Dear shareholders
The Board of Directors of your Bank is pleased to present the Annual Report on business
and operations of your Bank together with the Audited Financial Statements for the
Financial Year ended March 31, 2024.
ECONOMY OVERVIEW
The world continued to witness the negative effects of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war
in the beginning of FY 2024. This was further aggravated in October 2023 when another
catastrophe in the form of Israel - Palestine war erupted. Regular clashes between Israeli
forces and Hamas in the West Bank area cast a severe and adverse impact on trade and
commerce in the Asian region, displacing many people from their homes robbing them of
their livelihood. Frequent attacks by Pirates in the Red Sea Zone on Merchant Ships have
resulted in trade being re-routed along the 'Cape of Good Hope' leading to cost escalation
for shipping companies with around 51% dip in the average daily container vessels between
January - March of 2024 than the last quarter of 2023. As per the estimate of Organization
for Economic Cooperation and Development, the re-alignment of shipping routes has affected
9% of world maritime trade and 18% of long distance ocean trade especially between Europe
and Asia. The drought in the Panama Canal area of Latin America has also affected the
journey time and escalated cost by 60% compared to 2023.
On the Economic front, a threat of potential debt crisis looms large over the global
economic landscape. The Global Debt Monitor unit of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
reported that the total global debt has increased to USD 235 trillion which comes to 238%
of Global GDP. As most of the countries are conducting elections in 2024, expenditures are
expected to surpass budgets severely impacting fiscal prudence. Debt servicing costs are
spiraling and interest rates are likely to remain at an elevated level, adversely
impacting the financial stability by straining government finances and household budgets
leading to shortage of funds for credit growth and investments. This can severely impact
sovereign ratings and constrain government's ability to raise resources for
productivity-enhancing public investments.
In the Emerging Market Economies, there is a boom in consumer confidence especially in
India, Indonesia Vietnam and Mexico. In China, high frequency indicators of consumer
spending have moderated and the growth of industrial production has remained subdued.
Among the Asian emerging economies, according to OECD, India, Vietnam and Indonesia are
expected to experience stable and rapid growth, while inflation is expected to moderate
further, provided food prices remain insulated from extreme weather events.
Internationally there is a growing optimism that India is on the cusp of a long awaited
economic takeoff. The IMF has revised India's GDP growth by 2 percentage points for
2023-24, echoing the similar opinion of the World Economic Outlook (WEO) which has
predicted a robust economic growth for India, supported by growth in domestic demand and a
rising working age population.
Indian Economy
The domestic economy is experiencing a strong positive momentum. The Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) expanded at 7.6 per cent in FY 2023-24, from 7.0 per cent in FY 2022-23,
supported by robust fixed investment. On the supply side, economic activity was lifted by
the boost in the manufacturing sector's profitability. While the services activity
sustained momentum, the agricultural sector activity exhibited a slowdown. The
Manufacturing sector is expected to maintain the momentum on the back of sustained
profitability. The headline inflation softened to 5.1 percent in January - February 2024
from 5.7 per cent in December 2023. The core (CPI excluding food and fuel) inflation stood
at 3.2 per cent in April 2024. The uncertainties in food price would get exacerbated by
the increasing incidence of climate shocks, lower reservoir levels especially in the
southern states and the extreme hot weather conditions during April - May 2024 and this
would weigh on the inflation outlook. The services exports were predominantly driven by
software exports and travel exports during FY 2023-24.
The new phenomenon of Global Capability Centres (GCC) in India has provided a
significant boost to our software exports. With an expected 15.2 percent share in world
remittances in FY 2024, India continues to be the largest recipient of inwards remittances
globally. Overall the current account deficit in FY 2024-25 is expected to remain well
within its sustainable level. Touching a new milestone, India's Foreign Exchange reserves
reached a historical high of USD 651.5 billion as on May 31, 2024.
OUTLOOK
As per the report of RBI, the Annual Financial Results for FY 2023-24 indicate that the
banking system remained sound and resilient, backed by improvement in asset quality,
sustained capital adequacy and rise in profitability. The Non Banking Finance Companies
(NBFCs) also displayed strong financials, in line with banking sector. The Gross Non
Performing Assets (GNPAs) of Scheduled Commercial Banks are below 3 per cent of total
advances as at March 31, 2024. Going forward, your Bank will continue to focus on further
improving the governance standards, risk management practices, and compliance culture
across the organization.
BANK'S PERFORMANCE
In the above backdrop, your Bank recorded a total business of Rs.1,02,138 crore, an
increase of Rs.5,769 crore over the previous year figure of Rs.96,369 crore, a 6% increase
over FY 2023 position.
