quality Management Systems standard. Further, your Company
continues to have a proactive Risk Management approach, and conducts
risk assessment activities on a yearly basis.
In addition to the above the Company maintains its commitment towards
information security and has successfully cleared the ISO 27001:2013
surveillance audit too during FY 2013-14. This certification provides
reassurance to all stakeholders that your Company rates information
security very high, and necessary measures are taken to ensure that non
compliances and vulnerabilities are addressed.
Your Company also has an effective Environment policy and is governed
by it. In this regard, it has also cleared the ISO 14001:2004
re-certification audit, and continues to monitor its environment
management plan, which is developed on the basis of the "Environment
Review".
Your Company has also aligned its in-house IT services to the ISO
20000-1:2011 Standard which ensures that the IT service Management of
the company follow best practices and continues to monitor the services
against the SLAs provided. Your Company was recertified in 2014.
CORPORATE SOCIAL OPPORTUNITY (CSO)
Your Company believes that by involving employees it is merely
integrating its business vision with what it values the most - its
people.
Our CSR activities provide a platform to the employees to help them
transition from being well-wishers to responsible citizen by
participating in societal activities like blood donation, clothes
donation, stationery donation, etc. Our "Reach Out" initiative empowers
an employee to make a monthly monetary contribution through payroll
deduction to NGOs, whose activities benefit children, women, disabled
and the terminally ill. All donations are completely voluntary and
employees have full control over the amount they wish to donate.
We also provide an enabling platform to NGOs to showcase and sell their
products at our premises and our employees wholeheartedly participate
in this social cause.
Our CSO initiatives have been a great success and draw a huge response
from the employees. The innovative CSO initiatives are closely linked
to our practices, events and policies to ensure successful involvement
of all stake holders.
During the year your Company has formed Corporate Social Responsibility
Committee comprising two Independent Non-executive Directors and one
Whole Time Director of the Company. Please refer Corporate Governance
Report for detailed composition and terms of reference of the said
Committee.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Your Company has a risk identification and management system. In the
process of risk management, the risk management system continuously
identifies risks which are related to business, strategy, operations,
market, finance, statutory or legal, technology system and overall
internal control systems of the Company.
INSURANCE
Your Company''s land and building, equipments, automobiles, stores and
spares etc. are adequately insured against major risks. Your Company
also has appropriate insurance cover primarily for life, mediclaim and
accident insurance for all the employees.
INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM AND THEIR ADEQUACY
Your Company has a robust Management Information System which forms an
integral part of control mechanism. The Internal control system is
improved and modified on an on-going basis to meet the changes in
business conditions, accounting and statutory requirements. Internal
Audit plays a key role to ensure that all assets are safeguarded and
protected and that the transactions are authorized, recorded and
reported correctly. The Internal Auditors independently evaluate the
adequacy of internal controls and audit majority of the transactions in
value terms.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company is committed to maintain the highest standards of Corporate
Governance and adhere to the Corporate Governance requirements set out
by SEBI. The report on Corporate Governance, stipulated by Clause 49
of the Listing Agreement, is annexed hereto, and forms part of this
Annual Report.
A Certificate from the Auditors of the Company confirming compliance
with Corporate Governance norms, as stipulated in Clause 49 of the
Listing Agreement, is annexed to the report on Corporate Governance.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS statement
Management Discussion and Analysis Statement forms part of this Annual
Report.
DIRECTORS
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, and the
Company''s Articles of Association, Mr. Dewang Neralla (DIN 00107134),
Director of your Company, retire by rotation at the ensuing Annual
General Meeting (AGM) and being eligible, offer himself for
re-appointment.
During the year under review, Mr. C. Kamdar (DIN 00348385), Mr. R.
Devarajan (DIN 02604441), Mr. P R. Barpande (DIN 00016214), Mr. C. M.
Maniar (DIN 00034121), Mr. N. Balasubramanian (DIN 00288918), Mr. T.
C. Nair (DIN 02689698) Independent Directors and Mr. Ravi Sheth (DIN
00022121), non-executive Director have ceases to be Directors on the
Board of the Company and its Committees. Your Directors place on record
their appreciation for the valuable advice and guidance provided by Mr.
C. Kamdar, Mr. R. Devarajan, Mr. P. R. Barpande, Mr. C. M. Maniar, Mr.
N. Balasubramanian, Mr. T. C. Nair and Mr. Ravi Sheth, during their
association with the Company. It is to inform you that Mr. C. M. Maniar
passed away on June 29, 2014 after brief illness. Your Directors
express their condolences on demise of Mr. C. M. Maniar.
Considering the cessation of the Directors, Mr. Venkat Chary IAS
(Retd.) (DIN 00273036), Mr. Achudanarayanan Nagarajan IAS (Retd.) (DIN
02107169), Justice Rajan J. Kochar (Retd. Judge of Bombay High Court)
(DIN 06710558) and Mr. Rajendran Soundaram (DIN 02686150), having wide
experience in banking domain, were appointed on the Board of the
Company as Non- executive Independent Directors.
Mr. Venkat Chary, Non-executive Independent Director was appointed as
non-executive Chairman of the Company by the Board of Directors of the
Company.
Pursuant to the provisions of Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement, where
the Chairman of the Board is a non- executive director, at least
one-third of the Board should comprise independent Director and as per
Section 149 of the Companies Act 2013 read with relevant Rules thereto,
every listed company shall have at least one-third of the total number
of directors as independent directors. Your Company has 4 (Four)
Non-executive Independent Directors who are Independent Directors
pursuant to the aforesaid provisions. Based on the present composition
of the Board of Directors and the number of Independent Directors, the
Company complies with this requirement.
Your Company is proposing to bring the appointment of Independent
Directors in line with the provisions of the Companies Act 2013 by
confirming them in the ensuing Annual General Meeting. Pursuant to the
provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, the period of appointment of
Independent Directors shall be five consecutive years from the date of
their appointment at Annual General Meeting and they are not liable to
retire by rotation.
As per the information available with the Company, none of the
Directors of the Company is disqualified for being appointed as a
Director as specified in Section 274 of the Companies Act, 1956, as
amended and Section 164 of the Companies Act 2013 including any
amendments or re-enactment thereto.
DIRECTORSÂ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
As required under Section 217 (2AA) of the Companies Act, 1956, the
Directors hereby confirm:
a. that in preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable
accounting standards have been followed and no material departures have
been made from the same;
b. that they have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and they have made judgments and estimates that are
reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the
Company affairs, and profit or loss of the Company, at the end of the
financial year;
c. that they have taken proper and sufficient care to maintain adequate
accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies
Act, 1956, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for
preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d. that they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
SEBI, vide its Circular CIR/CFD/DIL/8/2012 dated August 13, 2012,
amended the Listing Agreement to include the Business Responsibility
Reporting in Annual Reports of top 100 listed entities. As per the said
Circular SEBI mandated that top 100 listed entities, based on market
capitalization at BSE and NSE, include Business Responsibility Report
as part of their Annual Report describing the initiative taken by the
companies from Environmental, Social and Governance Perspective.
The Business Responsibility Reporting as required by Clause 55 of the
Listing Agreement is not applicable to your Company for the financial
year ended March 31, 2014.
AUDITORS
Your Directors would like to inform you that the Company has received a
letter dated 9th June 2014 from the Statutory Auditors M/S Deloitte
Haskins & Sells LLP, Chartered Accountants, Mumbai (Regn. No. 117366W /
W-100018), conveying their unwillingness to continue as the Statutory
Auditors of the Company w.e.f. 09th June 2014.
Pursuant to provisions of Section 139 of the Companies Act 2013 read
with the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules 2014, any casual vacancy
caused in the office of the Statutory Auditors of the Company shall be
filled by the Board of Directors within thirty days of such
resignation, but if such casual vacancy is due to resignation of the
Statutory Auditors, such appointment shall also be approved by the
Company at a general meeting convened within three months of the
recommendation of the Board and the Auditor shall hold the office till
the conclusion of the next annual general meeting.
Considering the casual vacancy in the office of Statutory Auditors, the
Company has vide its letter dated 20th June 2014 approached M/s Sharp &
Tannan Associates, Chartered Accountants, Mumbai (Regn. No. 109983W);
to act as the Statutory Auditors of the Company. M/s Sharp & Tannan
Associates, have conveyed their willingness to act as Statutory
Auditors of the Company vide their letter dated 21st June 2014 and have
given their willingness to be appointed as the Statutory Auditors of
the Company subject to the approval of shareholders in the ensuing
Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors has appointed M/s Sharp
& Tannan Associates as Statutory Auditors of the Company for a period
of 5 years.
In view of the above, the Statutory Auditors of your Company, M/s.
Sharp & Tannan Associates, Chartered Accountants, Mumbai, shall hold
office from the date of their appointment by the Board of Directors
till the conclusion of this Annual General Meeting and shall, subject
to your approval, hold the office of statutory auditors from the
conclusion of this Annual General Meeting until the conclusion of the
Sixth Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held after this
meeting.
It also states that their appointment, if made, is as per eligibility
required to be confirmed under Section 139 of the Companies Act 2013
read with the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules 2014.
Your Directors recommend the appointment of M/s. Sharp & Tannan
Associates, Chartered Accountants, Mumbai, as the statutory auditors of
your Company at the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
STATUTORY INFORMATION
i. Fixed Deposits
During the year, your Company has not accepted or invited any deposits
from public.
ii. Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange
Earnings and Outgo
The particulars as prescribed under sub-section (1) (e) of Section 217
of the Companies Act, 1956, read with Companies (Disclosure of
particulars in report of the Board of Directors) Rules, 1988, are given
in Annexure "A" of this Report.
iii. Transfer of amounts to Investor Education and Protection Fund
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 205A(5) and 205C of the Companies
Act, 1956, relevant amounts which remained unpaid or unclaimed for a
period of 7 years have been transferred by the Company to the Investor
Education and Protection Fund. Details of the amounts transferred to
Investor Education and Protection Fund are covered elsewhere in this
Annual Report.
iv. Particulars of Employees
In terms of the provisions of Section 217(2A) of the Companies Act,
1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of Employees) Rules, 1975,
as amended, the name and other particulars of the employees as required
to be set out in the Annexure to the Directors'' Report are set out as
Annexure "C" to this Directors'' Report.
v. "Group"
The list of Group companies/Associates/joint Ventures where control
exists and forms part of this Annual Report.
vi. Special Business
As regards the items mentioned in the Notice of the Annual General
Meeting related to Special Business, the resolutions incorporated in
the Notice and the Explanatory Statement relating thereto, fully
indicate the reasons for seeking the approval of members to those
proposals. Members'' attention is drawn to these items and Explanatory
Statement annexed to the Notice.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Your Directors place on record their gratitude to the Central
Government, State Government, clients, vendors, financial institutions,
bankers and business associates for their assistance, co-operation and
encouragement extended to your Company.
For the continued support of Investors, business associates and
unstinting efforts of colleagues, your directors also wish to place on
record their sincere thanks and appreciation.
For and on behalf of the Board
Place: Mumbai Venkat Chary Dewang Neralla
Date: 9th August 2014 Chairman Whole-time Director
Mar 31, 2013
To, The Members,
The Directors present the Twenty Fifth Annual Report of your Company
together with the Audited Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st
March, 2013.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE pin million, except per sharedata)
Standalone Consolidated
BBtH Current
Year
Previous
Year Current
Year Previous
Year
Particulars 2012-13 2011-12 2012-13 2011-12
Total Income 6,574.21 7,944.07 9,559.93 8,343.00
Total Operating
Expenditure 1,895.71 2,172.10 5,560.04 5,103.90
EBITDA 4,678.50 5,771.97 3,999.89 3,239.10
Interest 428.37 304.42 979.98 671.78
Depreciation/
amortization 225.40 173.01 326.82 316.40
Profit before tax 4,024.73 5,294.53 2,693.09 2,250.92
Provision for
taxation 795.92 514.24 1,425.46 620.89
Profit after Tax/Net
Profit for the year 3,228.81 4,780.29 1,267.63 1,630.03
Add: Net share of
profit in associates 1,020.36 1,028.31
Add: Net minority
interest in profit
of subsidiaries (13.60) (17.82)
Profit after Tax/Net
Profit for the year 3,228.81 4,780.29 2,274.39 2,640.52
Add: Balance
brought forward
from previous year 17,951.35 125.49 9,090.04 7,404.65
Balance available
for appropriation 21,180.16 905.78 11,364.43 10,045.17
Appropriations
Final dividend
(proposed) 92.16 92.16 92.16 92.16
Interim dividend 276.47 966.47 276.47 276.47
Tax on dividend 60.51 59.80 61.69 59.80
Transfer to General
Reserve 325.30 526.00 325.30 526.00
Transfer to
Statutory
Reserve 0.82 0.70
Transfer to
Security Guarantee
Fund 8.47 0
Balance carried
forward to
Balance Sheet 20,425.72 17,951.35 10,599.52 9,090.04
Earnings per
share
Basic 70.07 103.74 49.36 57.30
Diluted 69.48 103.74 48.42 57.30
RESULT OF OPERATIONS: Consolidated Financials
- During the year under review, the income from operations grew by 50%
to Rs. 752 crores from
Rs. 501 crores for the year ended 31st March 2012.
