The Directors are pleased to present to you the 37^th Annual Report of CRISIL Limited, along with the audited financial statements, for the year ended December 31,2023.

Financial performance

A summary of the Company’s financial performance in 2023:

* Final dividend recommended for 2023: C 28 per equity share of C 1 each ** Final dividend paid for 2022: C 23 per equity share of C 1 each

Financial statements for the year ended December 31,2023 have been prepared in accordance with the Indian Accounting Standards (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Ind AS’) as notified by Ministry of Corporate Affairs pursuant to Section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 3 of the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 as amended from time to time.

There are no material departures from the prescribed norms stipulated by the accounting standards in preparation of the annual accounts. Accounting policies have been consistently applied, except where a newly issued accounting standard, if initially adopted, or a revision to an existing accounting standard, required a change in the accounting policy hitherto in use. The management evaluates all recently issued or revised accounting standards on an ongoing basis.

The Company discloses consolidated and standalone financial results on a quarterly basis, which are subject to limited review and publishes consolidated and standalone audited financial results annually.

a) Consolidated operations

Total income from the Company’s consolidated operations for 2023 was C 3,233.16 crore, 11.8% higher than C 2,891.19 crore in the previous financial year. Overall expenses were C 2,365.46 crore as against C 2,148.79 crore in the previous financial year. Profit before tax was C 867.70 crore as against C 742.40 crore in the previous financial year.

Profit before tax for the year ended December 31,2023, includes a one-off gain of C 29.4 crore due to sharp devaluation of the Argentinian peso in Q4’23. A rise in the US dollar against the Rupee and the British Pound had increased profitability (Profit before tax) for FY 2022 by C 30.1 crore on account of revaluation of a subsidiary loan.

Profit after tax was C 658.44 crore as against C 564.39 crore in the previous financial year.

b) Standalone operations

Total income from the Company’s standalone operations for 2023 was C 2,121.62 crore compared with C 1,716.95 crore in the previous financial year. Overall expenses were C 1,358.24 crore as against C 1,275.09 crore in the previous financial year. Profit before tax was C 763.38 crore as against C 441.86 crore in the previous financial year. Profit after tax was C 668.26 crore as against C 370.51 crore in the previous financial year.

A detailed analysis of the performance, consolidated as well as standalone, is included in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report, which forms part of the Annual Report.

Dividend

The Directors recommend for approval of the members at the Annual General Meeting to be held on April 16, 2024,

Segment-wise results

The Company has identified two business segments, in line with the Indian Accounting Standard on Operating Segment (Ind AS-108), comprising: (i) Ratings services, and (ii) Research, Analytics and Solutions. The audited financial results of these segments are provided as part of the financial statements.

Review of operations Ratings services Highlights

• Announced 1,200 new bank loan ratings (BLRs); has total active ratings outstanding for ~7,000 companies

• Strengthened leadership position in the corporate bond market, backed by preference for quality ratings among both investors and issuers

• Maintained sharp focus on analytical rigour, ensuring best-in-class quality of ratings

• Launched a series of high-profile outreach initiatives during the year that were extensively covered by the media and well appreciated by stakeholders

new BLRs also rose, albeit at relatively modest pace of 6%, across the industry.

The securitisation volume picked up in 2023 as compared to the previous year with rise in investor appetite backed by the continuing normalisation of collections - which had suffered due to Covid-19 related disruptions - for non-banking financial companies across different asset classes.

Other segments, such as ratings for security receipts, saw a pick-up in growth momentum, driven by the expanding assets under management of asset reconstruction companies; similarly, demand for the monitoring agency offering surged with increase in the number of companies raising equity from the primary market in 2023.

In this backdrop, CRISIL Ratings logged a healthy revenue growth of 17% on-year in 2023.

Amid an evolving macroeconomic environment, CRISIL Ratings continues to strengthen its leading position in the corporate bond market, driven by investors’ preference for best-in-class ratings.

Despite greater competitive intensity in the BLR market, CRISIL Ratings was able to sustain its market share in terms of new rated companies during the year. We witnessed increasing preference by Indian banks for CRAs, focused on quality of ratings, for loan exposures of their borrowers. CRISIL Ratings published more than 1,200 new BLRs in 2023.