The Net Profit of the Bank has increased to Rs.1,016 crore from Rs.937 crore, 8%
increase over FY 2023 position. The Net Interest Income of the Bank stood at Rs.2,123
crore. The key performance indicators i.e., the Return on Assets of the Bank stood at
1.52%, Return on Equity stood at 12.86%, the Net Interest Margin of the Bank stood at
3.65% and the Cost to Income ratio stood at 47.06% during the reporting year. The
financial performance has been discussed in detail in the subsequent paragraphs. During
the year the Bank opened 48 additional branches to total 800 branches and has 1,677 ATM's
as at March 31, 2024. Further information on the state of affairs of the Bank has been
discussed in detail in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report forming part of this
Report.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
|
|
|
(Rs. in crore) |
Particulars |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
Growth (%) |
Share Capital |
74 |
74 |
- |
Reserves & Surplus |
8,327 |
7,383 |
13% |
Deposits |
55,657 |
52,398 |
6% |
Advances (Gross) |
46,481 |
43,971 |
6% |
Investments (Gross) |
15,673 |
14,360 |
9% |
Total Assets/Liabilities |
70,826 |
66,595 |
6% |
Total Income |
6,012 |
5,525 |
9% |
Total Expenses |
4,495 |
3,707 |
21% |
Net Interest Income |
2,123 |
2,163 |
- |
Operating Profit |
1,517 |
1,818 |
- |
Provisions & Contingencies |
501 |
881 |
- |
Net Profit (A) |
1,016 |
937 |
8% |
Appropriations |
|
|
|
Balance of Profit brought forward (B) |
109 |
100 |
- |
Amount available for appropriations (A+B) |
1,125 |
1,037 |
- |
Transfers to: |
|
|
|
Statutory Reserve |
280 |
250 |
- |
Capital Reserve |
6 |
4 |
- |
General Reserve |
555 |
480 |
- |
Investment Reserve Account |
12 |
40 |
- |
Special Reserve under IT Act, 1961 |
85 |
80 |
- |
Dividend |
74 |
74 |
- |
Balance of Profit carried forward |
113 |
109 |
- |
Total |
1,125 |
1,037 |
- |
The total Business stood at Rs.1,02,138 crore as compared to Rs.96,369 crore for the
previous year registering a growth of 6%. The size of the Balance Sheet as on March
31, 2024 is Rs.70,826 crore as compared to Rs.66,595 crore last year recording an increase
of 6%.
PROFIT
Gross profit and Net Profit of the Bank stood at Rs.1,517 crore and Rs.1,016 crore
respectively.
TOTAL INCOME
The Total Income earned by the Bank increased for FY 2024 to record Rs.6,012 crore as
against Rs.5,525 crore in FY 2023, registering an increase of 9%. The non-interest income
of the Bank decreased to Rs.742 crore from Rs.810 crore. The total expenditure of the Bank
increased to Rs.4,495 crore as compared to Rs.3,707 crore, in the previous year,
registering an increase of 21%, which was majorly on account of tie-up with Boston
Consulting Group for automation of Loan products.
NET INTEREST INCOME
The Net Interest Income for FY 2024 stood at Rs.2,123 crore as compared to Rs.2,163
crore in the last year.
DEPOSITS
The Bank's total Deposits for the year under review increased by Rs.3,259 crore to
record Rs.55,657 crore from Rs.52,398 crore registering a growth of 6% over previous year.
During the current year CASA increased by Rs.1,393 crore to record Rs.17,050 crore from
Rs.15,657 crore. The cost of deposit of the Bank stood at 5.59% in FY 2024 as compared to
4.66% in FY 2023.
ADVANCES
Gross Advances of the Bank increased by Rs.2,510 crore to record Rs.46,481 crore from
Rs.43,971 crore, posting a growth of 6%. The yield on advances improved to 9.72% from
9.23% during the reporting year. The Bank achieved the target/sub-targets prescribed by
the RBI for Priority sector, Agriculture, Micro Enterprises, Small/Marginal farmers and
weaker section.
GROSS ADVANCES
The Gross NPA and Net NPA for the year under review stood at 3.99% and 1.97%
respectively as compared to 4.37% and 2.36% in the previous year.
The total provision decreased by Rs.380 crore to Rs.501 crore from Rs.881 crore in the
previous year. The provision for tax for the reporting year stood at Rs.215 crore. The
provision for NPA for the financial year was Rs.327 crore.
TREASURY OPERATIONS
Domestic Treasury
The gross Investments increased by Rs.1,313 crore to Rs.15,673 crore as on March 31,
2024 from Rs.14,360 crore as on March 31, 2023. Out of this, the investments in Government
Bonds alone remained at Rs.15,520 crore constituting 99.02% of the total Investment. A
fall in crude oil price and US treasury yield, provided support to the bond prices.
However, in the second half of the FY 2024, bond market witnessed a sell off. On the
domestic front, the Reserve Bank of India kept the policy rates unchanged at 6.50% during
the year. The RBI's indication of managing liquidity through Open Market Operation (OMO)
sales, kept the bonds under pressure. Towards the end of the FY 2024, bond yield softened
on optimism over inclusion of domestic bond in JP Morgan Global Bond Index, benign
inflation and renewed hopes of interest rate cut. During the year, the Bank booked a
profit of Rs.32.64 crore by sale of securities as against Rs.7.63 crore in the previous
year.
Forex Treasury
During the reporting year, Indian Rupee weakened against USD by 1.39%. Indian rupee
opened at Rs.82.3325 and closed at Rs.83.3050 against USD. Geopolitical tension caused by
the war between Ukraine & Russia and Israel & Palestine, impacted the local
currency and favoured US
Dollar. The Red sea crisis and oil production cuts by OPEC also increased the demand
for dollar. The intervention of the RBI reduced the pace of depreciation of the rupee. The
Central Bank's reserves during the FY 2024 increased by 11.65%. During the FY 2024, profit
from our foreign exchange operation stood at Rs.71.80 crore as against Rs.151.60 crore
during the previous financial year.
NET WORTH & CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIO
Net Worth
The paid-up Share Capital of the Bank increased to Rs.74.07 crore as on March 31, 2024
from Rs.74.04 crore as on March 31, 2023. During the reporting period, the Bank has
allotted 2,55,519 equity Shares to employees under Employee Stock Options pursuant to CUB
ESOS Scheme 2008 & CUB ESOS Scheme 2017. The Net worth of the Bank stands improved to
Rs.8,374.23 crore as on March 31, 2024 from Rs.7,420.92 crore as on March 31, 2023.