- Net profit (excluding capital gain on sale/redemption of shares and
diminution in long term investments) for the year ended 31st March
2013, increased by 239% to Rs. 227 crores from
Rs. 67 crores for the year ended 31st March 2012.
Standalone Financials
- The total revenue from operations for the year ended 31st March 2013
was at Rs. 4,509 million as compared to Rs. 4,255 million for the year
ended 31st March 2012, an increase of 6%.
- The standalone profit after tax (excluding capital gain on
sale/redemption of shares and diminution in long term investments)
increased by 21% to Rs. 323 crores from Rs. 267 crores for the year ended
31st March 2012.
Qualification in Audit Report
During the year, there are no qualifications in the Auditor''s Report.
However the Auditor''s report comprising of emphasis of matter with
related to standalone and Consolidated Audit Report which has been
covered elsewhere in this Annual Report including Management Response.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Fiscal Year 2012-13
Your Company''s approach has been multipronged, founded on the three
pillars viz., Technology, Exchanges and Ecosystem Ventures that define
its innovative growth model. The Technology
Vertical of your Company embraces Exchange Technology Solutions,
Brokerage Solutions, Connectivity Solutions and Consulting Solutions.
Exchange Technology Solutions are enabling the world''s leading
exchanges to seamlessly operate in cross-border markets. Keeping pace
with the growing needs of the market, Company''s Exchange Technology
Division has equipped its solutions to cater to fixed income markets as
well as newer asset classes, viz. equity derivatives and currency
options. This division implemented Energy Market Management System
(EMMS) at Gulf Co-operation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA)
to help seamless exchange of electricity between GCC and the
Middle-East countries. GCCIA is a joint stock company subscribed by
the six gulf countries (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the
United Arab Emirates and Oman) formed with the objective to provide
reliable, competitive and sustainable transmission service.
Your Company also leads in India''s brokerage technology solutions space
with ODINTM continuing to be the first choice of every brokerage house
in India holding a major market share in the country''s electronic
trading solutions space. This year, ODINTM''s capabilities were
enhanced to integrate with new exchange segments  MCX-SX equity and
derivative segments, Universal Commodity Exchange (UCX) commodity
futures segment and in primary market for OFS (offer for sale) segment.
Also, ISIN-based news integration was enabled with multiple vendors
such as Heckyl and TickerPlant, among others.
Risk management system/processes (RMS) are being continually boosted
and adapted to the changing global risks scenario and the regulatory
structure, by your Company. During the year, RMS modules have been
revamped and made more dynamic with addition of many advanced RMS
parameters and features that cater to the growing needs of members to
provide robust risk management service to their clients.
During the year under review, your Company launched a new tablet
website solution designed to optimize user experience in the iPAD and
other tablet markets. The Company also launched advanced version of
browser-based trading interface and mobile-trading application to
provide superior trading experience to customers over the internet.
This has enabled customers to access the services anywhere and anytime
with contextual interactions.
This year ODINTM Institutional went live on various execution-based
algorithms, institutional order slicing mechanism (block release), IOI
(indication of interest) functionality, smart order routing (SOR) and
algo orders. Your Company has introduced FIX 24x7 functionality that
enables the sell-side brokers to accept orders all day from buy-side
clients who route orders from different time-zones across the world.
Another milestone was the addition of the Qualified Depositories
Participants (QDP) product suite. These products are specifically
developed for QDP as per the recent regulations laid down by SEBI to
enable Qualified Foreign Investors (QFI) to participate in the Indian
equity markets.
As an endeavor to establish our presence in the OTC Market, your
Company launched a new forex trading product ÂFX-ELITE''. This solution
is specifically developed for providing an automated electronic trading
platform for intra-bank dealing of foreign exchange (spot and forward
contracts) thus enabling a smoother workflow between the Central
Treasury of a Bank and its branches.
Your Company''s Consulting Solution - ESG added to its services -
Datacenter Hosting, which is a low latency proximity
hosting solution that helps clients to host their servers and connect
with various exchanges efficiently using algorithm trading
applications. ESG also added Information Security Awareness Programs
that enable secured IT Infrastructure for clients.
Along with technological competences and domain expertise, your Company
is today the world''s largest creator of green- field exchanges and
complementing them with ecosystem ventures that strengthen the scope of
financial markets. Its wide institutional framework of exchanges and
ecosystem ventures formulate a comprehensive market structure not only
in India but also globally.
In the commodity exchange space in India, MCX maintained its leadership
position with a market share of 87.3% in the year. It has recorded the
highest-ever daily turnover of Rs. 1,199.41 billion. MCX launched two
new contracts  ÂKapasia Khalli'' and ÂSilver 1000'' during the year.
NSEL, in its bid to enrich its e-Series bouquet of investment product,
added the Âe-Platinum''. It, also, undertook MSP pulses and oilseed
procurement for SFAC in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan and procured
the agro-commodities worth over Rs. 2.39 cr. In a drive to bring
coffee-growers under the umbrella of its services, NSEL signed a pact
with Coffee Board of India to create a Warehouse Receipt-based
electronic Spot Market for coffee beans.
Your Company''s another exchange venture in energy segment; IEX
successfully completed 5 years and continues to be India''s first and
premier power exchange with 95% market share. IEX recorded highest-
ever cleared volume 91,675 MWh for delivery day 24th March, 2013 and
unconstrained volume of 115,036 MWh for delivery day 31st March 2013 in
Day-Ahead Market (DAM) segment. IEX recorded highest-ever REC traded
in a single trading session - 309,892 (March 2013 session).
Among your Company''s international exchanges spread across Asia,
Middle-East and Africa, SMX has successfully launched the negotiated
trade facility across all its products and became a correspondent
exchange of World Federation of Exchanges (WEF). SMX bagged 3 Awards
at ÂFOW Awards for Asia 2012'', including the most innovative new
contract launch by an Exchange for ÂSMEURUSD'' and ÂSMPEPPER''.
BFX became a member of the Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB).
Additionally, BFX futures trading since its launch on 23rd November
2011 up to 31st March 2013, increased to USD 68.16 billion. This year
BFX conducted several educational workshops titled ÂUnderstanding the
Financial Derivatives Markets from Theory to Practice'' for university
students in the Kingdom of Bahrain under its corporate social
responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
GBOT collaborated with University of Technology, Mauritius, to promote
education on financial markets through workshops, certification courses
and simulation on GBOT markets. GBOT conducted over 50 EDGE
(Empowerment & Development through ÂGlobal Financial Markets''
Education) workshops with in-house and external experts from the
financial fraternity.
With respect to the ecosystem ventures, NBHC successfully associated
with new banks and other financial institutions this year namely,
Central Bank of India, Hadoti Kshetriya Gramin Bank, J&K Bank, Dombivli
Nagari Sahakari Bank, Ratnakar Bank and L&T Finance Holdings. atom
Technologies is a payment service provider providing payment processing
through Internet, IVR,
Mobile and POS. atom Technologies provides financial inclusion
technology solutions combining mobile and biometric technologies, and
micro-finance products. Amongst other developments, atom Technologies
launched IMPS based payment options, and mobile banking. Additionally,
it has enhanced its payments portfolio to include multi bank EMI.
Among other notable developments, TickerPlant incorporated new
functionalities in its product offerings with commissioned enhancements
in decision support tools, pivot point analytics and technical
indicators like Ichimoku and smoothened RSI. It has seamlessly
integrated MCX-SX Cash and F&O segments, and ACE exchange.
Detailed information on each of these business lines and their
respective ventures has been covered elsewhere in this Annual Report.
DIVIDEND
The Company follows a stable dividend payout policy. Your Company has
paid consecutive dividend for last 29 quarters which is in accordance
with sustainable dividend payout policy of the Company and linked to
its long term growth objectives. During the year under review, your
Company paid three interim dividends totaling Rs. 276.47 million (Rs. 6 per
share on par value of Rs. 2/- per share). The Directors recommended a
final dividend of Rs. 2/- per share, subject to the approval of the
shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The total dividend
 including interim and final  aggregated Rs. 8/- per share, for the
financial year ended 31st March 2013 (previous year Rs. 8/- per share on
par value of Rs. 2/- each). The total appropriation on account of
interim and final dividend and tax thereon amounts to Rs. 429.15 million.
The final dividend, if approved, will be paid to those members whose
names appear in the Register of Members as on the date of the Annual
General Meeting.
The break-up of the dividend payouts are as under:
(Rs. in million, except dividend per share data)
Final Interim Dividends
Dividend
Particulars 1st
Interim 2nd
Interim 3rd
Interim Proposed TOTAL
Dividend per share 2 2 2 2 8
Dividend 92.16 92.16 92.16 92.16 368.64
Tax 14.95 14.95 14.95 15.66 60.51
TOTAL 107.11 107.11 107.11 107.82 429.15
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
The Company proposes to transfer Rs. 325.30 million to General Reserve
out of the amount available for appropriations and an amount of Rs.
20,425.72 million is proposed to be retained in Profit and Loss
Account.
SHARE CAPITAL
There was no change in the Share Capital of the Company during the year
under review. As on 31st March 2013, the paid-up equity Share Capital
of your Company stood at Rs. 92.16 million comprising 46,078,537 equity
shares of Rs. 2/- each.
INVESTMENT
At the end of FY 2012-13, your Company''s Investments (current non-
current) stood at Rs. 22,150.76 million, as compared to Rs. 17,380.39
million in the previous year, a healthy increase of 27% over the
previous year. The total investment mainly comprised of investment in
mutual funds, subsidiaries, joint venture and associate companies. For
more details, please refer to the audited financial statements, covered
elsewhere in this Annual Report.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Your Company is an entrepreneur driven organization which is managed by
industry professionals and stalwarts.
High learning and growth opportunities have seen many employees grow to
leadership ranks within a short span of time. Sense of Organization
pride and belonging is high, which has resulted in a lower attrition
rate and high retention of talent.
Your Company believes in improving its human capital by way of
imparting development programs and trainings. During the year under
review your Company launched a number of programs across the board
ranging from self-development, soft skill enhancements and leadership
programs to name a few. During the year a certification program to
evaluate and benchmark technical skills for employees and to have a
skill inventory in the organization was organized. Your Company also
launched leadership and soft skills building programs for middle and
junior management respectively. All processes with respect to human
resources are fully automated and online thus ensuring that information
is available at fingertips for employees as well as speed in
operations.
Your Company believes that being driven by commitment, aided by
technology and quality practices, Financial Technologies is a great
place to work.
As of 31st March 2013, the total employee strength (excluding Group
Companies) stood at 1,186.
AWARDS/RECOGNITION
Awards and recognition received by your Company and its associate and
subsidiary companies during the year is covered elsewhere in this
Annual Report.
SUBSIDIARIES
As per Section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956, Company is required to
attach the Directors'' Report, Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss of its
subsidiaries.
In view of the general exemption granted by the Ministry of Corporate
Affairs, the Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account,
Report of the Board of Directors and Auditors of the Subsidiaries are
not attached and do not form a part of this Annual Report.
These documents will be made available upon written request by any
shareholder of the Company interested in obtaining the same. However,
the financial data of the subsidiaries has been furnished under
''Statement Regarding Subsidiary Companies'', which forms a part of this
Annual Report. Further, pursuant to the Accounting Standard AS-21
issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Consolidated
Financial Statements presented by the Company includes financial
information of its subsidiaries.
The statement pursuant to Section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956,
containing details of subsidiaries of the Company, forms a part of this
Annual Report.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Your Company, as a part of its core business strategy, promotes and
invests in new ventures that utilize your Company''s technological
capabilities and domain expertise by way of subsidiary companies
setting up Exchanges or Ecosystem Ventures. Your Company carries out
transactions with related parties on an arms-length basis.