On the analytical front, we continued to demonstrate strong quality with solid performance of ratings as reflected in the globally tracked metrics such as default rates and stability rates. We continued to strengthen our early warning mechanism through the Corporate Credit Health Framework. We proactively identified sectors which are impacted by macroeconomic developments and prioritising of rating reviews across vulnerable sectors and companies. These initiatives have helped CRISIL Ratings to maintain its high quality of ratings. The year 2023 saw an overhang of geopolitical and macro uncertainties presented credit challenges. The consequent decline in the global economic growth rate also presented credit challenges in 2023. Domestically, we saw borrowing costs rise for India Inc, even as domestic-focused businesses continued to perform well, especially compared to export-focused ones. Deleveraged balance sheets also supported credit profiles.

A key development in the regulatory space was SEBI publishing an operational or master circular in 2023, primarily consolidating its past circulars for CRAs and restricting the scope of regulations on listed securities.

On the franchise dimension, CRISIL Ratings continued to drive thought leadership in the industry by providing cutting-edge insights, hosting web conferences on new age and trending topics and engaging with industry leaders through panel discussions. Our opinion pieces received extensive coverage from premier print and digital media.

We conducted our first edition of ‘Infrastructure Summit— Revving Roads and Renewables’ to further deepen our engagement with key stakeholders of these sectors. We also hosted our annual flagship seminar on the NBFC sector under the theme—‘NBFCs: Growth back in the limelight’. Both the events included presentations by experts from CRISIL Ratings and panel discussions involving several industry leaders, who shared their insights and perspectives.

In order to deepen our engagement with the existing as well as prospective clients located in Tier 2 regions, we hosted Ratings Regional Conclaves, to present our views on relevant industry trends and have close discussions with clients. This outreach activity witnessed encouraging responses from clients, investors and bankers.

Other well-received franchise activities during the year included webinars on renewables energy, infrastructure investment trusts / real estate investment trusts, roads, cement, steel, natural gas, speciality chemicals, power, and real estate.

Global Analytical Center (GAC) continued to drive surveillance support across the analytical practices of S&P Ratings, and partnered on data and technology transformation programs.

Research, Analytics and Solutions

CRISIL MI&A

Research

Highlights

• Introduced eight new sub-category-level benchmarks under CRISIL AIF benchmarks during the year

• The Association of Portfolio Managers in India (APMI) approved CRISIL as an empanelled fixed income index provider and valuation agency for portfolio managers

• Launched CRISIL Polling Platform for an automated polling process for fixed income securities valuation

Our flagship Industry Research business saw good traction during the year, with higher offtake for thematic research. Release of updated CRISIL AIF benchmarks, including sub-categories, gained traction and acceptance among market participants.

Our offerings in the new emerging space facilitated data-backed decision-making for a wide range of stakeholders. We also saw immense interest in thought leadership and franchise-building activities at banks. We are leveraging our wide sectoral knowledge to support such requirements.

Consulting

Highlights

• Increased share of business from international markets

• Built a strong order book with several large mandate wins across sectors

• Maintained strong senior-level connect with policymakers, multilaterals and investors

We saw strong traction in 2023, especially in urban infrastructure and transport sectors. We supported governments, multilateral institutions and investors in sectors such as roads, renewables and urban infrastructure, helping them finalise frameworks and roadmaps, and achieve financial closures.

The business was able to garner wallet share in international geographies and maintained its leadership position with multilateral and bilateral agencies. In the domestic market, we saw significant interest in our sustainability-related solutions.

Sustainability and climate change continue to draw attention from clients worldwide. The acquisition of Bridge To India effective October 2023, with its positioning and expertise in the space, will strengthen our bouquet of offerings spanning sustainability services and decarbonisation.

Risk Solutions, Data and Analytics

Highlights

• Credit ICON, which serves as an integrated credit rating and spreading solution, gained significant traction and continues to be a market leader in India

• Saw good momentum and partnered with clients to support them in regulatory compliance

• Solution integrated with data, gaining good traction on credit monitoring and automation

Our SME Assessments business demonstrated growth throughout the year, driven by corporates fulfilling social sector mandates and demand in the real estate sector.