Capital Adequacy Ratio
As per Basel III Regulations, Banks are required to maintain a minimum Pillar 1 Capital
(Tier I + Tier II) to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of 9% on an ongoing basis. Besides
this minimum capital requirement, Basel III also required creation of capital conservation
buffer and countercyclical buffer of 2.50%. Now the minimum regulatory requirement of CRAR
under Basel III including Capital Conservation Buffer (CCB) is 11.50% (9.00%+2.50%) with
effect from October 1, 2021. The Bank has maintained Tier I CRAR of 22.69% and total CRAR
of 23.73% as at March 31, 2024, which are well above the norms prescribed by the RBI.
DIVIDEND
The Board of the Bank at its meeting held on May 20, 2024, had recommended a Dividend
of 150% i.e. Rs.1.50/- per equity share on face value of Rs.1/- each fully paid up
[including a Special Dividend of Rs.0.50 paise per equity share in commemoration of 120th
year of operations of the Bank] for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2024 subject to the
approval of shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The dividend, if declared,
at the AGM will be paid to the shareholders as on the record date specified for such
purpose, within the prescribed time. The dividend payout for FY 2024 is in accordance with
the Dividend Distribution Policy of the Bank and the same has been uploaded in the website
of the Bank. Weblink:
https://www.cityunionbank.com/filemanager/July24/Dividend%20Distribution%20policy_01.04.2017.pdf
In case, any shareholder has not claimed dividend(s) for previous year(s), they may
kindly approach the Bank or its Registrar and Transfer Agents. The details on Unclaimed
Dividends and transfers to IEPF Account of Govt. of India is given in a separate Report on
Corporate Governance forming part of this Report.
BRANCH EXPANSION
During the financial year, the Bank expanded its branch network by adding 48 more
branches across the country totaling 800 branches as on March 31, 2024. The total ATMs
stood at 1,677 (including 860 Bulk Note Acceptor Machines (BRM) which performs the job of
accepting and dispensing cash. As on March 31, 2024 the Bank had a total of 1,140 Onsite
ATMs and 537 Offsite ATMs.
The details on the ATMs/BRMs opened, replaced and closed during the year are as
follows:
Particulars |
ATM |
BRM |
Total |
Opened |
26 |
67 |
93 |
Replaced |
21 |
17 |
38 |
Closed |
65 |
29 |
94 |
As for the Branch spread, as on date 87% of branches are operational in South, 6% in
West, 4% in North, 2% in Central, 1% in Eastern parts of India.
FINANCIAL INCLUSION
Financial Inclusion is a concept where the banking financial solution and services are
offered to every individual and to ensure that even the under privileged get easy access
to banking channels. A detailed information on Financial Inclusion aspects of the Bank is
set-out in Management Discussion & Analysis report forming part of this Report.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
The details on the Human Resource Management functions of the Bank is set-out in detail
in Management Discussion and Analysis Report which forms part of this Report.
EMPLOYEES STOCK OPTION SCHEME (ESOS)
The Bank implemented Employee Stock Option Scheme 'CUB ESOS 2008' ['ESOS'] for
grant of stock options to eligible employees of the Bank. The Shareholders of the Bank
approved the scheme on April 26, 2008 at an Extraordinary General meeting of the Bank. The
maximum aggregate number of options that may be granted under this scheme is 5 crore. As
per the scheme, exercise price of the options shall be decided by the Board at the time of
grant of stock options. The Bank offers ESOS to its employees which vests over a period of
five years from the date of grant of options i.e., 15% options each for first three years,
25% and 30% for fourth and fifth year respectively. The options are offered at prevailing
market prices at the time of grant to the employees. However the same is adjusted pursuant
to corporate actions viz., Rights issue, Bonus issue etc. There were no material changes
in the ESOS of the Bank during the period under review and the same is in compliance with
the provisions of SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 as amended from
time to time ("SEBI SBEB Regulations"). As at the end of March 31, 2024, the
Bank has 13,91,260 options yet to be granted under the scheme.
In addition, the shareholders of the Bank at its meeting held on August 23, 2017
approved CUB ESOS Scheme 2017 for 3 crore options on terms and conditions mostly
similar to previous one. As on March 31, 2024, 2,57,63,822 options are yet to be granted
under the Scheme. The disclosures pursuant to Regulation 14 of SEBI (Share Based Employee
Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021 has been hosted in the website of the Bank
and also the same is annexed hereto asAnnexurel. Weblink :
https://www.cityunionbank.com/filemanager/June24/esop2024%20final.pdf
TECHNOLOGY
The present generation Banking system has moved from branch banking to the palm of
customer to perform the transactions at their convenience and comfort. The advent of
digital payment due to advancement of information technology and availability of easy
access of network through mobile, flourish the cashless transactions. Thus, digital
banking has become order of the day. With new/innovative technology, the banking service
enrooted to all sphere of public. Some of the recent technology initiatives of the Bank
are given below :
Digital Loan Originating System
Analysing the customers' comfort and convenience, the Bank has implemented Digital Loan
Originating System for Housing Loan, Loan Against Property, Vehicle loan and MSME loan.
The Bank is also going to extend the same for all spheres of lending. The Bank has
implemented automated AI based system for Credit Assessment Report to approve/reject loan
proposals. System is now able to generate scorecard, credit decision and risk based
pricing to the customer.