Statement of these transactions given in the Notes to Accounts in
compliance of Accounting Standard AS-18, which forms a part of this
Annual Report.
EMPLOYEES STOCK OPTION PLAN (ESOP)
During the year under review, the Committee issued 74,350 and 112,280
stock options under ESOP Scheme 2009 and ESOP Scheme 2010,
respectively, in lieu of lapsed/cancelled stock options at an exercise
price of Rs. 807.70 per share.
As on 31st March 2013, 892,500 and 880,955 stock options under ESOP
Scheme 2009 and ESOP Scheme 2010, respectively, are in force.
Requisite disclosure in respect of the Employee Stock Option Scheme in
terms of Guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(Employee Stock Option Scheme and Employee Share Purchase Scheme)
Guidelines 1999, as amended, has been provided in Annexure "B" in this
Report.
QUALITY
Streamlined processes, customer orientation, and Information Security
have always been of paramount importance in your Company''s business
agenda. In continuation with its quest for quality driven services,
your Company has successfully cleared its surveillance audit for ISO
9001:2008, after rigorous audits across its business operations.
Besides effective processes, your Company continues to maintain an
effective Information Security driven culture. Its commitment to
maintain confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical
information can be witnessed through the retaining of the ISO
27001:2005 certificate for Information Security. Your Company
continues to maintain international standards in the area of
information and data security.
Further, your Company continues to maintain best-in-class IT services,
and has upgraded its certification for Information Technology Service
Management. FTIL has successfully cleared the re-certification audit
for ISO 20000:2011 for its Service Management which is based on the
ITIL© framework. IT services within FTIL are aligned with best
practices as mandated by this international ISO standard.
This year, your Company has gone a step ahead, and decided to showcase
its dedication towards sustaining the Environment. Your Company has
achieved the ISO 14001:2004 certification for effective Environment
Management Standards, and for being an Environment-Friendly
organization.
The above certifications are in line with our vision of becoming a
globally recognized Company that provides high quality software and
business solutions.
CORPORATE SOCIAL OPPORTUNITY (CSO)
During the FY 2012-13, Financial Technologies undertook a review to
assess its business implications on society and the environment. Thus,
CSO is conceptually integrated into the core businesses with the value
proposition of being steady contributors to inclusive and sustainable
growth through co- creation of business and social value. The Group
CSO function is focused on reviewing material social and environmental
impacts and creating internal mechanisms for strengthening and
reporting on these.
The key sustainability and inclusion aspects of the Financial
Technologies are:
Inclusive growth across multiple value chains:
Given the nature of the group''s core businesses, innovation for
inclusion is the overarching theme. Its commodity, financial assets
and electricity trading exchanges are creating efficient and
transparent markets, the most powerful change agents to democratize
access to economic opportunities. Together with the ecosystem
companies the commodity and financial exchanges impact stakeholders
across various value chains, in trading activity, risk management,
price discovery, payment and collateral management solutions and
information empowerment. The energy exchange has provided a
transparent and efficient platform for trading in electricity and
Renewable Energy Certificates thus bringing down the demand-supply gap
between buyers and sellers of power, with a positive impact on SME
operations as well.
Inclusive product design:
MCX has created micro contracts that make price risk management
accessible to small participants exposed to global commodity price
volatility. NBHC has been instrumental in making agricultural
commodity funding through warehouse receipts a real bankable
proposition for banks with its integrated collateral management
strategy and it issues receipts for values as small as Rs. 5,000. atom
Technologies provides financial inclusion technology solutions
combining mobile and biometric technologies, and micro-finance
products. TickerPlant offers cost- effective, modular market data
services compared with expensive bundled services from existing large
players. These services provide information empowerment to farmers and
small enterprises across smaller towns and rural India.
Financial market education:
Your Company strongly believes the importance of financial market
education in enabling financial inclusion. Through its group ventures,
it has been offering various financial market courses to increase
awareness on:
1. Advantages of being a part of the formal banking system as against
being unbanked.
2. Investing through transparent and efficient financial markets to
augment personal growth.
3. Enhance return on personal savings by employing it in formal
financial market instruments, contributing to economic development in
the process.
Sustainable technology:
Your Company''s technological prowess supports green data centres,
robust risk-management systems and environmentally efficient operations
catering to various businesses as they expand their footprint.
Your Company continues to encourage and support employees who wish to
contribute towards social causes and institutions, by offering suitable
platforms and an annual calendar of events.
- Annual blood donation drive was held on 28th May 2012 in association
with BSES Hospital (Rotary Blood Bank).
- As part of our commitment to our planet, World Environment Day (WED)
2012 - June 5th was celebrated at the office. There was an awareness
campaign with employees in alignment with the UNEP Â (United Nations
Environment Programme)''s theme for WED 2012: ÂGreen Economy: Does it
include youRs.'' as well as a photography talent recognition on the theme
of ÂHuman impact on our environment''.
- A donation drive was organized on 13th and 14th August 2012.
Children''s clothes and shoes donated by employees were sent to Mumbai
Mobile Creches (MMC). MMC is an NGO working for all over development
of the children at construction sites. Their creches provide food,
health facilities and education to children of construction site
workers. Adults'' clothes and shoes along with books and stationery
were sent to Goonj, the NGO, which channelized the donations for
beneficiaries from underprivileged and vulnerable communities.
- Employees participated in the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2013
and funding so raised was pledged to Mumbai Mobile Creches (MMC).
- An exhibition of products made by children of NGO Â Aseema was held
on 14th August 2012. Aseema strives to protect and promote the rights
of underprivileged children and women. Products ranging from dupattas,
bags, lamp shades, coasters and cards were bought by employees. On
Junior''s Day and Christmas, an exhibition of books by Pratham - an NGO
which works towards providing quality education to underprivileged
children in India - was held for the sale of low cost books. On 9th
November 2012, on the occasion of Diwali, exhibition of products by
members of IDOBRO
(a platform for small scale women artisan groups and entrepreneurs) was
organized.
- On International Women''s Day
2013, FTIL facilitated another IDOBRO sale of handmade artifacts, food
products, etc. for employees. We continue to partner with IDOBRO for
Âimpact shopping'', at our office at key events through the year.
- Employees support five NGOs working for different causes through
Reach Out - the monthly Payroll Giving programme. These NGOs are
Akshay Patra Foundation, National Association for the Blind, Ashadeep
Association, Cancer Patients'' Aid Association and Save the Children
India.
- During the FY 2012-13 the Company has given donations to Charitable
institutions for their various charitable activities like for
education, health & medical etc.
- To support relief work for victims of the natural disaster that
recent struck Uttarakhand, group employees collectively donated a sum
of Rs. 3.14 Lakh. Relief material such as clothes, woolens and dry
ration was collected. The monetary and relief material were sent to
Goonj, the NGO, which is appropriately channelizing the donations for
relief work in the region.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Risk Management Committee (RMC) was constituted to assist the Board
in overseeing responsibilities with regard to identification,
assessment, control/mitigation and escalation/monitoring of risks. The
RMC is mandated to review, upgrade and penetrate the process to address
and minimize the operational and other risks associated with the
Company and business units on a continuous basis.
INSURANCE
Your Company''s land and building, equipment, automobiles, stores and
spares etc. are adequately insured against major risks. Your Company
also has appropriate insurance cover primarily for error & omission,
commercial general liability and directors & officers'' liability, apart
from life, mediclaim and accident insurance for all the employees.
INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY
Your Company has a robust Management Information System which forms an
integral part of control mechanism. The Internal control system is
improved and modified on an on-going basis to meet the changes in
business conditions, accounting and statutory requirements. Internal
Audit plays a key role to ensure that all assets are safeguarded and
protected and that the transactions are authorized, recorded and
reported correctly. The Internal
Auditors independently evaluate the adequacy of internal controls and
audit majority of the transactions in value terms.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company is committed to maintain the highest standard of Corporate
Governance and adhere to the Corporate Governance requirements set out
by SEBI. The report on Corporate Governance, stipulated by Clause 49
of the Listing Agreement, is annexed hereto, and forms part of this
Annual Report.
A Certificate from the Auditors of the Company confirming compliance
with Corporate Governance norms, as stipulated in Clause 49 of the
Listing Agreement, is annexed to the report on Corporate Governance.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS STATEMENT
Management Discussion and Analysis Statement forms part of this Annual
Report.
DIRECTORS
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, and the
Company''s Articles of Association, Mr. Ravi Sheth and Mr. C. M.
Maniar, Directors of your Company, retire by rotation at the ensuing
Annual General Meeting (AGM) and being eligible, offer themselves for
re-appointment.
Mr. P. G. Kakodkar, Independent Director, has resigned from the
Board and its Committees and he ceases to be the Director of the
Company. Your Directors place on record their appreciation for the
valuable advice and guidance provided by Mr. Kakodkar during his long
association with the Company.
As per the information available with the Company, none of the
Directors of the Company are disqualified for being appointed as a
Director as specified in Section 274 of the Companies Act, 1956, as
amended.
DIRECTORS'' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
As required under Section 217 (2AA) of the Companies Act, 1956, the
Directors hereby confirm:
a. that applicable accounting standards have been followed along with
the explanation relating to material departures during the preparation
of the annual accounts;
b. that they have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and they have made judgments and estimates that are
reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the
Company affairs, and profit or loss of the Company, at the end of the
financial year;
c. that they have taken proper and sufficient care to maintain
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Act, 1956, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for
preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d. that they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
SEBI, vide its Circular CIR/CFD/DIL/8/2012 dated 13th August 2012,
amended the Listing Agreement to include the Business Responsibility
Reporting in Annual Reports of top 100 listed entities. As per the
said Circular SEBI mandated that top 100 listed entities, based on
market capitalization at BSE and NSE, include Business Responsibility
Report as part of their Annual Report describing the initiative taken
by the companies from Environmental, Social and Governance Perspective.
The Business Responsibility Reporting as required by Clause 55 of the
Listing Agreement is not applicable to your Company for the financial
year ended 31st March 2013.
AUDITORS
M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells - Chartered Accountants, the Statutory
Auditors, will hold office until the conclusion of the ensuing Annual
General Meeting. The Company has received necessary certificate from
the Auditors, pursuant to Section 224 (1B) of the Companies Act, 1956
regarding their eligibility for re-appointment. The members are
requested to consider appointment of
M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells as the Statutory Auditors at the ensuing
Annual General Meeting.
STATUTORY INFORMATION i. Fixed Deposits
During the year, your Company has not accepted or invited any deposits
from public.
ii. Particulars of Employees
In terms of the provisions of Section 217(2A) of the Companies Act,
1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of
Employees) Rules, 1975, as amended, the name and other particulars of
the employees are required to be set out in the Annexure to the
Directors'' Report. However, as per the provisions of Section
219(1)(b)(iv) of the said Act, the Annual Report, excluding the
aforesaid information is being sent to all the Members of the Company
and others entitled thereto. Members who are interested in obtaining
such particulars may write to the Company at its Registered Office.
iii. Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange
Earnings and Outgo
The particulars as prescribed under sub-section (1)(e) of Section 217
of the Companies Act, 1956, read with Companies (Disclosure of
particulars in report of the Board of Directors) Rules, 1988, are given
in Annexure "A" of this Report.
iv. Transfer of amounts to Investor Education and Protection Fund
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 205A(5) and 205C of the Companies
Act, 1956, relevant amounts which remained unpaid or unclaimed for a
period of 7 years have been transferred by the Company to the Investor
Education and Protection Fund. Details of the amounts transferred to
Investor Education and Protection Fund are covered elsewhere in this
Annual Report.
v. "Group"
The list of Group
Companies/Associates/Joint Ventures where control exists forms part of
this Annual Report.
vi. Special Business
As regards the items mentioned in the Notice of the Annual General
Meeting related to Special Business, the resolutions incorporated in
the Notice and the Explanatory Statement relating thereto, fully
indicate the reasons for seeking the approval of members to those
proposals. Members'' attention is drawn to these items and Explanatory
Statement annexed to the Notice.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors place on record their gratitude to the Central
Government, State Government, clients, vendors, financial institutions,
bankers and business associates for their assistance, co- operation and
encouragement extended to your Company.
For the continued support of Investors, business associates and
unstinting efforts of colleagues, your directors also wish to place on
record their sincere thanks and appreciation.
For and on behalf of the Board
Place: Mumbai Dewang Neralla P. R. Barpande
Date: 30th July 2013 Whole-time
Director Director
Mar 31, 2012
The Members,
The Directors present the Twenty Fourth Annual Report of your Company
together with the Audited Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st
March, 2012.