International Business CRISIL GR&RS

Highlights

• Expanded the client base with 29 new logos

• Won the Chartis RiskTech100® 2024 Award in the Model Validation category for the second consecutive year

• Strengthened franchise initiatives through thought leadership and marquee events

The business witnessed pressure on discretionary spend by global clients due to uncertain macro-economic outlook.

Focus on liquidity risks and regulatory pressures have prompted banks to reinforce their risk monitoring practices and review their risk control and assurance frameworks.

The business saw traction in buy-side segment and lending solutions for banks.

The Risk Solutions business added large new clients, and renewed engagements and expanded opportunities with existing clients. During the year, GR&RS made progress in fulfilling mandates resulting from banks’ increasing investment in regulatory compliance and reporting programmes, model validation, stress testing, quantitative technology initiatives.

Both bulge-bracket and regional clients reduced offshore support in traditional sell-side research, as banks strive to enforce cost discipline amid a decline in deal volumes.

CRISIL GBA

Highlights

• Acquired Peter Lee, the Australian research and consulting firm in February 2023 thus expanding our presence in Australia-New Zealand region

• Onboarded 23 new clients

• Expanded client engagement using Q² Client Intelligence platform

• Conducted multiple executive/senior-level meetings, engaging with heads of global markets, investment banking and transaction banking divisions

The business saw momentum in corporate and investment banking (CIB), driven by the emphasis on client engagement and product innovation.

The foundational elements of our digital platform are currently being implemented, creating a robust foundation for improved scalability and efficiency in all data and analytics processes.

The business retained the coveted SSAE16 SOC2 Type II certification, which is a testimony of the stringent controls and measures deployed for data and IP protection.

Collaboration with S&P Global

The association with S&P Global helps blend local and global perspectives in shaping CRISIL’s strategy and governance systems. Representatives from S&P Global bring value to the CRISIL Board through global insights on governance, risk and controls, and experience in leading large businesses. CRISIL also gains opportunities to leverage the S&P Global brand through referrals and partnerships in the international market.

Regular interface between the two management teams leads to knowledge sharing and cross-fertilisation of ideas. At the same time, commercial opportunities are pursued on an arm’s length basis following review and recommendations by the CRISIL Audit Committee comprising mainly Independent Directors. S&P’s largest collaboration with CRISIL has been in the financial services support to S&P Global Ratings and other teams that started almost two decades ago. It has been attested to by a majority vote from CRISIL’s minority (nonpromoter) shareholders in 2014.

CRISIL Ratings and CRISIL MI&A

• CRISIL contributed macro-economic view point to S&P’s Look Forward publication titled ‘India’s Moment’, focused on opportunities, risks and potential for India to strengthen its claim to be a true global superpower in the next 10 years

• S&P Global Market Intelligence’s credit scorecards are hosted and automated on CRISIL’s ICON platform

• S&P participated in CRISIL’s flagship event, ‘India Outlook Seminar’. Dr Paul Gruenwald, Global Chief Economist at S&P Global Ratings, represented S&P and shared his insightful perspective on the global economy within the Indian context

CRISIL GR&RS

• Ongoing collaborations include a referral agreement between S&P Global, a joint go-to-market strategy, and development of risk and sustainability solutions

• Support Trucost and S&P Global Sustainablel for ESG assessments

CRISIL GBA

• A referral agreement with Market Intelligence, which represents several data and analytics products

• Leveraged S&P’s expertise in index construction to enhance Commercial Loan Analytics offerings

Human Resources Diversity, equity and inclusion

CRISIL is committed to building an enabling environment that values the contributions of its employees and provides them opportunities to grow.

In this context, CRISIL has been committed to its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) agenda since its inception. We have expanded our knowledge and practices to create an equitable and inclusive workplace for all our employees.

We used the recommendations of the DEI taskforce from last year to enhance inclusion at CRISIL. One such key initiative that led to employees knowing their colleagues better was Eskalera. It is an online learning platform designed to cultivate a more productive and inclusive work culture through upskilling, human connection and actionable data, and is available for all on-roll employees. It sensitises all learners on aspects of self-identity, vulnerability, impact of exclusion, inclusion and psychological safety. Targeted modules for people managers are also available.