Conversational Payments - "Hello UPI" in UPI123Pay
The Bank had already launched IVR based payment product UPI123 for feature phones
through which customers can make payments through a step by step process. As part of next
innovation, the Bank has launched "HELLO UPI" Conversational Payment through
UPI123Pay in Regional Languages. Customers can now make conversational payments through
their Smart Phone or Feature Phone in their own language using voice. This will benefit
majority of customers who prefer conversing in their own language and also benefit Senior
Citizens and visually impaired to make payments. Globally, Conversational payments are on
an increasing trend where voice is used in day-to-day activities. The "Hello
UPI" facility was launched by RBI Governor as part of the NPCI's Global Fintech Fest
(GFF) held during September 2023.
Aadhaar based registration in UPI123 pay
Currently customers can register UPI service by using their ATM card. In order to
facilitate customers who do not have ATM card and to make them utilize UPI payments, CUB
has launched an initiative which will facilitate registering for UPI through their
Aadhaar. The customers need to follow simple steps to register themselves using their
Aadhaar credentials and start making payments using UPI. This will promote increased usage
of UPI by customers who, for want of ATM card did not have access to this facility.
UPI Lite
The Bank has extended the UPI Lite service, which enables small value transactions for
the convenience of many users. In this, the customer can perform offline payments to
merchants or persons without using MPIN. Additionally, Multiple Lite Account can be
created by the customer on different UPI Apps for the same Bank Account.
Voice Biometric for Mobile Banking login
Users across the globe are moving away from PIN-based systems to solutions that offer
them convenient and fast authentication. In continuation to the present authentication
process, the Bank launched "Voice Biometric" - based authentication facility for
customers to login into Mobile banking.
Further, a separate section on Digital Lending initiatives of the Bank together with
Cyber Security & Digital Products, is provided in the beginning of Annual Report.
OTHER BUSINESS ACTIVITY
The Bank has Corporate Agency tie-up with 8 Insurance Companies for augmenting the
Non-interest Income, the details of which are given below :
A) Life Insurance Business :
1. LIC of India
2. Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company
3. TATA AIA Life Insurance Company
B) Standalone Health Insurance Business :
1. Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd
2. Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company
3. Care Health Insurance
C) General Insurance Business :
1. Royal Sundaram General Insurance Company
2. Shriram General Insurance Company
The Bank offers Insurance products of all the above companies to its customers. During
the reporting year, the Bank has earned a Fee income of Rs.54.64 crore as against Rs.26.72
crore in the previous year, through cross selling of Insurance Products.
The Bank also offers the following additional services through Net Banking & Mobile
Banking Platforms :
Opening of Demat A/c only
Mutual Fund investment solution through Finwizard Technology Pvt Ltd (widely
known as FISDOM) through Mobile Banking/Net Banking
SUBSIDIARIES AND ASSOCIATES
Your Bank does not have any Subsidiaries or Associates to report during the year under
this Report.
BOARD MEETING
The Board meetings of the Bank were held in accordance with the Companies Act, 2013,
the Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)
and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ['Listing
Regulations']. During the year under review, 12 (Twelve) meetings were held. The details
of such meetings along with the constitution of the Board and its Committees are given
under Report on Corporate Governance forming part of this Report.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
Retirement(s) :
Shri. M. Narayanan (DIN 00682297)
Shri. M. Narayanan, Part-time Chairman of the Bank had completed his tenure on May 03,
2024 as per his appointment terms approved by RBI vide its letter no. DOR.GOV.
No.S663/08.42.001/2022-23 dated May 04, 2022. Shri. M. Narayanan, vacated his office of
Part-time Chairman on the close of business hours of May 03, 2024 as per the said approval
and also, pursuant to the provisions of Section 10A(2A](i] of the Banking Regulation Act,
1949, he ceased to be a Director on completion of his 8 years tenure on the said date.
The Board hereby places on record its warm appreciation of the excellent services
rendered by Shri. M. Narayanan during his tenure.
Appointment/Re-appointment :
Dr. N. Kamakodi (DIN 02039618)
During the reporting year, the RBI had approved the re-appointment of Dr. N. Kamakodi
as the MD & CEO of the Bank for a period of 3 years w.e.f. May 1, 2023 and the same
was approved by the Shareholders on July 2, 2023 through Postal Ballot by way of remote
e-voting.
Shri. Gurumoorthy Mahalingam (DIN 09660723)
The RBI vide its letter no. DOR.GOV.No.280/08.42.001/ 2024-25 dated April 12, 2024 had
approved the appointment of Shri. Gurumoorthy Mahalingam, Independent Director of the
Bank, as the Part-time Non-Executive Chairman w.e.f. May 04, 2024 for a period of 3 years.
The Board recommends his appointment as Part-time Chairman of the Bank for approval by
shareholders in the Notice calling the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The relevant
details of Shri. Gurumoorthy Mahalingam pursuant to SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015 and
Secretarial Standard - 2 [which includes his profile] is disclosed separately in the
Notice.
Re-appointment of Shri. K. Vaidyanathan (DIN 07120706) and Shri. T.K. Ramkumar (DIN
02688194) as Independent Directors.
The Shareholders approved the re-appointment of Shri. K. Vaidyanathan and Shri. T.K.
Ramkumar as Independent Directors of the Bank on April 29, 2024 with requisite majority,
for their remaining tenure in the Bank pursuant to Section 10A(2A](i] and other relevant
provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI Listing
Regulations, 2015, by way of Postal Ballot through remote e-voting.