Financial Performance (Rs. million, except per share data)
Standalone
Current Year Previous Year
Particulars 2011-12 2010-11
Total Income 7,944.07 4,997.51
Total Operating Expenditure 2,172.11 2,270.73
EBITDA 5,771.96 2,726.78
Finance Cost 304.42 7.03
Depreciation/ amortization 173.01 110.89
Profit before tax and exceptional
item 5,294.53 2,608.86
Exceptional item -- 2,091.65
Profit before tax 5,294.53 517.21
Tax expense / (credit) 514.24 (402.14)
Net Profit for the year 4,780.29 919.35
Add: Balance brought forward from 14,125.49 13,759.28
previous Year
Balance Available for appropriation 18,905.78 14,678.63
Appropriations
Final dividend (proposed) 92.16 92.16
Interim dividend 276.47 276.47
Tax on dividend 59.80 60.51
Transfer to General Reserve 526.00 124.00
Balance carried forward to
Balance Sheet 17,951.35 14,125.49
Earnings per share
Basic & Diluted (Rs.) 103.74 19.95
Result of Operations:
Standalone Financials
During the financial year 2011-12, the revenue from operations of the
Company stood at Rs.4,255.48 million, against Rs.3,576.85 million in the
previous year, an increase of 18.97%. The net profit after tax was
Rs.4,780.29 million, against profit after tax of R919.35 million in the
previous year, an increase of 419.97%.
Business Overview: Fiscal Year 2011-12
The Financial Technologies Group has three business lines namely
Technology, Exchange and Ecosystem. The Technology business provides
trading technology solutions which spans the trading life cycle viz.
pre-trade, trade and post-trade. The Group's expertise and experience
in creating trading technology solutions presents it a unique advantage
in creating and operating exchanges across various asset classes and in
various geographies. The Group has also been a pioneer in leveraging
its technology and exchange creation expertise to create Ecosystem
ventures which address opportunities around the exchanges in the realm
of clearing and settlement, warehousing and collateral management,
information dissemination, knowledge training, and digital
transactions, among others.
Under its Technology business, your Company has been creating solutions
customized to suit the requirements of the clients while also keeping
pace with the latest market developments. During the year, your
Company deployed Energy solution à PowerARMSTM (Power Automated Risk &
Matching System), which enables trading, risk management and clearing &
settlement for the Day Ahead Market at the Indian Energy Exchange
(IEX). In order to manage growing volumes of trading data, your Company
adopted eXtremeDB, from McObjectî, in its Microsoft based trading
platform à DOME (Distributed Order Management Engine) and in other
software products responsible for aggregating data from multiple
sources, filtering it to support end-user requests, and enabling
recognition of patterns of interest. Your Company deployed DOME and CnS
(Clearing & Settlement) at the Bahrain Financial Exchange (BFX) to
enable efficient trading, risk management, clearing & settlement and
data dissemination at the exchange which commenced trading last year.
ODINTM, your Company's flagship Brokerage product, continues to be the
first choice of every brokerage house in India and holds a major market
share in the country's electronic trading solutions space. In the
current year, ODINTM's capabilities have been enhanced to enable trade
in new exchange segments such as NSE Currency Derivatives. Many RMS
features have also been added to ODINTM to enable efficient risk
management and customized messaging delivery through various channels
such as email, SMS, Online, etc. ODINTM has been made two-factor-
authentication compliant as well.
ODINTM Program Trading, your Company's product offering in automated
trading, has been significantly augmented in terms of speed, execution
capabilities and execution avenues such as NSE, BSE, NCDEX, etc. For
large Institutions, your Company has introduced execution based ALGOs,
which enable better execution of large quantity orders. These ALGOs
maintain anonymity, minimize market impact in price volatility, and
help achieve a better trade price in the market. For Propdesk Traders,
your Company has launched over 30 strategies in different categories
including Arbitrage-based, Technical Trading-based, Options based and
Execution-based strategies among others.
For Browser-based Trading, your Company has introduced a new platform
using cutting edge technology, which equips the user with better User
Interface and enriched look and feel. It also enables ease of
operations, and offers capabilities such as advanced charting and user
defined customization which have been well appreciated by the market
participants. Your Company has also launched mobile trading solution
using smart phones and tablets which run on iOS, Android, Blackberry
OS, etc.
Your Company is one of the leading providers of end-to-end STP
technology solutions for Institutional Investors and related
counterparts. Its intelligent messaging solutions provide a seamless
STP framework and bring brokers, fund managers and custodians together
through secure online connectivity on a common messaging platform.
In its Exchange business, the Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd.
(MCX), promoted by your Company became the first listed Exchange in
India. In terms of the number of futures contracts traded in CY 2011,
MCX was the third largest commodity exchange (Source: data published on
the websites of exchanges and FIA Annual Volume Survey released in
March 2012). MCX continued to be the market leader in FY 2011-12 with
86% market share of India's commodity derivatives market. Companies
promoted by your Company, viz. spot exchange, National Spot Exchange
Ltd. (NSEL) and energy exchange, Indian Energy Exchange Ltd. (IEX) led
their respective markets with market share of 99% and 92%,
respectively. Your Company's international exchange venture, Singapore
Mercantile Exchange (SMX) has been named as the fastest growing
exchange in the world by FOW 2011 Contract Review.
Your Company's Ecosystem businesses have been increasing their foothold
in the Indian market and enhancing the reach of the exchange ventures.
National Bulk Handling Corporation (NBHC), your Company's warehousing
and collateral management initiative, has enhanced its network in 19
Indian states and caters to over 160 commodities. atom Technologies
(atom), your Company's digital transaction initiative, won the SKOCH
Financial Inclusion Award for Technology.
Detailed information on each of these business lines and their
respective ventures has been covered elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Dividend
During the year under review, your Company paid three interim dividends
totaling Rs.276.48 million (Rs.6 per share on par value of Rs.2/- per share).
The Directors recommended a final dividend of Rs.2/- per share i.e.100%
on par value of Rs.2/- each, subject to the approval of the shareholders
at the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The total dividend à including
interim and final à aggregated Rs.8/- per share, i.e. 400% on par value
of Rs.2/- each for the financial year ended 31st March, 2012 (in the
previous year a total dividend of Rs.8/- per share on par value of Rs.2/-
each i.e. 400% was paid). The total appropriation on account of interim
and final dividend and tax thereon aggregating to Rs.428.44 million.
The final dividend, if approved, will be paid to those members whose
names appear in the Register of Members as on the date of the Annual
General Meeting.
The break-up of the dividend payouts is as under:
(Rs.in million except dividend per share data)
Final
Interim Dividends Dividend Total
1st 2nd 3rd
Particulars Interim Interim Interim Proposed
Dividend per share 2 2 2 2 8
(in Rs.)
Dividend 92.16 92.16 92.16 92.16 368.64
(Amt. in Rs.million)
Tax 14.95 14.95 14.95 14.95 59.80
(Amt. in Rs.million)
Total 107.11 107.11 107.11 107.11 428.44
(Amt. in Rs.million)
Transfer to Reserves
The Company proposes to transfer Rs.526.00 million to the General
Reserve, out of the amount available for appropriations, and an amount
of Rs.17,951.35 million is proposed to be retained in the Profit and Loss
Account.
Share Capital and Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs)
a) Equity
There was no change in the Share Capital of the Company during the year
under review. As on 31st March, 2012, the paid-up Share Capital of your
Company stood at Rs.92.16 million comprising 46,078,537 equity shares of
Rs.2/- each.
b) Zero Coupon Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (ZCCBs)
During the year under review, 90,500 ZCCBs having face value of US$
1,000 each were repaid by the Company on the due date i.e. 21st
December, 2011 and the Bonds were delisted from the Singapore Exchange
Securities Trading Limited w.e.f. 27th December, 2011 and there is no
outstanding as on 31st March, 2012.
Investment
At the end of FY 2011-12, your Company's investments (current
non-current) stood at Rs.17,380.39 million, as compared to Rs.18,504.38
million in the previous fiscal. The total investment mainly comprised
of investment in mutual funds, subsidiaries, joint venture and
associate companies. The reduction in investments was mainly on account
of reduction in capital by two of its subsidiaries viz. atom
Technologies Ltd. and TickerPlant Ltd. as approved by the Hon'ble High
Court, Bombay. For more details, please refer to the audited financial
statements, covered elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Human Resource Development
Your Company believes in providing a stimulating environment that helps
develop core competencies in employees and equips them to excel in a
dynamic business environment. The Human Resources (HR) philosophy of
your Company is to create pride, trust and camaraderie, and treat every
employee as an employer and a customer. HR believes in partnering with
the employees to ensure that they succeed. It emphasizes on quality
teamwork to build a progressive organization empowered by technology
and aided by processes that deliver a consistent superior value to its
clients. Knowledge, information, experience and resource sharing across
all levels is encouraged to ensure development of core c ompetencies
amongst employees. Your Company believes in making work an enjoyable
experience by providing the right balance between work and fun. Open
communication is established across all levels through varied
communication channels such as Open House, Departmental meets, HR Zone
(e-HR), among others. The e-mail facility of HR ensures that the HR
team is always available to understand issues and help employees. Your
Company is driven by commitment and aided by technology and quality
practices, which has made it a great place to work.
As of 31st March, 2012, the total employee strength of your Company
(excluding your Company's associate and subsidiary companies) stood at
1,155.
Awards/Recognition
Awards and recognition received by your Company and its associate and
subsidiary companies during the year is covered elsewhere in this
Annual Report.
Subsidiaries
As per Section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956, the Company is required
to attach the Directors' Report, Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss of
its subsidiaries. The Central Government has granted general exemption
from complying with Section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956 to all
companies vide Notification number 5/12/2007-CL- III dated 8th
February, 2011.
In terms of the exemption vide notification as stated above, the
Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account, Reports of the Board and
Auditors of the subsidiaries do not form a part of this Annual Report.
These documents will be made available upon written request by any
shareholder of the Company interested in obtaining the same. However,
the financial data of the subsidiaries has been furnished under
'Statement Regarding Subsidiary Companies', which forms a part of this
Annual Report. Further, pursuant to the Accounting Standard AS-21
issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Consolidated
Financial Statements presented by the Company includes financial
information of its subsidiaries.
The statement pursuant to Section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956,
containing details of subsidiaries of the Company, forms a part of this
Annual Report.
Related Party Transactions
Your Company, as a part of its core business strategy, promotes and
invests in new ventures that utilize your Company's technological
capabilities and domain expertise by way of subsidiary companies
setting up Exchanges or Ecosystem Ventures. Your Company carries out
transactions with related parties as per their requirements on an
arms-length basis.
Statement of these transactions is given in the Notes to Accounts in
compliance of Accounting Standard AS-18, which forms a part of this
Annual Report.
Employees Stock Option Plan (ESOP)
During the year under review, under ESOP Schemes 2009 and 2010, your
Company granted 18,00,000 stock options to various employees at an
exercise price of R770/- per share and are in force as on 31st March,
2012.
Requisite disclosure in respect of the Employee Stock Option Scheme in
terms of Guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(Employee Stock Option Scheme and Employee Share Purchase Scheme)
Guidelines 1999 has been provided in Annexure "B" in this Report.
Quality
Reinforcing its commitment towards high levels of quality and
best-in-class services, this year your Company moved a step forward,
and certified to ISO/IEC 20000:2005 standard for its Information
Technology Service Management System. This certification is based on
the ITILé framework which was popularly known as BS 15000. The standard
mandates organizations to establish service objectives, based on
defined business objectives, and customer requirements.
Further, your Company continues to maintain an effective Quality
Management Framework, which is again in line with its business
objectives. Over the years, your Company has evolved with mature
processes, which assist in commendably reducing unpredictability across
various business operations. In affirmation of your Company's
dedication and commitment towards sustaining a robust Quality
Management System, it successfully cleared the ISO 9001:2008
Surveillance Audit, after rigorous process audits across all its key
operations.
Your Company's commitment towards ensuring Information Security and
providing assurance to its stakeholders
continues. Aligned to this objective, your Company has a proactive Risk
Management approach, and ensures that risk assessment activities are
carried out on a periodic basis. This year too, your Company underwent
stringent information security related audits, for its Information
Security Management System, and retained its ISO/IEC 27001:2005
certificate. These accolades are in line with your Company's vision of
becoming a globally recognized company that provides high quality
software and business solutions.
