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PhonePe Prepares for IPO with Board Expansion Amid SEBI’s Regulatory Shift

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Geetanjali Lachke

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India's IPO landscape is witnessing significant developments, with fintech major PhonePe making moves in preparation for its public listing. Concurrently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is implementing regulatory reforms to enhance transparency and investor protection, particularly concerning SME IPOs and insider trading norms.

PhonePe Appoints Zarin Daruwala to Board

PhonePe has added Zarin Daruwala, former head of Standard Chartered Bank’s India and South Asia operations, as an independent director on its board. She has more than 30 years experience in the banking industry, including key roles at ICICI Bank and board-level experience with firms like ICICI Lombard, ICICI Securities, and JSW Steel.

Financial Performance and Revenue Diversification

In FY24, PhonePe reported a 73% year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching ₹5,064 Crores. The company narrowed its net loss to ₹1,996 Crores, a 28% improvement from the previous year. Adjusted profit after tax, excluding ESOP costs, stood at ₹197 Crores. PhonePe's revenue remains heavily reliant on its payments business, which accounts for approximately 95% of total revenue. The company is actively working to diversify its income streams through ventures in insurance, wealth management, and digital lending.

SEBI's Regulatory Reforms

SEBI has introduced several measures to strengthen the regulatory framework for IPOs and insider trading:

  • SME IPO Regulations: Companies aiming to launch SME IPOs are now required to show a minimum operating profit of ₹1 Crore in at least two of the past three financial years. Additionally, the Offer for Sale (OFS) component cannot exceed 20% of the overall issue size. IPO funds can no longer be used to repay loans taken from promoters or related entities, as per the revised guidelines.

  • Insider Trading Norms: The definition of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI) has been expanded to include events such as changes in key managerial personnel, significant contracts, and regulatory actions. This aims to enhance market integrity and transparency.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and the same should not be construed as investment advice. Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited shall not be liable or responsible for any investment decision that you may take based on this content.

Sources

  • Storyboard18 — PhonePe appoints former Standard Chartered Bank CEO Zarin Daruwala to the board, https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/phonepe-appoints-former-standard-chartered-bank-ceo-zarin-daruwala-to-the-board-69182.htm

  • Moneycontrol — PhonePe appoints former Standard Chartered CEO Zarin Daruwala to the board ahead of IPO, https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/phonepe-appoints-former-standard-chartered-ceo-zarin-daruwala-to-the-board-ahead-of-ipo-article-13099945.html

  • Economic Times — PhonePe's 5% dilemma: Payments still dominate revenue as it gets IPO-ready, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/startups/ipo-bound-phonepe-still-tethered-to-epay-despite-all-out-push/articleshow/121252155.cms

  • Investing.com — SEBI Tightens SME IPO Rules: Profitability Criteria, OFS Cap Introduced, https://in.investing.com/news/sebi-tightens-sme-ipo-rules-profitability-criteria-ofs-cap-introduced-4713829

  • LinkedIn — SEBI's Rewriting of Insider Trading Rules for Listed Entities, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-grey-areas-clear-lines-sebis-rewriting-insider-3ha3f

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Hi! I’m Geetanjali Lachke
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Geetanjali is an emerging content writer with a passion for writing and marketing. She focuses on crafting clear, engaging blog posts and articles that simplify complex topics, particularly in finance and business. Geetanjali is dedicated to delivering insightful content that helps readers understand and navigate critical concepts, empowering them to make informed decisions and stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of finance and business.

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