We continued to focus on leadership development of diverse groups, incorporating inclusion as a key theme in our flagship development programmes. We also participated in external programmes to bring in an outside-in perspective, particularly in the context of building a leadership pipeline, understanding global best practices and providing best-in-class development opportunities to our people. Initiatives related to speed mentoring, workshops on enhancing intercultural competency and celebration of events related to various dimensions of diversity, were implemented with a significant impact. Encouraged by CRISIL’s DEI efforts, especially those aimed at fostering a sense of allyship towards the LGBTQIA community, a few employees openly embraced their authentic selves with respect to their sexual orientation.

Our metrics on representation, hiring, growth and retention of diverse groups continued to improve this year. We recognised the importance of accessibility, sensitisation and leadership commitment in this journey, and formulated a DEI strategy to align with CRISIL’s future growth plans and talent agenda. DEI

continues to be a part of our mandatory courses, encompassing policies and related practices, equal opportunity, and health and safety. These are designed for both new hires (to enhance awareness) and existing employees (as refresher modules).

Additionally, a buddy programme for new mothers was formalised this year.

Learning and Development

As we seek to grow in the future, we recognise that our people are our key differentiator, and we continue to invest in their professional development.

Various interventions across target groups were launched through the year. At the leadership level, our marquee programme, Leadership Excellence and Accelerated Development, concluded for the first batch of employees. The programme has recently been launched for the second batch.

One of the key focus areas this year was people manager enablement, with the objective of equipping them with leadership skills such as self-awareness, strategic thinking, team development and productivity improvement. In addition, digital learning platforms were made available to employees on a demand basis for self-paced learning. Further, specific learning programmes were curated and delivered based on business requirements. We also launched the CRISIL Essential Tech chapter this year, as well as self-paced courses of Essential Tech. Some cutting-edge technology offerings have been made available to employees. All the above initiatives enable learning and development to enhance operational efficiency and future readiness.

Talent Management and Succession Planning

Being a people-centric organisation, leadership development and succession planning are key strategic areas for the Company. As such, there is a strong focus on talent management and succession planning to create a robust talent pipeline for CXOs, their direct and skip-level reports, and other critical roles.

Our talent reviews include an exhaustive exercise of identifying high-potential employees, successors for key positions and working on leadership development for key talent.

The entire senior leadership team, along with our Managing Director and CEO, is involved in talent reviews, in close partnership with HR.

This not only helps develop leaders internally, but also opens up wider career opportunities, facilitates role changes, and enhances engagement and retention.

terms of reference of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The Policy is available at https://www.crisii.com/ en/home/investors/corporate-governance.html. During the year, modifications were made to the Policy to provide clarity on certain provisions.

Directorship changes Retirement

Ms Vinita Baii, Independent Director, retired as a member of the Board of Directors on account of completion of her tenure, effective February 13, 2024. Your Directors placed on record their sincere appreciation for Ms Baii’s invaluable support, advice and guidance to the Company and its Management during her tenure, which was immensely valuable to build and drive resilient growth and performance of the Company.

Resignation

Mr Ewout Steenbergen, Non-Executive Director, resigned as Director and Chairman with effect from the close of business hours on February 16, 2024, on account of his resignation from S&P Global Inc. Your Directors placed on record their sincere appreciation for the strong support, astute stewardship, constructive inputs and thoughtful guidance provided by Mr Steenbergen to the Company and its Management, as Chairman of the Board, and for helping set the strategy of the Company and charting its roadmap for the future, which was immensely valuable to drive the growth and performance of the Company.

Appointments

Mr Girish Ganesan was appointed as an Additional Director (Non-Executive) with effect from April 19, 2023. Mr Ganesan is Senior Vice President, People, at S&P Global, where he is a member of multiple Executive Committees and leads the Global Human Resources function across 8,000 employees, 30 countries, and multiple divisions of S&P Global, including Global Ratings, ESG/Sustainabie 1, Digital Technology Services, Legal, Government Affairs & Security, and Global Risk Assurance. The members of the Company, by way of a resolution passed through Postal Baiiot dated June 8, 2023, approved the appointment of Mr Girish Ganesan as a NonExecutive Director, liable to retire by rotation.