Risk Management
The Risk Management Committee (RMC) was constituted to assist the Board
in overseeing responsibilities with regard to identification,
assessment, control/mitigation and escalation/ monitoring of risks. The
RMC is mandated to review, upgrade and penetrate the process to address
and minimize the operational and other risks associated with the
Company, its associate and subsidiary companies and business units on a
continuous basis.
Insurance
Your Company's land and building, equipments, automobiles, stores and
spares etc. are adequately insured against major risks. Your Company
also has appropriate insurance cover primarily for error and omission,
and directors and officers' liability, apart from life, mediclaim and
accident insurance for all the employees.
Internal Control System and Their Adequacy
Your Company has a well-placed, proper and adequate internal control
system, which ensures that all assets are safeguarded and protected and
that the transactions are authorized, recorded and reported correctly.
The Internal control system is improved and modified on an on-going
basis to meet the changes in business conditions, accounting and
statutory requirements. The Internal Auditors independently evaluate
the adequacy of internal controls and concurrently audit the majority
of the transactions in value terms.
Corporate Governance
Your Company is committed to good Corporate Governance Practices. The
report on Corporate Governance, as stipulated in Clause 49 of the
Listing Agreement, is annexed hereto, and forms a part of this Annual
Report.
A Certificate from the Auditors of the Company regarding compliance
with Corporate Governance norms, as stipulated in Clause 49 of the
Listing Agreement, is annexed to the report on Corporate Governance.
Management Discussion and Analysis Statement
Management's Discussions and Analysis Statement forms a part of this
Annual Report.
Corporate Social Opportunity (CSO)
The year 2011-12 was an eventful one from the Corporate Social
Opportunity perspective of the Company in terms of the various
activities conducted during the year, thereby creating a significant
impact on the society and community at large.
- The 5th nationwide blood donation drive was organized on 23rd May
2011 in association with BSES Hospital (Rotary Blood Bank). Two hundred
and sixty seven (267) units were collected.
- World Environment Day was celebrated by your Company, its associate
and subsidiary companies. With an aim to sensitize employees about
environment conservation, a series of activities were organized. Some
employees volunteered at Ashadeep Association, an NGO, where a
discussion on environmental conservation was organized.
- On the occasion of Children's Day (14th November) online books
donation campaign was launched with the Pratham Books. Donations
collected from the employees were utilized to purchase books, which
were distributed among the under privileged children.
- World HIV/AIDS Day was celebrated on 1st December, 2011. Posters
aimed at creating awareness on HIV/AIDS were displayed at prominent
places in the office premises.
- Your Company participated in the 9th Standard Chartered Mumbai
Marathon 2012 and pledged its support to Aditya Jyot Foundation, which
reaches out to the low income groups of the society through free eye
camps and free eye treatment. The employees who participated in the
Marathon also visited the Aditya Jyot Hospital located in Wadala,
Mumbai and learnt about the vision, mission and operations of the
organisation.
- On the occasion of Women's Day 2012, your Company partnered with
IDOBRO Ã a platform for small scale women artisan groups and
entrepreneurs. An online shopping portal of artifacts for employees was
designed helping the NGO to generate rs.28,766/- through sale of various
handmade products.
Directors
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, and the
Company's Articles of Association, Mr. R. Devarajan and Mr. P. R.
Barpande, Directors of your Company, retire by rotation at the ensuing
Annual General Meeting (AGM), and being eligible, offer themselves for
re-appointment. During the year, the Board re-appointed Mr. Jignesh
Shah as the Managing Director and Mr. Dewang Neralla as a Whole-time
Director for a further period of three years w.e.f. 31st January, 2012.
The Board also inducted Mr. Manjay Shah as a Board member and
designated him as Whole-time Director of the Company w.e.f. 01st April,
2012, subject to the approval of shareholders in the ensuing Annual
General Meeting.
As per the information available with the Company, none of the
Directors of the Company are disqualified for being appointed as a
Director as specified in Section 274 of the Companies Act, 1956, as
amended.
Directors' Responsibility Statement
As required under Section 217 (2AA) of the Companies Act, 1956, the
Directors hereby confirm:
a. That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable
accounting standards have been followed and no material departures have
been made from the same;
b. that they have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and they have made judgments and estimates that are
reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the
Company affairs, and profit or loss of the Company, at the end of the
financial year;
c. that they have taken proper and sufficient care to maintain
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Act, 1956, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for
preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d. that they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis.
Auditors
M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells - Chartered Accountants, the Statutory
Auditors, will hold office until the conclusion of the ensuing Annual
General Meeting. The Company has received necessary certificate from
the Auditors, pursuant to Section 224 (1B) of the Companies Act, 1956
regarding their eligibility for re-appointment. The members are
requested to consider appointment of M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells as
the Statutory Auditors at the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
Statutory Information
i. Fixed Deposits
During the year, your Company has not accepted or invited any deposits
from public.
ii. Particulars of Employees
In terms of the provisions of Section 217(2A) of the Companies Act,
1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of Employees) Rules, 1975,
as amended, the name and other particulars of the employees are
required to be set out in the Annexure to the Directors' Report.
However, as per the provisions of Section 219(1)(b)(iv) of the said
Act, the Annual Report, excluding the aforesaid information is being
sent to all the Members of the Company and others entitled thereto.
Members who are interested in obtaining such particulars may write to
the Company at its Registered Office.
iii. Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange
Earnings and Outgo
The particulars as prescribed under sub-section (1)(e) of Section 217
of the Companies Act, 1956, read with Companies (Disclosure of
particulars in report of the Board of Directors) Rules, 1988, are given
in Annexure "A" of this Report.
iv. "Group" for Inter-se Transfer of Shares
The list of Group companies/ Associates/joint Ventures as required
under Clause 3(1)(e) of the erstwhile Securities and Exchange Board of
India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations,
1997, persons constituting "Groupà (within the meaning as defined in
the erstwhile Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969) for
the purpose of availing exemption from the provisions of Regulations 10
to 12 of the aforesaid SEBI Regulations is enclosed and forms part of
this Annual Report. However, the aforesaid SEBI (SAST) Regulations,
1997, have been amended with Securities & Exchange Board of India
(Substantial Acquisition of Shares & Takeovers) Regulations 2011, vide
notification dated 23rd September, 2011.
v. Special Business
As regards the items mentioned in the Notice of the Annual General
Meeting related to Special Business, the resolutions incorporated in
the Notice and the Explanatory Statement relating thereto, fully
indicate the reasons for seeking the approval of members to those
proposals. Members' attention is drawn to these items and Explanatory
Statement annexed to the Notice.
Acknowledgment:
Your Directors place on record their gratitude to the Central
Government, State Governments, clients, vendors, financial
institutions, bankers and business associates for their assistance,
co-operation and encouragement extended to your Company.
For the continued support of investors, business associates and
unstinting efforts of employees in ensuring an all- round operational
performance of your Company, your directors also wish to place on
record their sincere thanks and appreciation.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors
Place: Mumbai Dewang Neralla Chandrakant Kamdar
Date: 6th August, 2012 Whole-time Director Director
Mar 31, 2011
The Members,
The Directors present the Twenty Third Annual Report of your Company
together with the Audited Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st
March, 2011.
Financial Performance
(Rs in Million, except per share data)
Current year Previous year
Particulars 2010-11 2009-10
Total Income 4,997.51 6,481.78
Total Operating Expenditure 2,270.53 1,950.97
EBITDA 2,726.98 4,530.81
Interest 7.04 0.16
Depreciation/Amortization 110.89 58.92
Profit before tax and exceptional item 2,609.05 4,471.73
Exceptional item 2,091.65 -
Profit before tax 517.40 4,471.73
Provision for taxation (401.95) 1,028.07
Profit after Tax 919.35 3,443.66
Add: Balance b/f from previous Year 13,759.28 11,095.99
Balance Available for appropriation 14,678.63 14,539.65
Appropriations
Final dividend (proposed) 92.16 92.16
Interim dividend 276.47 275.72
Tax on dividend 60.51 62.49
Transfer to General Reserve 124.00 350.00
Balance C/f to Balance Sheet 14,125.49 13,759.28
Earnings per share
(before exceptional item & tax
effect there on)
Basic (Rs) 49.92 74.97
Diluted (Rs) 49.92 74.96
Earnings per share
(after exceptional item)
Basic (Rs) 19.95 74.97
Diluted (Rs) 19.95 74.96
Results of Operations
During the year, the total revenue of the company is at Rs 3,308.89
million (net of excise duty) against total revenue of Rs 3,069.87
million in the previous year, an increase of 7.8%. The total profit
after tax is Rs 919.35 million against profit after tax of Rs 3,443.66
million in the previous year.
Business Overview: Fiscal Year 2010-11
Your Group has three business verticals à Technology, Exchange &
Ecosystem à comprising a network of 9 tech- centric Exchange Ventures
and 5 Ecosystem Ventures, which together connect financial markets in
the fast-growing economies of Africa, Middle East, India and South-East
Asia; precisely the vision of Mr. Jignesh Shah, Chairman & Group CEO Ã
that of creating a financial ecosystem on the backbone of technology,
aimed at broadening and deepening the markets, thereby driving
financial inclusion.
In the Technology vertical, your Group offers technology IP to create
and trade on next-generation financial markets across diverse asset
classes. During the year, your Company deployed a new version of its
Exchange Technology suite at MCX, MCX-SX, NSEL, SMX and GBOT.
In Brokerage Solutions, ODIN Ã your Company's flagship product in
broking solutions à continues to be ranked as No. 1 front-end
electronic trading platform with over 80% market share in India, having
bagged more than 6,40,000 licenses. Your Company believes that the
ODINTM 64-bit version has delivered an increase in performance,
scalability and compatibility of our flagship product. It released new
features in ODIN (Greek Neutralizer, an advanced component for option
traders to neutralize the Delta, Gamma and Vega) for the traded
portfolio. It has also introduced Advanced Charting, a new charting
module in ODINTM that enables tapping profit- making opportunities
effectively.
The highlight of the year under review was the launch of 3
international exchanges à Singapore Mercantile Exchange (SMX) in
Singapore, Global Board of Trade (GBOT) in Mauritius and Bahrain
Financial Exchange (BFX) in Bahrain à aimed at enabling trading in a
wide spectrum of asset classes in the regions in which they operate.
With this commendable achievement, your Company has well established
itself as the creator and operator of modern and tech-centric exchanges
across the fast-growing economies of Asia, Middle East and Africa.
While MCX continues its leadership position in India's commodity
futures market with an 82% market share, Indian Energy Exchange (IEX)
and National Spot Exchange of India (NSEL) command an 87% and 99%
market share, respectively.
Through its Ecosystem vertical, your Company addresses upstream and
downstream opportunities around financial exchanges including
warehousing, collateral management, information vending, and payment
gateways, among others, with a dominant position in some of its
ecosystem ventures, such as National Bulk Handling Corporation (NBHC),
atom Technologies and TickerPlant.
More information on all the three verticals can be accessed in the
section on Management Discussion & Analysis (MD&A).
Dividend
During the year under review, your Company paid three interim dividends
totaling Rs 276.47 million (Rs 6 per share on par value of Rs 2 per
share i.e. 300%). The Directors recommended a final dividend of Rs 2
per share i.e. 100% on par value of Rs 2, subject to the approval of
the shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The total
dividend à including interim and final à aggregated Rs 8 per share,
i.e. 400% on par value of Rs 2 each for the financial year ended March
31, 2011 (previous year Rs 8 per share on par value of Rs 2 each i.e.
400%). The total appropriation on account of interim and final dividend
and tax thereon amounts to Rs 429.14 million.
The final dividend, if approved, will be paid to those members whose
names appear in the Register of Members as on the date of the Annual
General Meeting.
The break-up of the dividend payouts are as under:
(Rs in Million except dividend per share data)
Interim Final Total
Dividends Dividend
1rd 2rd 3rd
Proposed
Interim Interim Interim
Dividend Rs 2 Rs 2 Rs 2 Rs 2 Rs 8
per share
Dividend 92.16 92.16 92.15 92.16 368.63
Tax 15.31 15.31 15.31 14.58 60.51
TOTAL 107.46 107.46 107.46 107.11 429.14
Transfer to Reserves
The Company proposes to transfer Rs 124 million to General Reserve out
of the amount of Rs 14,678.63 million available for appropriations and
an amount of Rs 14,125.49 million is proposed to be retained in Profit
and Loss Account.