Shri. R. Vijay Anandh (DIN 09656376)
The Bank appointed Shri. R. Vijay Anandh as Executive President of the Bank during
December 2023. Thereafter, during February 2024, in order to comply with the requirements
of RBI Circular No. DOR.HGG. GOV.REC.46/29.67.001/2023-24 dt.25.10.2023 (wherein the RBI
had advised to ensure the presence of atleast two Whole - time Directors, including MD
& CEO, on the Banks Boards), the Bank had made an application to RBI seeking its prior
approval for his appointment as Executive Director (in Whole-time Director category). The
RBI vide its letter no.DoR.Gov.No.1252/08.42.001/2024-25 dated May 28, 2024, accorded its
prior approval for the appointment of Shri. R. Vijay Anandh as the Whole-time Director -
Executive Director of the Bank for a period of 3 years. Pursuant to the aforesaid approval
of the RBI, the Board at its meeting held on June 24, 2024, had approved the co-option of
Shri. R. Vijay Anandh as an Additional Director of the Bank designated as Executive
Director in the category of Whole-time Director, with effect from June 24, 2024, up to the
date of the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
The Board recommends his appointment as Whole-time Director (Executive Director) of the
Bank for approval by shareholders in the Notice calling the ensuing Annual General
Meeting. The relevant details of Shri. R. Vijay Anandh as per to SEBI Listing Regulations,
2015 and Secretarial Standard - 2 [which includes his profile] are disclosed separately in
the Notice.
Directors to retire by Rotation
All directors on the Board except the Managing Director and CEO and Executive Director
of the Bank are Independent Directors. Hence the provisions of Section 152(6) of Companies
Act, 2013 relating to retirement of directors by rotation do not apply considering the
present composition of the Board of Directors. Independent Directors are not required to
retire in terms of Section 149(13) of the said Act. Accordingly no Director including MD
& CEO and Executive Director is required to retire by rotation at the ensuing Annual
General Meeting.
Declaration by Independent Directors
The Bank has received relevant declarations from all the Independent Directors under
Section 149(6), 149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013, notifications issued by the Ministry of
Corporate Affairs and SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015 as amended. The Board is satisfied
that the Independent Directors meet the criteria of independence as stipulated under the
aforesaid provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.
Further, in compliance with MCA Notification No. G.S.R 805(E) dt. October 22, 2019, all
Independent Directors of the Bank have registered themselves in the Independent Directors
data bank of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs and are qualified/exempt from
undertaking self-assessment exam.
Familiarization program for Independent Directors
The details of programme for familiarization of Independent Directors with the Bank,
their roles, rights and responsibilities in the Bank and related matters are provided
separately under the Corporate Governance Report forming part of this Annual Report.
Performance Evaluation
In line with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015
and relevant notifications/guidelines issued by SEBI in this regard, there exists an
evaluation matrix approved by the Nomination Committee of the Board which is used for
carrying out the performance evaluation of the Board as a whole, its Committees as well as
Independent Directors, MD & CEO and Chairman.
The necessary evaluations/review were carried out by the Board and Independent
Directors to determine the effectiveness of the Board, its Committees, MD & CEO,
Chairman and individual Directors. Additional information on performance evaluation is set
out in Corporate Governance section forming a part of this Annual Report.
Key Managerial Personnel
In terms of Section 203(1) read with Section 2(51) of the Act and Rule 8 of the
Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Bank had
the following KMPs as on March 31, 2024 :
Dr. N. Kamakodi - Managing Director & CEO
Shri. J. Sadagopan - Chief Financial Officer
Shri. Venkataramanan S - Company Secretary
However, as on this report date, in addition to the above, Shri. R. Vijay Anandh is
also a KMP who was co-opted as Additional Director in the category of Whole-time Director
and designated as Executive Director w.e.f. June 24, 2024. His appointment is subject to
approval of the shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
AUDITORS
Joint Statutory Central Auditor
M/s. Jagannathan & Sarabeswaran, Chartered Accountants, Chennai and M/s. K. Gopal
Rao & Co., Chartered Accountants, Chennai, Joint Statutory Central Auditors
("SCAs") of the Bank will retire at the conclusion of ensuing AGM. The Joint
Statutory Central Auditors have furnished their Report for FY 2024 which forms part of
this Report and there are no qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks made by the
Auditors in their Report. Further, the Auditors of the Bank has not reported any fraud
under Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013.
As per RBI Circular No. DoS.CO.ARG/SEC.01/08.91.001/2021-22 dated April 27, 2021 read
with the policy of the Bank on appointment of SCAs and the provisions of Section 139 of
the Companies Act, 2013 and subject to the prior approval of RBI, the Board as per the
recommendations of Audit Committee had considered & approved the appointment of M/s.
P. B. Vijayaraghavan & Co., Chartered Accountants, Chennai (FRN 004712S) & M/s. M.
Srinivasan & Associates, Chartered Accountants, Chennai (FRN 004050S) as the Joint
Statutory Central Auditors of the Bank for FY 2024-25. Based on an application made by the
Bank, the RBI vide its letter no. Co.DOS.RPD No. S2287/08.13.005/2004-25 dt. June 21,
2024, has accorded its approval for the aforesaid appointment which will be effective from
the conclusion of ensuing AGM.
With respect to the above appointments, the Bank has received the consent from such
Auditors and confirmation to the effect that they are not disqualified to be appointed as
Joint Statutory Central Auditors of the Bank in terms of Companies Act, 2013 & the
rules made there under and RBI guidelines. The Members are requested to consider and
approve their appointments as Joint Statutory Central Auditors of the Bank as per the
agenda set out in the Notice calling this Annual General Meeting.