Ms Nishi Vasudeva was appointed as an Additionai Director (Independent, Non-Executive) with effect from January 27, 2024, for a period of five years subject to approvai of the sharehoiders at the ensuing Annuai Generai Meeting. Ms Vasudeva is a business leader with extensive management and advisory experience. She is the first woman Chairman & Managing Director of Hindustan Petroieum Corporation Limited (HPCL), a biue chip Maharatna Company in India. During her career of aimost four decades in the oii and gas

sector, she has worked across diverse business domains that inciude marketing, corporate pianning & strategy, business transformation, enterprise resource pianning and information systems.

The Board at its meeting heid on February 16, 2024, appointed Mr Saugata Saha as an Additional Director (Non-Executive) with effect from February 17, 2024, subject to approvai of the sharehoiders at the ensuing Annuai Generai Meeting. Mr Saugata Saha is President of S&P Giobai Commodity Insights and a member of S&P Global’s Executive Committee. In his prior roies at the S&P, he was the Chief Financiai Officer of two of S&P Giobai’s technoiogy-driven, data, benchmarks, and anaiytics divisions, S&P Giobai Market Inteiiigence and S&P Giobai Piatts.

Mr Yann Le Pallec, Non-Executive Director on the Board, was appointed as Chairman of the Board with effect from February 17, 2024.

The Company received notices under Section 160 of the Companies Act, 2013, from a member signifying her intention to propose the candidatures of Ms Vasudeva and Mr Saha to the office of Directors.

Retiring by rotation

In accordance with the Articies of Association of the Company and provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, Mr Yann Le Paiiec retires by rotation, and being eiigibie, has sought reappointment.

Brief profiles of Mr Yann Le Pallec, Ms Nishi Vasudeva and Mr Saugata Saha have been given in the notice convening the Annuai Generai Meeting.

Board independence

Our definition of ‘independence’ of Directors is derived from Reguiation 16(b) of SEBI (Listing Obiigations and Disciosure Requirements) Reguiations, 2015, and Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013. Based on the confirmation/ disciosures received from the Directors, and on the evaiuation of the independence of Directors during the Board evaiuation process and assessing the veracity of disciosures, the following Non-Executive Directors are Independent:

a) Mr Girish Paranjpe

b) Ms Shyamaia Gopinath

c) Mr Amar Raj Bindra

d) Ms Nishi Vasudeva

In the opinion of the Board, the Independent Directors fuifii the conditions specified under the Companies Act, 2013, the ruies made thereunder, and SEBI (Listing Obiigations and Disciosure Requirements) Reguiations, 2015. They are independent of the

Management and are persons of high integrity, expertise and experience. Further, in terms of Section 1 50 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014, the Independent Directors of the Company have confirmed that they have registered themselves with the databank maintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and have passed the proficiency test, if applicable to them.

Committees of the Board

The Board has five Committees:

• Audit Committee

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee

• Risk Management Committee

• Nomination and Remuneration Committee

• Stakeholders’ Relationship Committee

Details of all the Committees, along with their charters, composition and meetings held during the year, are provided in the Report on Corporate Governance, as part of this Annual Report.

Annual evaluation by the Board

During the year, the Board carried out an annual evaluation of its performance as well as of the working of its Committees and individual Directors, including the Chairman of the Board. This exercise was carried out through a structured questionnaire prepared separately for the Board, Committees, Chairman and individual Directors. The Chairman’s performance evaluation was carried out by Independent Directors at a separate meeting.

The parameters assessed included various aspects of the Board’s functioning, such as effectiveness, information flow between Board members and the Management, quality and transparency of Board discussions, Board dynamics, Board composition and understanding of roles and responsibilities, succession and evaluation, and possession of required experience and expertise by Board members, among other matters.

The performance of the Committees was evaluated on the basis of their effectiveness in carrying out their respective mandates.

Peer assessment of Directors, based on parameters such as participation in and contribution to Board deliberations, keeping oneself abreast of organisational matters, trends, knowledge and understanding of relevant areas, among other matters, was reviewed by the Board for individual feedback.

are implemented and reviewed periodically. CRISIL has a balanced approach to risk management, mitigating risks to an acceptable level to protect our reputation and brand, while supporting the achievement of operational and strategic goals and objectives.

In addition to key strategic and operational risks, data security, cyber security, disruption from emerging technologies and people risk were primary focus areas during 2023. The challenging macroeconomic environment and volatile geopolitical situation can impact or elongate our decision-making process of our clients, making it as key monitorable topic for our international business in 2024. We continuously monitor the economic impact of geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges and take appropriate actions.