Share Capital and Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs)
a) Equity
There was no change in the Share Capital of the Company during the year
under review. As on March 31, 2011, the paid-up Share Capital of your
Company stood at Rs 92.16 million comprising 46,078,537 equity shares
of Rs 2 each.
b) Zero Coupon Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (ZCCBs)
As on March 31, 2011, 90,500 ZCCBs having face value of US$ 1,000 each
were outstanding.
Investment
At the end of year, your Company's Investment stood at Rs 18,607.08
million, as compared to Rs 20,019.48 million in the previous year. The
total investment mainly comprised of investment in mutual funds,
subsidiaries, joint venture and associate companies. For more details,
please refer to the attached audited financial statements.
Infrastructure
During the year, your Company consolidated its operations by shifting
its rented/leased premises to owned state-of-the-art facility
admeasuring 1.56 lakh sq. ft. at FT Tower, CTS No. 256 & 257, Suren
Road, Chakala, Andheri (E), Mumbai - 400 093. During the year, your
Company commenced its operations from SEEPZ, MIDC, Andheri (E), Mumbai
à 400 096, which will accommodate over 250 seats.
Human Resource Development
At the Financial Technologies Group, the Human Resource (HR) function
is to develop and sustain a culture where every employee is recognized
and valued for their contribution and good work. Your Company believes
in attracting and retaining people by providing a combination of
benefits, such as personal growth and performance-based compensation to
them. Your Company is committed to create a favorable work environment
which motivates performance and provides opportunity and growth to all
its employees. Your Company takes utmost care to ensure a comfortable
working environment and provide the best available facilities, viz.,
library, gymnasium, cafeteria, etc. to the employees.
As of March 31, 2011, the total employee strength (excluding Group
Companies) stood at 1,138.
Awards and Recognition Some of the awards your Company won during the
year are:
- Awarded Excellence in HR through Technology and Award for Innovation
in Recruitment at 5th Employer Branding Awards organized by World HRD
Congress 2011 in February 2011.
- Awarded 1st Achievers and Leaders Award for Excellence in Talent
Management at SIAS Partnership Summit and Achievers Awards in December
2010.
- In 3rd publication of World HRD Congress awarded as "Most Powerful HR
Professionals of India" in October 2010.
- Awarded the title at Asia's Best Employer Brand Awards in July 2010.
Your Group Companies won the following awards:
- MCX was awarded "Best Commodity Exchange of the Year" from Bombay
Bullion Association in 2010
- MCX received the 'Financial Inclusion Award 2011' from SKOCH
Foundation
- MCX bagged FICCI Socio Economic Development Foundation (SEDF)
Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2009-10
- MCX received the NASSCOM Foundation Social Innovation Honors 2010
- MCX won 5th INDY'S Awards under the category of Best in Corporate
Social Responsibility Practice
- NSEL won FOW Award for Innovation 2010 under the category "Best
Exchange in Product Innovation in the field of product design" in South
East Asia and Australasia. NSEL is the first Indian exchange across all
asset classes to bag this award.
- atom bagged the 'Financial Inclusion Award 2011' from SKOCH
Foundation
Subsidiaries During the year
A. Your Company incorporated/set up two subsidiary Companies namely:
a) Financial Technologies Projects Pvt. Ltd. (FTPPL), Mauritius,
incorporated on April 23, 2010, and
b) FT Projects Ltd. (FTPL) incorporated on May 18, 2010, in India.
B. Your Company exited as JV Partner of "SAFAL National Exchange of
India Limited" by entering into a settlement along with MCX and Mother
Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Private Limited ("Mother Dairy") inter alia
agreeing to terminate the joint venture and to amalgamate Safal with
Mother Dairy.
The Central Government has granted general exemption from complying
with Section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956 to all companies vide
Notification number 5/12/2007-CL-III dated February 8, 2011.
In terms of the exemption vide notification as stated above, the
Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account, Report of the Board of
Directors and Auditors of the Subsidiaries have not been attached with
the Annual Report of the Company.
The Annual Accounts of the subsidiary companies will be made available
upon request by any shareholder of the Company interested in obtaining
the same. Pursuant to Accounting Standard AS-21 issued by the Institute
of Chartered Accountants of India, Consolidated Financial Statements
presented by the Company includes financial information of its
subsidiaries.
Related Party Transactions
Your Company, as a part of its core business strategy, promotes and
invests in new ventures that utilize your Company's technological
capabilities and domain expertise towards creating world-class
enterprises in nature of Exchanges and Ecosystem Ventures. As a matter
of policy, your Company carries out transactions with related parties
on an arm's length basis.
Statement of these transactions appears in the Notes to Accounts
attached in compliance of Accounting Standard No. AS-18.
Employees Stock Option Plan (ESOP)
During the year under review, ESOP 2005 Scheme ceases, hence the number
of options in force and outstanding under ESOP 2005 Scheme as at the
end of the year are 'NIL'.
In the current year there are no transactions. Requisite disclosure
including previous year in respect of the Employee Stock Option Scheme
2005 in terms of Guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Board of
India (Employee Stock Option Scheme and Employee Share Purchase Scheme)
Guidelines 1999 has been provided in Annexure "B" in this Report.
The consent of the Shareholders was obtained for ESOP-2009 and
ESOP-2010 Schemes, but the Schemes are yet to be implemented by your
Company.
Quality
With an ongoing quest to achieve excellence in products and services
offered, your Company continues to monitor and maintain its effective
and well-designed Quality Management Framework. This Framework is
aligned to the business objectives of the organization and thus ensures
that your Company is focused on providing the appropriate assurances to
its stakeholders and clients. Your company also has adequate Risk
Management practices implemented to ensure that uninterrupted services
are provided to its customers.
Your Company has undertaken a continuous journey towards Quality and is
committed to improve its already existing robust processes and delivery
for quality products and services. It is this commitment that has
resulted in your Company being re-certified for the ISO 9001:2008
certification for its Quality Management System.
Further, your Company endeavors to deliver secure, reliable and
effective solutions to its customers, thereby ensuring confidentiality,
integrity and security of customer information and data. Aligned to
this goal, your Company has also got itself re-certified for the
ISO/IEC 27001:2005 (Information Security Management) certification
during this year. These certifications affirm its vision of becoming a
globally recognized organization that provides high quality software
and business solutions and also indicates our commitment towards being
a 'Quality Driven' organization.
Risk Management
During the year, the Risk Management Committee (RMC) met twice. The RMC
was constituted to assist the Board in overseeing responsibilities with
regard to identification, assessment, control/mitigation and
escalation/monitoring of risks. The RMC is mandated to review, upgrade
and penetrate the process to address and minimize the operational and
other risks associated with the Company, its Group Entities and
Business Units on a continuous basis.
Insurance
Your Company's land and building, equipments, automobiles, stores and
spares etc. are adequately insured against major risks. Your Company
also has appropriate insurance cover primarily for error & omission and
directors & officers' liability, apart from life, mediclaim and
accident insurance for all the employees.
Internal Audit and Controls
The findings of the Internal Auditors during the year are discussed
with the process owners and suitable corrective and proactive actions
have been taken, as per the directions of the Audit Committee on an
on-going basis to improve operational efficiencies.
Corporate Governance
Your Company is committed to good Corporate Governance practices. The
report on Corporate Governance, stipulated by Clause 49 of the Listing
Agreement, is annexed hereto, and forms a part of this Annual Report.
A Certificate from the Auditors of the Company regarding compliance
with Corporate Governance norms, as stipulated in Clause 49 of the
Listing Agreement, is annexed to the report on Corporate Governance.
Management Discussion and Analysis Statement
Management Discussion and Analysis Statement is attached separately
with this Report.
Corporate Social Opportunity
This year, too, your Company made a significant impact on the society
and community at large. Being strongly committed towards Corporate
Social Opportunity (CSO), your Company's Management has supported
various community initiatives, touching many lives by supporting social
and healthcare projects. Some of these activities are as follows:
- Participated in Standard Chartered Marathon 2011's Yuva Parivartan,
which works to empower deprived dropouts and youth to earn a livelihood
and become useful citizens.
- Launched School=Lunch Drive: Financial Technologies Group (FTG) was
amongst the top 2 companies to have donated Rs 2.62 Lakh to ISKCON Food
Relief Foundation.
- Launched 4th All India Blood Donation Drive with 356 blood units
collected.
- Observed HIV-AIDS Day, held workshops for female employees and
community, participated in Awareness on HIV Prevention.
- Launched Joy of Giving Week with participation in Mobile Creches,
workshops on toy making and cloth donation drive.
- Launched Savings Campaign on Postal Recurring Deposit, in association
with India Post.
Directors
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, and the
Company's Articles of Association, Mr. P. G. Kakodkar and Mr.
Chandrakant Kamdar, Directors of your Company, retire by rotation at
the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM) and being eligible, offer
themselves for re-appointment. During the year, the Board of Directors
appointed
Mr. C. M. Maniar as Additional Director (as Non-Executive &
Independent). As per the provisions of Section 260 of the Companies
Act, 1956, Mr. Maniar holds office up to the date of the forthcoming
AGM of the Company. Your Company has received notice under Section 257
of the Act, along with requisite deposit in respect of Mr. Maniar,
proposing his appointment as Director of the Company.
As per the information available with the Company, none of the
Directors of the Company are disqualified for being appointed as a
Director as specified in Section 274 of the Companies Act, 1956, as
amended.
Directors' Responsibility Statement
As required under Section 217(2AA) of the Companies Act, 1956, the
Directors hereby confirm:
a. that applicable accounting standards have been followed along with
the explanation relating to material departures during the preparation
of the annual accounts
b. that they have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and they have made judgments and estimates that are
reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the
Company affairs, and profit or loss of the Company, at the end of the
financial year
c. that they have taken proper and sufficient care to maintain
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Act, 1956, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for
preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities
d. that they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis.
Auditors
M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells - Chartered Accountants, the Statutory
Auditors, will hold office until the conclusion of the ensuing Annual
General Meeting. The Company has received necessary certificate from
the Auditors, pursuant to Section 224(1B) of the Companies Act, 1956
regarding their eligibility for re-appointment. The members are
requested to consider appointment of M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells as
the Statutory Auditors at the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
Statutory Information
i. Fixed Deposits
During the year, your Company has not accepted or invited any deposits
from public.
ii. Particulars of Employees
In terms of the provisions of Section 217(2A) of the Companies Act,
1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of Employees) Rules, 1975,
as amended, the name and other particulars of the employees are
required to be set out in the Annexure to the Directors' Report.
However, as per the provisions of Section 219(1)(b)(iv) of the said
Act, the Annual Report, excluding the aforesaid information is being
sent to all the Members of the Company and others entitled thereto.
Members who are interested in obtaining such particulars may write to
the Company at its Registered Office.
iii.Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange
Earnings and Outgo
The particulars as prescribed under sub-section (1)(e) of Section 217
of the Companies Act, 1956, read with Companies (Disclosure of
particulars in report of the Board of Directors) Rules, 1988, are given
in Annexure "A" of this Report.
iv. "Group" for Inter-se Transfer of Shares
As required under Clause 3(e) of the Securities and Exchange Board of
India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations,
1997, persons constituting "Group" (within the meaning as defined in
the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969) for the
purpose of availing exemption from the provisions of Regulations 10 to
12 of the aforesaid SEBI Regulations. The list of Group
Companies/Associates/Joint Ventures is enclosed and forms part of this
Annual Report.
v. Special Business
As regards the items mentioned in the Notice of the Annual General
Meeting related to Special Business, the resolutions incorporated in
the Notice and the Explanatory Statement relating thereto, fully
indicate the reasons for seeking the approval of members to those
proposals. Members' attention is drawn to these items and Explanatory
Statement annexed to the Notice.
Acknowledgement
Your Directors place on record their gratitude to the Central
Government, State Government, clients, vendors, financial institutions,
bankers and business associates for their assistance, co- operation and
encouragement they extended to your Company.
For the continuing support and unstinting efforts of shareholders,
Investors, business associates and employees in ensuring an all-round
operational performance, your directors also wish to place on record
their sincere thanks and appreciation.