Secretarial Auditor
Pursuant to Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Companies (Appointment
and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules 2014, the Bank had appointed Shri. V.
Sankar, Practising Company Secretary, Coimbatore, having C.P number 26960, as Secretarial
Auditor to conduct the Secretarial Audit of the Bank for the Financial Year 2024. The
Report of Secretarial Auditor 'Secretarial Audit Report' in the prescribed format is
annexed to this Report as Annexure ll.
Pursuant to Regulations 24A of SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015, read with relevant SEBI
circular, the Bank has obtained Secretarial Compliance Report certified by the above
Auditor for the financial year ended March 31, 2024, on compliance with all applicable
SEBI Regulations and circulars/guidelines issued thereunder and the copy of the same was
submitted to the Stock Exchanges within due timelines.
There are no adverse observations or remarks, reservations made by the Secretarial
Auditor in their Report. The Auditor has recorded the fact of levy of penalty of Rs.66
lakh by RBI with regard to Non Compliance during FY 2022 with RBI directions on Prudential
Norms on Income Recognition, Asset Classification and Provisioning pertaining to
Advances-Divergence in NPA Accounts and Reserve Bank of India [Know Your Customer (KYC)]
Directions, 2016.
Cost Audit
The requirement of maintaining cost records u/s 148(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 is
not applicable to the Bank.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
In accordance with Section 134 (5) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Board of Directors
of the Bank hereby declares and confirms that :
i) In the preparation of the Annual Accounts, the applicable Accounting Standards had
been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures.
ii) The Directors had selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently
and made judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and
fair view of the State of Affairs of the Bank as at the end of the Financial Year and of
the Profit & Loss of the Bank for that period.
iii) The Directors had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate
accounting records in accordance with the provisions of applicable laws governing Banks in
India for safeguarding the assets of the Bank and for preventing and detecting fraud and
other irregularities.
iv) The Directors had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis.
v) The Directors had laid down adequate internal financial controls to be followed by
the Bank and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating
effectively; and
vi) The Directors had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions
of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
INSIDER TRADING NORMS
The Bank has formulated the Code of Conduct pursuant to SEBI (Prohibition of Insider
Trading) Regulations, 2015 as amended from time to time SEBI PIT Regulations to regulate,
monitor and ensure reporting of trading by the designated persons and other connected
persons. The said code is being reviewed and amended by the Board of Directors from time
to time.
The code is adopted to maintain highest ethical standards in dealing with securities of
the Bank by persons to whom it is applicable. The code of conduct and related policy are
available in the Bank's website. Weblink :
https://www.cityunionbank.com/assets/frontend/pdf/others/Code_of_conduct_Prr_230322.pdf
All listed companies are required to maintain an in-house Structured Digital Database
("SDD") under Regulation 3(5) of SEBI (PIT) Regulations, 2015 and as under
Regulation 9(2) through which Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI) are to be
reported. In this regard our Bank has installed the required software which has been
integrated in the Bank's server. The trades of all Designated and Connected persons
("Insiders") are monitored on a continuous basis.
Further, in order to exercise additional vigil on the trades conducted by all Insiders,
the PAN of all the Insiders are linked in the database of RTA and thereby the RTA
furnishes a Weekly Report to the Bank on trades conducted by the Insiders. In addition,
the SEBI as per its circular dated July 19, 2023, has notified the freezing of
transactions related to the PAN of Insiders at Depository Level effective October 1, 2023.
Accordingly, the Demat
Accounts related to the PAN numbers of Insiders of the Bank are being frozen by our
Designated Depository - NSDL for trading in the equity shares of the Bank, during the
Trading Window Closure period beginning with the first day of the closure period till
completion of two days after declaration of financial results.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE BANK AND
SIGNIFICANT/MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS
There are no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the
Bank which occurred between the end of the financial year of the Bank i.e., March 31, 2024
and the date of Director's Report i.e., June 24, 2024. In this connection, it needs to be
mentioned that during the reporting year, the RBI vide its order ref.
CO.ENFD.DECB.No.5789102.02.00212023-2024 dated February 26, 2024 has levied a penalty of
Rs.66 lakh towards non-compliance with RBI directions on Prudential Norms on Income
Recognition, Asset Classification and Provisioning pertaining to Advances - Divergence in
NPA Accounts and Reserve Bank of India [Know Your Customer (KYC)] Directions, 2016 during
FY2022.
POLICIES
Directors Appointment(s) and Remuneration/Compensation Policy
The Bank has formulated and adopted a policy on Board Diversity as per which the
Nomination Committee of the Board of Directors of the Bank conducts the preliminary
assessment for appointment of Directors on the Board of the Bank and makes suitable
recommendations to the Board for its consideration.
The Nomination Committee identifies and assesses the qualifications and positive
attributes of the proposed candidate for the position of Director based on the
disclosures/declarations received from such person under the Companies Act, 2013, the
Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and also RBI guidelines. The Nomination Committee makes a
thorough scrutiny of the prospective candidate and certifies the fit and proper status to
the Board after exercising above due diligence process.
Apart from the above, the Nomination Committee before the appointment of an Independent
Director also considers the Declaration on Independence furnished by the proposed
candidate for the position of Director under Section 149 (7) of the Companies Act, 2013
and SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015.