Cyberattack incidents globally continue to increase in number and sophistication, especially in the current hybrid working environment. Several new age tools and advanced security controls are being deployed to enhance information and cyber security posture. In addition, during the year an enhanced level of awareness was imparted to all employees to remain vigilant against pertinent themes of information and cyber security.

The emergence of large language models (LLMs) brings several knowledge work categories, presently manual in nature, potentially within the scope of generative artificial intelligence (Al). As part of our LLM strategy, we have identified focus areas for evaluation.

Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) philosophy has established a vibrant workplace that enriches employee experience. We benchmark our compensation on an ongoing basis to ensure our employees are fairly paid, in line with market trends.

Additionally, the Company continued monitoring top risks on its risk register, which are discussed in greater detail in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report.

Directors’ responsibility statement

The Directors hereby confirm that:

i. In the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards have been followed and that no material departures have been made from the same

ii. They have 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 Company at the end of the financial year and of the profits of the Company for that period

iii. They have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, for safeguarding the assets of the Company, and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities

iv. They have prepared the annual accounts on a going-concern basis

v. They have laid down internal financial controls for the Company which are adequate and operating effectively

vi. They have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all the applicable laws, and such systems are adequate and operating effectively

Particulars regarding conservation of energy, technology absorption, and foreign exchange earnings and outgo

Foreign exchange earnings and outgo during the year under review are as follows:

The Company does not own any manufacturing facility, and hence, our processes are not energy-intensive. Therefore, particulars relating to conservation of energy and technology absorption stipulated in the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, are not applicable.

However, we endeavour to support the environment by adopting environment-friendly practices in our office premises and have rolled out a policy that is aimed at improving the environmental performance of CRISIL. Our efforts in this direction centre around making efficient use of natural resources, eliminating waste and promoting recycling of resources.

Initiatives taken in the area of environment protection in 2023 are mentioned in the CRISIL ESG Report 2023, available

at https://www.crisii.com/en/home/investors/financiai-information/sustainabiiity-report.htmi.

Corporate Social Responsibility

The Company has constituted a CSR Committee in accordance with Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. The roie of the Committee is to review the CSR Poiicy and approve activities to be undertaken by the Company towards CSR.

The CSR Poiicy of the Company is avaiiabie at https://www. crisii.com/en/home/investors/corporate-governance.htmi, and detaiis about initiatives taken by the Company during the year under review have been appended as Annexure I to this report. During the year, modifications were made to the Poiicy, detaiiing roies and responsibiiities and to aiign it with industry best practices.

The Chief Financiai Officer (CFO) has certified that the funds disbursed for CSR have been used for the purpose and in the manner approved by the Board for financiai year 2023.

Vigil mechanism

The Company has estabiished a vigii mechanism for Directors and empioyees to report genuine concerns, the detaiis of which have been given in the Corporate Governance Report annexed to the Annual Report.

Significant developments Acquisitions

Peter Lee Associates Pty Limited

On March 17, 2023, CRISIL Irevna Austraiia Pty Ltd, a whoiiy owned subsidiary of CRISIL Limited, compieted the acquisition of 100% of the equity share capitai of Peter Lee Associates Pty Limited (PLA), and consequentiy, PLA has become a whoiiy owned subsidiary of the Company.

PLA is an Austraiian research and consuiting firm providing benchmarking research programmes to the financiai services sector. The acquisition is intended to compiement CRISIL’s existing portfolio of products and expand offerings to new geographies and segments across financiai services, inciuding commerciai banks and investment management. The deai wiii acceierate CRISIL’s strategy in the APAC region to be the foremost piayer in the growing market.

Bridge to India Energy Private Limited

On September 30, 2023, CRISIL Limited compieted the acquisition of 100% of the equity share capitai of Bridge to India Energy Private Limited (B2I), and consequentiy, B2I has become a whoiiy owned subsidiary of CRISIL Limited.

B2I is a renewabie energy consuiting and knowiedge services provider to financiai and corporate ciients in India. The acquisition will augment CRISIL’s existing offerings and boister its market positioning in the renewabie energy space.