Place: Mumbai Dewang Neralla
Date: 10th August, 2011 Whole-time Director
Mar 31, 2010
The Directors present the Twenty Second Annual Report of your Company
together with the Audited Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st
March, 2010.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE (Rs. in Millions except per share data)
STANDALONE CONSOLIDATED
Current
Year Previous
Year Current
Year Previous
Year
2009-10 2008-09 2009-10 2008-09
Total Income 6,481.78 7,061.41 6,535.37 6,925.74
Total Operating Expenditure 1,950.97 2,339.43 4,834.86 3,804.19
EBIDTA 4,530.81 4,721.98 1,700.51 3,121.55
Interest 0.16 1.40 3.58 48.71
Depreciation / amortization 58.92 72.39 163.92 118.99
Profit before tax 4,471.73 4,648.19 1,533.01 2,953.86
Provision for taxation 1,028.07 962.22 897.41 1,007.65
Profit after Tax 3,443.66 3,685.97 635.60 1,946.21
Add: Share in profits of
Associates NA NA 741.67 527.13
(Add) / Less: Minority
Interest NA NA (23.83) 16.67
Net Profit for the year 3,443.66 3,685.97 1,401.10 2,456.67
Add: Balance b/f from
previous Year 11,095.99 8,315.44 8,706.11 7,155.02
Balance Available for
appropriation 14,539.65 12,001.41 10,107.21 9,611.69
Appropriations
Final dividend (proposed) 92.16 91.77 92.16 91.77
Interim dividend 275.72 367.07 275.72 367.07
Tax on dividend 62.49 77.98 62.49 77.98
Transfer to General Reserve 350.00 368.60 350.00 368.60
Transfer to Statutory Reserve
- - 026 0^
Balance C/f to Balance Sheet13,759.28 11,095.99 9,326.58 8,706.11
Earnings per share
Basic 74.97 80.33 30.50 53.54
Diluted 74.96 80.33 30.50 53.48
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated Financials
On a consolidation basis, for the year ended 31* March, 2010, your
Company has reported a total income of Rs. 6,535.37 million and net
profit available after Minority Interest of Rs. 1,401.10 million.
Standalone Financials
On a stand-alone basis, your Company has reported a total income of Rs.
6,481.78 million and net profit of Rs. 3,443.66 million.
Business
. Technology Business:
Your Company is one of the leading providers of end-to-end straight
through processing ("STP") technology solutions. Your Company offers
packaged STP products, which provide transaction automation solutions
for all stages of the trade life cycle for equity, foreign exchange,
commodity markets, and derivative markets for clients in India and the
Middle East.
Your Company provides exchange solutions, brokerage solutions including
front office and back-office solutions, and messaging solutions that
provide online interface between the market constituents. The current
clients for technology business primarily include the exchanges and
related constituents including brokers, fund houses and custodians.
. Exchange Business:
Your Company is involved in the incubation of exchanges in under-
penetrated asset classes and markets, such as South East Asia, Middle
East, Africa and India, and has built a network of exchanges in
diversified asset classes such as equities, fixed income, currency,
etc.
The exchange network of your Company provides transaction opportunities
that are transparent and regulated, providing mark-to- market
valuation, clearing house
guarantees, fungibility of deliveries and liquidity. It will provide
the opportunity for hedging, cross- listing, margin credits,
carry-forward positions across exchanges, and will create liquidity
across the exchange network based on regulatory framework.
. Ecosystem Ventures Business:
Your Companys ecosystem ventures create upstream and downstream
solutions to support its exchanges, including those related to
clearing, depository operations, warehousing infrastructure,
information vending, and payment gateways.
Your Company is one of the leading providers of end-to-end STP
technology solutions for exchanges and related constituents. In fiscal
2010, your company implemented DOME and CnS at the Singapore Mercantile
Exchange Pte. Limited, Bahrain Financial Exchange Limited and Global
Board of Trade Limited. The ninth version of DOME was also released in
fiscal 2010 with additional modules for improved performance and
functionality of the trading system software.
Your Company believes that the ODINÃ 64-bit version has delivered an
increase in performance, scalability and compatibility of our flagship
product and it was extended to provide support to the currency
derivatives segment.
While the revamped flagship products continue to drive growth, your
Company expect Its new products such as ODINÃ Greek Neutralizer, ODINÃ
ATS, Advanced Charting, ODINÃ X plaza, FTNET and DMA LIVE to contribute
to growth in the future. Other product offerings include CnS,
STP-GateÃ, FX-DirectÃ, Net.netÃ, iWinÃ, MATCHÃ, e-Hastaksharà and
ProtectorÃ.
Your Company constantly pursues opportunities to enhance its existing
product portfolio to be able to deliver value-added solutions
appropriate to the changing business environment. For example, in
fiscal 2010, your Company
developed new products and launched new version as outlined below:
. Technical Alerts - An advanced
functionality in ODINÃ TWS and ODINÃ Diet applications that provides
customized alerts on regular as well as advanced collection of
Technical indicators to support the trading decision process.
. Net.net on Low Bandwidth - A
unique trading platform that allows users to trade on low bandwidth
internet connections like data cards, GPRS Connections etc. at faster
speed.
. Two Factor Authentication support of IBT Products.
. ODINÃ - Support for NSEL (Spot)
and NMCE Exchanges in ODINÃ Suite of Solution.
. ODINÃ ATLAS - A special trading
application with following functionalities
- EzJobber - A unique functionality that allows Jobbers to effectively
and efficiently execute orders at lightening speed in various market
segments.
- EzTrader - A functionally that allows traders to program their
execution to capture a favorable price movement in underlying stocks /
contracts effectively based on the progression parameters defined by
the user.
. ODINÃ ATS - An automated
trading application with "EzTracker" functionality that allows users to
create and reverse positions in the selected underlying stock /
contract automatically based on the parameters set.
. Matchà - Support for NSEs Interest
Rate Futures (IRF) segment in Matchà Suite of solution.
. STP-Gateà - This year we have
launched new Version / optimized version of STP-Gate for handling
of Volumes along with speed and upgraded Hardware / Software at our
backend.
. Enhanced version of STP-GateÃ
product suite for superior connectivity, operational efficiency and
complete automation.
. ESG - Enterprise Solutions Group
has the following verticals; Technology Consulting, Process Consulting,
Quality Assurance Services and Facility Management. We have started a
new service which offers our clients Co-location along with FMS.
For this service, called EQS (Enterprise Quality Services), we have
tied up with Netmagic to provide the datacenter facilities. A dedicated
team of engineers sits out of the Netmagic office in Vikhroli to
support our clients who have availed this service. Within seven months
of incorporation of this service, we have three clients viz. Bonanza,
R. K. Global and Celebrus Capital
. DOME-During fiscal 2009-10, our
flagship product suite for exchange solutions, DOME (Distributed Order
Matching Engine) and clearing and settlement solution - CnS, released
its new versions with enhanced performance and functionalities. The
upgraded DOME application was deployed at MCX and was also installed at
MCX-SX and NSEL. As part of exchange suite, new solutions like FIX
Engine, Exchange Direct and exchange were successfully launched at
various exchanges.
- During the fiscal 2009-10, FTIL joined the STAC Benchmark Councilà to
help define industry- standard performance metrics for trading
technology solutions. The STAC Benchmark Council is a global industry
body consisting of leading trading organizations and vendors,
facilitated by the Securities Technology Analysis
Center (STAC9). The Council develops standard benchmarks for technology
used in the capital markets. End-user firms such as brokers, hedge
funds, exchanges, and alternative trading systems control the STAC
Benchmarksà through their votes, keeping the benchmarks tied to real
business needs.
Your Companys experience, knowledge and domain understanding of
technology, the financial services industry and exchanges along with
its relationships with various market constituents provides a strong
platform for incubation of exchanges. These exchanges have facilitated
better price discovery, risk management and structured finance.
The key components of your Companys exchanges business are companies
promoted by it, its subsidiaries, associates and joint venture
companies, including; Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited
("MCX"), Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange ("DGCX"), IBS Forex Limited
("IBS Forex"), National Spot Exchange Limited ("NSEL"), Indian Energy
Exchange Limited ("IEX"), MCX Stock Exchange Limited ("MCX-SX"),
Singapore Mercantile Exchange Pte. Limited ("SMX"), Global Board of
Trade Limited ("GBOT"), Bahrain Financial Exchange B.S.C. Closed
("BFX") and Bourse Africa Limited ("Bourse Africa").
DIVIDEND
During the year under review, your Company paid three interim dividends
totaling to Rs. 275.72 million (Rs. 6 per share on par value of Rs. 21-
per share). The Directors recommended a final dividend of Rs. 21- per
share i.e. 100% on par value of Rs. 2/-, subject to the approval of the
shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The total dividend-
including interim and final-aggregated to Rs. 8/- per share i.e. 400%
on par value of Rs. 21- each for the financial year ended 31st March,
2010, (previous year Rs. 10/- per share on par value of Rs. 21- each
i.e. 500%). The total appropriation on account of interim and final
dividend and tax thereon amounts to Rs. 430.37 million.
The final dividend, if approved, will be paid to those members whose
names appear in the Register of Members as on the date of the Annual
General Meeting.
The break up of the dividend payouts are as under:
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
The Company proposes to transfer Rs. 350 million to General Reserve out
of the amount available for appropriations and an amount of Rs.
13,759.28 million is proposed to be retained in Profit and Loss
Account.
SHARE CAPITAL AND FOREIGN CURRENCY CONVERTIBLE BONDS
(FCCBs)
a) Equity
As on 31* March, 2010, the paid-up Share Capital of your Company was at
Rs. 92.16 million comprising of 46,078,537 equity shares of Rs. 21-
each. During the year under review, the Company made allotment of
194,900 equity shares of Rs. 21- each, consequent upon exercise of
stock options issued under the Employees Stock Option Plan-2005.
b) Zero Coupon Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (ZCCBs)
As on 31st March, 2010,90,500 ZCCBs having face value of US$ 1000 each
are outstanding. During the previous financial year 2008-09, your
Company had repurchased 9,500 Zero coupon FCCBs of the face value of
US$ 1000 each at a discount of an average 37.56% on book value and
repurchased 9,500 ZCCBs were cancelled.
INVESTMENT
During the year, your Companys Investment stood at Rs. 20,019.48
million, as compared to Rs. 14,444.65 million in the previous year. The
total investment comprised of investment in mutual funds, subsidiaries,
joint venture and associate companies.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Your Company is consolidating its facilities to increase productivity
and rationalize cost. The state-of-the-art development center,
admeasuring around 120,000 square feet, situated at Andheri (East)
Mumbai, will be operational by fiscal 2011 and will accommodate approx
1400 seats.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
As a technology sector company, your Companys technology business is
prone to high employee attrition. Your Company constantly aims to
devise strategies to attract the best talent available in the market
and to ensure
their retention by building trust and instilling loyalty in them.
Constant review and redesigning of human resource processes, including
compensation structures, are therefore a continuous process. Annual pay
revisions and other benefits are designed in such a way as to
compensate for good performance of employees of your Company. In
addition to a base salary, which is based on the industry standards;
your Company provides a number of benefits to its employees, such as
employee stock options, awards and training etc. As of 31st March,
2010, the total employee strength (excluding group Company) was at
1,137.
Your Company received the following awards and recognition during the
year:
. Financial Technologies was ranked
No.1 in terms of 10-year profit growth by Business Todays ranking of
Indias 500 Most Valuable Companies in 2009
. Financial Technologies Group won the 4th Employee Branding Award
for Innovation in Retention Strategy-Global HR Excellence Award in
March 2010.
. Marcomm Awards, USA - Market Communications team at Financial
Technologies won Platinum award for its commendable contribution to
financial markets through its campaign "Future of Financial Markets"
(FOFM) and Gold award for its online community "FT Community" in
January 2010.
Group Companies received the following awards and recognitions during
the year:
. MCX was awarded the NASSCOM
Social Innovation Honours: for Gramin Suvidha Kendra, a CSO initiative
with India Post, for exemplary use of IT in areas of social
transformation, social change and development in February 2010.
. Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) won
the "Best E-enabled customer platform" at the India Power Awards on 17*
November, 2009 in New Delhi.
. Best Commodity Exchange Award:
MCX was honored as the "Best Commodity Exchange for the Year 2009" in
the 6* India International Gold Convention 2009 (IIGC) held at Goa in
September 2009.
SUBSIDIARIES
During the year your Company incorporated / set up / de-registered the
following subsidiary / stepdown subsidiary Companies namely:
I) Financial Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd. (FTSPL)
FTSPL was incorporated on 15th April, 2009, as a wholly owned
subsidiary of your Company. Financial Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd.
was mainly incorporated as an approved Investment Holding Company of
Singapore Mercantile Exchange Pte Limited for complying with local
Regulatory requirements
.viz., Monetary Authority of
Singapore (MAS).
II) BFX Clearing and Development Corporation (BCDC)
A step-down subsidiary viz., BCDC was incorporated on 29th March, 2010.