Further, the Bank has a Compensation Policy which is in accordance with the directives
issued by the Reserve Bank of India. The Bank has constituted a Compensation &
Remuneration Committee which oversees the framing, implementation and review of the
Compensation Policy of the Bank. The Remuneration Policy of the Bank is briefed under
Corporate Governance Report forming part of Annual Report. Compensation policy is
available at the Bank's website. Weblink :
https://www.cityunionbank.com/filemanager/May24/compensationpolicy26032024final.pdf
RISK MANAGEMENT
Pursuant to Regulation 21 of SEBI Listing Regulations, the Bank has constituted the
Risk Management Committee. The details of the said Committee together with the terms of
reference are set out in the Report on Corporate Governance, which forms part of this
Annual report.
Further, the Bank has in place an Integrated Risk Management framework supported by
detailed policies and processes for management of Credit Risk, Market Risk, Liquidity
Risk, Operational Risk and various other Risks. The details on the Risk Management
framework of the Bank is detailed in the Management Discussion and Analysis section
appended to this Report.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
As per Regulation 34(2)(f) of SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015, your Bank has prepared
the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report setting out the Bank's Social,
Environmental and Governance aspects. The same is available in the website of the Bank .
Weblink : https://www.cityunionbank.com/filemanager/July24/BRSR_FINAL_26072024.pdf
DEPOSITS UNDER CHAPTER V OF COMPANIES ACT, 2013
Being a Banking company, as Section 73 of Companies Act, 2013 is not applicable, the
disclosures as required under Rule 8(5)(v) & (vi) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules,
2014 of the Companies Act, 2013 are not applicable.
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS & ITS ADEQUACY
The Bank has put in place adequate internal financial controls commensurate with the
size and scale of its operations. The Bank has, in all material aspects, adequate Internal
Control Systems Over Financial Reporting and these controls have been designated to
capture the essential components of internal control stated in the Guidance Note on Audit
of Internal Financial Controls over Financial Reporting issued by the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of India. Such Internal Financial Controls over Financial Reporting
were operating effectively as at the end of the financial year. More details have been set
out in Management Discussion and Analysis Report which forms part of this Report.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Board of Directors of the Bank has adopted a Policy on Related Party transactions
which is in line with the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015. During
the reporting year, all transactions with related parties of the Bank were in the ordinary
course of business and on an arm's length basis. The Bank did not enter into any material
transaction with such related parties, under Section 188 of the Companies Act, 2013,
during the year. Form AOC-2, as required under Section 134 (3) (h) of the Act, read with
Rule 8 (2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules 2014, is attached as Annexure III
forming part of this Report. A detailed policy on the Related Party Transaction is
available at the Bank's website. Weblink :
https://www.cityunionbank.com/filemanager/July24/RPT%20POLICY_26062023.pdf
LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS
The Loans, Guarantees or Investments made in securities by the Bank are exempt pursuant
to the provisions of Section 186 (11) of the Companies Act, 2013 and hence do not attract
any disclosure required under Section 134 (3)(g) of the Companies Act, 2013.
ANNUAL RETURN u/s 92(3) OF COMPANIES ACT, 2013
The Annual Return pursuant to Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule
12 (1) of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014 is uploaded in the
website of the Bank. Weblink :
https://www.cityunionbank.com/filemanager/Apr24/MGT7_2023.pdf
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
In compliance with Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 (the Act) read with the
Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 as amended from time to
time and in consonance with the CSR policy, the Bank had undertaken a number of
initiatives that contribute to society at large, in the areas of healthcare, education,
environment and preservation & improvement of Water Bodies and preservation of the
country's rich culture and heritage.
The Bank has established CUB Foundation, a non-profit entity to identify suitable
deserving projects, recommend and oversee the CSR initiatives of the Bank. The Annual
Return on CSR activities as required under Rule 9 of the Companies (Corporate Social
Responsibility) Rules 2014 is furnished under Annexure IV to this Report.
Further, in accordance with Section 135(5) of the Act read with Rule 8(3)(a) of the
Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, two of the projects funded
in FY 2023 viz. Conservation and Restoration of Moovanallur Lake in Mannargudi Taluk,
Thiruvarur District and Vidya Shakti Project under rural education are, required to
undergo Impact Assessment through a third-party agency. Accordingly, assessment for
Moovanallur Lake has been conducted by M/s. B. Balaumasudhan & Co., Chartered
Accountants, Chennai and Vidya Shakti project by Social Audit Network, India and they have
submitted their reports. As per MCA General Circular No.14 /2021 dated August 25, 2021, a
summary of such Assessment reports are given hereunder while the complete report is given
in the website of the Bank. Weblink :
https://www.cityunionbank.com/filemanager/July24/MOOVANALLURLAKE_MANNARGUDITALUKA.pdf
https://www.cityunionbank.com/filemanager/July24/Vidya%20Shakthi%20Project.pdf
Restoration of Moovanallur Lake in Mannargudi Taluk, Thiruvarur District
The project was conducted with Tamilnadu Cauvery Vivasayigal Sangam on the request made
to City Union Bank Limited, by Moovanallur Panchayat President, and Moovanallur Grama
Vivasayigal Sangam. The restoration of Moovanallur Lake in Mannargudi Taluk, Thiruvarur
District, involved renovation, desiltation, removal of encroachments, and bush clearance.
The objectives were to increase groundwater levels, prevent bore water from becoming
salty, maximize storage and water carrying capacity, mitigate flooding, and restore soil
quality.
This project aims to conserve water for drinking, farming, and other basic amenities,
prevent water pollution, and protect the environment from drought, particularly in the
delta region. The entire 130 acres now have water storage capacity and 350 acres of
surrounding agricultural land benefit from this project. In addition, 1,000 families in
the village and nearby areas benefit from increased agricultural and allied activities due
to the enhanced water availability.