Incorporation of subsidiaries

CRISIL ESG Ratings & Analytics Limited

SEBI (Credit Rating Agencies) (Amendment) Reguiations, 2023, requires obtaining a separate certificate of registration by any ESG ratings service provider. Consequentiy, a step-down subsidiary of CRISIL Limited in the name of CRISIL ESG Ratings & Anaiytics Limited (CERA) was incorporated on September 26, 2023, to take over the Company’s existing ESG scores business. CERA has appiied for a iicense to operate as ESG rating provider (ERP).

CRISIL Irevna Information Technology Colombia S.A.S

On October 24, 2023, a step-down subsidiary of CRISIL Limited in the name of CRISIL Irevna Information Technoiogy Coiombia S.A.S was incorporated in Coiombia to provide research and anaiytics services to ciients.

Closure of Greenwich Associates Canada, ULC, and merger of Greenwich Associates LLC with CRISIL Irevna US LLC

In order to reduce administrative and operational expenses and streamiine the CRISIL group structure, Greenwich Associates Canada, ULC, has been ciosed with effect from Juiy 31,2023.

Further, two whoiiy owned US-based subsidiaries, nameiy Greenwich Associates LLC and CRISIL Irevna US LLC, were merged with effect from Aprii 1,2023.

Subsidiaries

As at December 31,2023, the Company had 3 Indian and 13 overseas, whoiiy owned subsidiaries.

In accordance with Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, CRISIL has prepared a consoiidated financiai statement of the Company and aii its subsidiaries, which is a part of the Annuai Report. A statement containing saiient features of the financiai statements of the subsidiaries and highiights of their performance are inciuded in the Annuai Report.

The Company has no associate companies within the purview of Section 2(6) of the Companies Act, 2013.

In accordance with third proviso of Section 136(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Annuai Report of the Company containing its standaione and consoiidated financiai statements has been upioaded on the

website, www.crisii.com. Further, as per the fourth proviso of the said Section, accounts of aii subsidiaries as at December 31, 2023, have also been uploaded on www.crisil.com. Shareholders interested in obtaining a copy of the accounts of the subsidiaries may write to us at the Company’s registered office or email to investors@crisii.com.

The Company has also obtained a certificate from the statutory auditors, certifying that the Company is in compliance with FEMA Regulations with respect to downstream investments.

Particulars of contracts or arrangements with related parties referred to in Section 188(1)

A significant quantum of Related Party Transactions undertaken by the Company is with subsidiaries engaged in the product delivery of CRISIL’s businesses and business development activities. The Company’s Global Analytical Centre (GAC) has been providing analytical support to entities related to the Company’s ultimate holding company, S&P Global Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “S&P Group Entities”), as part of a master services agreement, which was approved by a majority vote from CRISIL’s minority shareholders, without the participation of S&P, through a resolution passed by postal baiiot on December 15, 2014. In recent times, CRISIL and its subsidiaries have expanded their scope of services to support S&P Group Entities in various non-financiai analytical streams beyond credit ratings, such as ESG assessments and consulting, model validation, counter-party risk assessments, data operations and technology support, which are provided by other divisions of CRISIL and/or its subsidiaries (other than GAC division). It is therefore proposed to expand the scope, coverage and limit of the existing related party approval obtained from the members as of December 15, 2014, at the ensuing Annual General Meeting of the Company.

The Audit Committee pre-approves aii Related Party Transactions. The detaiis of such transactions undertaken during a particuiar quarter are piaced at the meeting of the Audit Committee heid in the succeeding quarter.

Aii contracts/ arrangements/ transactions with reiated parties that were executed in 2023 were in the ordinary course of business and on an arm’s iength basis. During the year, there were no Reiated Party Transactions that were materiaiiy significant or couid have a potentiai confiict with the interests of the Company at iarge.

Aii Reiated Party Transactions are mentioned in the notes to the accounts. The particuiars of materiai contracts or arrangements with reiated parties referred to in Section 188(1) are given in a prescribed Form AOC-2 as Annexure II.

As required under SEBI (Listing Obiigations and Disciosure Requirements) Reguiations, 2015, the Company has formuiated a Reiated Party Transactions Poiicy, which has been upioaded on the Company’s website, https://www. crisii.com/en/home/investors/corporate-governance.htmi. The Company has deveioped an operating procedures manuai for the identification and monitoring of Reiated Party Transactions.