Being the first financial year of BCDC which will end on 31st March,
2011, the financial statements of BCDC are not attached.
Ill) Financial Technologies Middle East, FZ LLC (FTME FZ LLC)
Your Companys Step-down subsidiary viz., FTME FZ LLC, Dubai, was de-
registered with effect from 28* February, 2009 as per the De-
registration certificate dated 25th November, 2009, issued by Dubai
Technology and Media Free Zone Authority.
The Company has been granted exemption for the year ended 31st March,
2010, by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs from attaching to its
Balance Sheet, the individual Annual Reports of its subsidiary
companies. In terms of the approval, Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss
Account, Report of the Board of Directors and Auditors of the
Subsidiaries have not been attached with the Annual Report of the
Company.
These documents will be made available upon request by any member of
the Company interested in obtaining the same. However, as directed by
the Central Government, the financial data of the subsidiaries has been
furnished under Statement Regarding Subsidiary Companies, which forms
part of the Annual Report. Further, pursuant to Accounting Standard
AS-21 issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India,
Consolidated Financial Statements presented by the Company includes
financial information of its subsidiaries.
The statement pursuant to Section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956,
containing details of subsidiaries of the Company, forms part of the
Annual Report.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As a matter of strategy to promote and invest in new venture in domain
area and as a matter of policy, your Company
carries out transactions with related parties on arms length basis.
Statement of these transactions given in the Notes to Accounts attached
in compliance of Accounting Standard No. AS-18.
EMPLOYEES STOCK OPTION PLAN (ESOP)
The ESOP Scheme 2005 was formulated and implemented according to the
SEBI guidelines, and are in accordance with the provisions of the
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Employee Stock Option Scheme
and Employee Stock Purchase Scheme) Guidelines 1999 as amended. The
issuance of equity shares pursuant thereto will be subject to
compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
The total numbers of options in force and outstanding under ESOP 2005
at the end of the year are 12,525.
Requisite disclosure in respect of the Employee Stock Option Scheme in
terms of Guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(Employee Stock Option Scheme and Employee Share Purchase Scheme)
Guidelines 1999 has been provided in Annexure "B" in this Report.
QUALITY
Your Company has a comprehensive "Quality Framework" that addresses the
entire software engineering life cycle and operational processes.
With respect to software development, your Companys quality framework
is designed to support projects of different sizes and complexities.
This framework, which your Company refer to as "FTQM" (Financial
Technologies Quality Management) is aligned to the business objectives
of the organization.
FTQM (Financial Technologies Quality Management) consolidates decades
of software development and operational experience in delivering and
supporting products and projects. Your Companys mature Quality
Management Framework effectively reduces risks and unpredictability
across the operations of the organization.
Reinforcing its commitment towards high levels of quality,
best-in-class service management processes, and robust information
security practices, your Company has attained a number of milestones
during the year. Your Company was recommended for the latest and
upgraded version of the ISO 9001 standard:- ISO 9001:2008
certification.
Further, your Company was also recommended for continuation of the
ISO/IEC 27001:2005 (Security Management) certification, thus ensuring
that information security standards are adopted and adhered to.
The above certifications are a testimony to your Companys commitment
to achieve the highest standards of quality.
The basis of these certifications is the m-house developed
comprehensive Quality Management System (FTQM) - a vibrant,
process-driven, and people- oriented Quality Management System, which
is focused on continual improvements, in an environment of rapid
growth.
RISK MANAGEMENT
A Risk Management Committee (RMC) has been constituted to assist the
Board in overseeing the responsibilities with regard to identification,
assessment, control / mitigation and escalation / monitoring of risks.
The RMC is mandated to review, upgrade and penetrate the process to
address and minimize the operational and other risks associated with
the Company, its group entities and business units on continuous basis.
INSURANCE
Your Companys land and building, equipments, automobiles, stores and
spares etc. are adequately insured against major risks. Your Company
also has appropriate insurance cover primarily for error & omission,
commercial general liability and directors & officers liability apart
from life, mediclaim and accident insurance for all employees.
INTERNAL AUDIT AND CONTROLS
During the year, your Company continued to implement the
recommendations of Internal Auditors to improve internal controls.
The findings of the Internal Auditors are discussed with the process
owners, and suitable corrective actions are taken as per the directions
of the Audit Committee on an on-going basis to improve operational
efficiencies.
OUTLOOK
Your Company is focused on developing intellectual property rights
catering to financial markets and trading industry. Globalization,
deregulation, advances in technology, innovation in products, and
increasingly sophisticated market participants offer significant
opportunities for expanding our Companys markets and are expected to
remain key determinants for sustainable growth.
Technology infrastructure has emerged as one of the key determinants of
efficiency in transaction processing within exchange markets.
Your Company intends to continue to expand its customer base by
introducing new products and new technologies and capabilities.
Your Companys flagship product, ODINÃ Suite, has evolved over last 10
years and has made transactions between market participants efficient
and technologically advanced.
Your Companys philosophy is to transform markets by creating
technology enabled exchange trading platforms that offer a transparent
pricing mechanism to mitigate counterparty risks associated with non-
transparent products traded off- exchange.
By working closely with various domestic and international associations
and exchanges, your Company intends to introduce global products
customized to the local needs of individual markets.
Your Company believes that through technology, its exchanges will
achieve cost and time efficiency for various settlements and other day
to day operations in the exchanges. Your Company believes that there is
a growth potential for its ecosystems applications in India, Africa and
other emerging economies.
Your Company intends to use its ecosystem applications to improve and
enhance the exchange business. Your Company also intends to leverage
its relationships with its institutional participants to expand its
customer base, and use its ecosystem applications to facilitate access
to exchanges, information and payment modes in underpenetrated rural
areas.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Your Company is committed to good Corporate Governance practices. The
report on Corporate Governance, stipulated by Clause 49 of the Listing
Agreement, is annexed hereto, and forms a part of this Annual Report.
A Certificate from the Auditors of the Company regarding compliance
with Corporate Governance norms as stipulated in Clause 49 of the
Listing Agreement is annexed to the report on Corporate Governance.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS STATEMENT
Management Discussion and Analysis Statement is attached separately
with this Report.
CORPORATE SOCIAL OPPORTUNITY
Corporate Social Opportunities (CSO) is at the core of your Companys
vision and mission. We make markets accessible to the masses and help
bring about a more equitable distribution of wealth in the emerging
economies of
the world. In addition to the CSR ingrained in our business model, we
have target-specific CSR activities. These include activities like:
. Environment
In 2009, your Company tied up with two e-waste recyclers i.e. Ecoreco &
Attero for the safe disposal of electronic items. An internal e-waste
disposal system was put in place to achieve the same. In the year 2009,
seven of our group companies have disposed off e-waste through Ecoreco.
This initiative reaffirms your Companys commitment to environmental
protection.
As always, we celebrated the World Environment Day with full vigor and
enthusiasm. Along with Attero Recycling, your Company launched the
first ever E-waste drive for employees at Mumbai and other locations
and encouraged them to dispose electronic scrap items. E-waste
collected was disposed in a safe and environment friendly manner in
Atteros E-waste recycler factory based at Roorkee, Uttrakand.
Objective of the drive was to create employee awareness towards
Environment issues.
. Savings Week
In association with Department of Post, Maharashtra, FT Group launched
Savings Week (08-12 March 2010) for employees and their families to
enable them to develop a habit of saving directly through their
salaries. The response from employees and the amount of deposit per
month in the postal savings was overwhelming.
. Mumbai Marathon
Your Company have been regularly participating in the Mumbai Marathon
for various social causes. This year, we took up the cause for the
Deaf & Deafblind by supporting the NGO, Helen Keller Institute for Deaf
& Deafblind. Marathon runners also visited Helen Keller Institute and
interacted with the beneficiaries.
. Blood Donation Drive
Your Company organizes blood donation drives annually in the office
premises in association with Rotary Blood Bank, Mumbai. The blood
donation drive was carried out across all locations in India and saw
very active participation from employees of the Company. Special low
hemoglobin drive was conducted for employees detected with low
hemoglobin.
. Gramin Suvidha Kendra (GSK)
This initiative focuses on empowering farmers to adopt a
market-oriented cropping / selling / warehousing strategy by
disseminating information, expert advice and high quality farming. GSK
operates across five states, 22 locations, across 2219 villages and has
more than 7000 farmers registered with it.
GSK-related developments in 2009-10
- GSK won the NASSCOM Social Innovation Honors-2010
- Education vertical was introduced in partnership with Pratham Books.
- Adult literacy through Computer Based Functional Literacy (CBFL)
program was conducted in association with Tata Consultancy Services
Limited (TCS)
DIRECTORS
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, and the
Companys Articles of Association, Mr. Ravi K. Sheth and Mr. C.
Subramaniam, Directors of the Company, retire by rotation at the
ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM). Mr. Ravi K. Sheth, being
eligible, offers himself for re- appointment. Mr. C. Subramaniam will
not be seeking re-election and will be resigning from the Board at the
conclusion of the ensuing AGM of the Company. Your Directors place on
record their appreciation of the valuable advice and guidance provided
by Mr. C. Subramaniam during his long association with the Company. The
Board of Directors at its meeting held on 11* August, 2010, appointed
Mr. P. R. Barpande as additional Director. As per the provisions of
Section 260 of the Companies Act, 1956, Mr. Barpande holds office upto
the date of the forthcoming AGM of the Company. The Company has
received notice under Section 257 of the Act, along with requisite
deposit in respect of Mr. Barpande, proposing his appointment as
Director of the Company.
None of the Directors of the Company are disqualified for being
appointed as Director as specified in Section 274 of the Companies Act,
1956, as amended.
DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
As required under Section 217 (2AA) of the Companies Act, 1956, the
Directors hereby confirm:
a. that applicable accounting standards have been followed along with
the explanation relating to material departures during the preparation
of the annual accounts
b. that they have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and they have made judgments and estimates that are
reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the
Company affairs, and profit or loss of the Company, at the end of the
financial year
c. that they have taken proper and sufficient care to maintain
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Act, 1956, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for
preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities
d. that they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis.
AUDITORS
M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells - Chartered Accountants, the Statutory
Auditors, will hold office until the
conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The Company has
received necessary certificate from the Auditors, pursuant to Section
224 (1B) of the Companies Act, 1956 regarding their eligibility for
re-appointment. The members are requested to consider appointment of
M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells as the Statutory Auditors at the ensuing
Annual General Meeting.
STATUTORY INFORMATION
i. Fixed Deposits
Your company has not accepted any deposits, and no principal or
interest was outstanding as on the date of the Balance Sheet.
ii. Particulars of Employees
In terms of the provisions of Section 217(2A) of the Companies Act,
1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of Employees) Rules, 1975,
as amended, the name and other particulars of the employees are
required to be set out in the Annexure to the Directors Report.
However, as per the provisions of Section 219(1)(b)(iv) of the said
Act, the Annual Report, excluding the aforesaid information is being
sent to all the Members of the Company and others entitled thereto.
Members who are interested in obtaining such particulars may write to
the Company at its Registered Office.
iii. Conservation of Energy,
Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo
The particulars as prescribed under sub-section (1)(e) of Section 217
of the Companies Act, 1956, read with Companies (Disclosure of
particulars in report of the Board of Directors) Rules, 1988, are given
in Annexure "A" of this Report.
iv. "Group" for Inter-se Transfer of Shares
As required under Clause 3(e) of the Securities and Exchange Board of
India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations,
1997, persons constituting "Group"
(within the meaning as defined in the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade
Practices Act, 1969) for the purpose of availing exemption from the
provisions of Regulations 10 to 12 of the aforesaid SEBI Regulations.
The list of Group companies / Associates / joint Ventures is enclosed
and forms part of this Annual Report.
v. Special Business
As regards the items mentioned in the Notice of the Annual General
Meeting related to Special Business, the resolutions incorporated in
the Notice and the Explanatory Statement relating thereto, fully
indicate the reasons for seeking the approval of members to those
proposals. Members attention is drawn to these items and Explanatory
Statement annexed to the Notice.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors place on record their gratitude to the Central
Government, State Government, clients, vendors, financial institutions,
bankers and business associates for their assistance, co-operation and
encouragement they extended to the Company.
For the continuing support and unstinting efforts of Investors,
business associates and employees in ensuring an excellent all round
operational performance, your directors also wish to place on record
their sincere thanks and appreciation.
Place: Mumbai DEWANG NERALLA
Date: 11th August, 2010 Whole-time Director
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