Vidya Shakthi Project
The Vidya Shakthi Program was launched in 2023 by consortium of Open Mentor Trust, IITM
Pravartak, section 8 Company of IIT Madras and IFE Academy which have been providing
recorded online lessons in software programming languages, software testing, databases and
project management. These videos are in YouT ube offered free of cost. Based on this
experience Kalvi Shakthi Program was launched in Tamil Nadu which offers free online
teaching to Students from Class 6 to Class 12. This free online program has expanded to 32
districts in Tamil Nadu with 108 centers and benefiting 4000+ students. On being a
successful model in Tamil Nadu, this model is replicated in Varanasi district of UP as
well from Class 6 to Class 8 in Science and English.
DISCLOSURE TO BE MADE UNDER SECTION 177(8) OF COMPANIES ACT, 2013
The Board of the Bank had constituted the Audit Committee under the extant guidelines
of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI Listing
Regulations, 2015. The details of the composition of the Audit Committee are furnished in
the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Report.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Bank is committed to achieving the highest standards of Corporate Governance. It
also adheres to the Corporate Governance requirements set by the Regulators/applicable
laws. The Corporate Governance practices followed by the Bank aim to ensure value creation
for all its stakeholders through ethical decision making and maintaining transparency.
A detailed Report on Corporate Governance standards followed by the Bank as per SEBI
Listing Regulations, 2015, Companies Act, 2013 and Rules made there under alongwith
Certificate of Compliance issued by the Statutory Central Auditor is furnished separately
which forms part of this Report.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
A detailed Management Discussion and Analysis Report for the year under review as
stipulated in SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015 is presented as a separate section forming
part of this Report.
OTHER DISCLOSURES
Conservation of Energy and Technology Absorption
In respect of the nature of activities carried out by the Bank, w.r.t. the provisions
of Section 134 (m) of the Companies Act, 2013 relating to conservation of energy and
technology absorption, the Bank has taken every effort to conserve energy. The Bank has
been installing energy efficient equipments at all its branches including installation of
Solar panels wherever feasible and power saving LED bulbs at majority of Branches and
Central Office. The members may refer the Business Responsibility and Sustainability
Report for more details on this aspect.
On the technological front, the Bank continued to offer reliable and secure banking
service to its customers by facilitating the latest customer friendly technological
solutions. A separate para on Technology matters has been set out elsewhere in this
Report.
Foreign Exchange Business
The Bank continues to encourage country's export promotion by lending to exporters and
offering them forex transaction facilities. The Bank also offers necessary foreign
exchange transaction facilities to all users having underlying forex exposures.
EMPLOYEES/OTHER DISCLOSURES
Disclosures under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 The disclosures pursuant to
the provisions of Section 197 read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and
Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are furnished as Annexure V.
In terms of Section 197(12) of the Act, read with Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, a statement showing
the names and other particulars of the employees drawing remuneration in excess of limits
set out in said rules forms part of this Report.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 136(1) of the Act, Annual Report excluding
the aforesaid information, is being sent to the Members of the Bank and others entitled
thereto. The said information is available for inspection by the Members at the registered
office of the Bank during business hours up to the date of the ensuing AGM.
Any member interested in obtaining a copy thereof, may write to the Company Secretary
of the Bank at its registered office or at secretary@cityunionbank.in
Disclosure under Section 22 of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
The Bank has a policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace, which provides
protection for Women employees working in the organization. An Internal Complaint
Committee 'ICC' has been set up to redress the complaints received under Sexual
Harassment. During the reporting period two complaints have been received by the ICC and
one is pending as at the end of financial year.
Whistle Blower/Vigil Mechanism
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 177(9) and (10) of the Companies Act, 2013, a
vigil mechanism for Directors and employees to report genuine concerns has been
established. The Bank has a policy on whistle blower/vigil mechanism which is uploaded in
the website of the Bank. Weblink :
https://www.cityunionbank.com/assets/frontend/pdf/others/Whistleblower-Policy.pdf
There exists an online forum for all employees in the intranet server of the Bank to
report genuine concerns under the mechanism. During the reporting period 5 complaints were
received under the Mechanism, out of which 4 cases had been disposed off and remaining 1
case is pending for disposal and investigation pertaining to the case is under process.
The functioning of the mechanism is reviewed by the Audit Committee from time to time.
Compliance with Secretarial Standards and applicable laws
It is hereby confirmed that the Bank has complied with the Secretarial Standards issued
by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (SS-1 and SS-2) relating to Meetings of
the Board, its Committees and Shareholders. Further proper systems are in place to ensure
compliance with all laws applicable to the Bank.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Board of Directors of the Bank would like to take this opportunity to thank all its
Customers and Stakeholders and wish to place on record its sincere appreciation for the
guidance, assistance and co-operation received from the Reserve Bank of India, SEBI,
IRDAI, NABARD, NHB, SIDBI, EXIM BANK, ECGC, DICGC, NPCI, Stock Exchanges, Depositories,
Integrated Registry Management Services Private Limited, Life Insurance Corporation of
India and all other authorities.
Your Directors also place on record their deep sense of appreciation for the Bank's
Executives, members of the Staff and all other employees for their unwavering commitment
to serve the Bank to the best extent possible.
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For and on behalf of the Board |
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Sd/- |
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G. Mahalingam |
Date : June 24, 2024 |
DIN 09660723 |
Place : Chennai |
Chairman |
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