Particulars of loans, guarantees or investments under Section 186

Detaiis of ioans, guarantees and investments covered under the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013, are provided in the notes to financiai statements.

Auditors’ report

M/s Waiker Chandiok & Co LLP (an affiiiate of Grant Thornton network) is the statutory auditor of the Company. Its report is a part of the Annuai Report.

M/s Waiker Chandiok & Co LLP is undergoing its second term of five years as the statutory auditor of the Company, i.e., from the conciusion of the 35^th Annuai Generai Meeting heid on Aprii 22, 2022, untii the conciusion of the 40^th Annuai Generai Meeting. Consequent to the amendments to the Companies Act, 2013, ratification of appointment of the statutory auditor at every Annuai Generai Meeting is no ionger required.

Comments on auditors’ report

There are no quaiifications, reservations or adverse remarks or disciaimers made by M/s Waiker Chandiok & Co LLP, statutory auditors, in its audit report. The statutory auditor aiso did not report any incident of fraud to the Audit Committee of the Company in the year under review.

Secretarial audit report

The Board appointed M/s Makarand M. Joshi & Co., Practising Company Secretaries, to conduct the secretariai audit. The report is appended as Annexure III. There were no quaiifications, reservations or adverse remarks or disciaimers made by M/s Makarand M. Joshi & Co., Practising Company Secretaries, in its secretariai audit report.

Aiso, CRISIL Ratings Limited, a materiai subsidiary of the Company, undertakes secretariai audit every year under Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013. The secretariai audit of CRISIL Ratings Limited for the Financial Year 2023 was carried out pursuant to Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013, and was conducted by M/s. MMJB & Associates LLP, Practising Company Secretaries. The report did not contain

any qualification, reservation or adverse remark or disclaimer. The secretarial audit report of CRISIL Ratings Limited forms a part of the Annual Report as per requirements of the Listing Regulations.

Management Discussion and Analysis Report

The Management Discussion and Analysis Report for the year under review, as stipulated under SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, is annexed to the Annual Report.

Corporate governance

The Company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance and adhering to the corporate governance requirements set out by SEBI. The Report on Corporate Governance, as stipulated under SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, is part of the Annual Report. A certificate from the auditors of the Company confirming compliance with the conditions of corporate governance, as stipulated under SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, is also published in the Annual Report.

Particulars of remuneration

Disclosures with respect to the remuneration of Directors 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, have been appended as Annexure IV to this report.

In accordance with the provisions of Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013, and Rule 5(2) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the names and other particulars of every employee covered under the said rule are available at the registered office of the Company during working hours for a period of 21 days before the Annual General Meeting and will be made available to any shareholder on request, and are also available on the Company’s website.

Employee Stock Option Schemes

The Company has three Employee Stock Option Schemes (ESOSs). ESOS - 2011 was approved by shareholders vide a special resolution passed through postal ballot on February 4, 2011. ESOS - 2012 was approved by shareholders vide a special resolution passed through postal ballot on April 10, 2012. ESOS - 2014 was approved by shareholders vide a special resolution passed through postal ballot on April 3,

2014, and amended by a special resolution of shareholders at the 30^th Annual General Meeting held on April 20, 2017.

The ESOS schemes of the Company are in compliance with SEBI regulations. As per Regulation 14 of SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021, read with SEBI circular no. CIR/CFD/POLICY CELL/2/2015 dated June 16, 2015, details of the ESOS are uploaded on the Company’s website, https://www.crisii.com/en/home/ investors/financiai-information/annuai-report.htmi.

The Company has received a certificate from M/s Makarand M. Joshi & Co., Practising Company Secretaries, that ESOS -2011, ESOS - 2012 and ESOS - 2014 have been implemented in accordance with SEBI regulations and resolutions passed by members in the general meetings. The certificate wiii be placed at the ensuing Annual General Meeting for inspection by members.

Annual Return

The complete Annual Return (Form MGT-7) is available on the Company’s website, https://www.crisii.com/en/home/ investors/financiai-information/annuai-report.htmi.

Financial Year

The Company follows the calendar year as the financial year in terms of a special approval obtained from the Company Law Board in 2015.

CEO and CFO certification

A certificate from Mr Amish Mehta, Managing Director & CEO, and Mr Sanjay Chakravarti, CFO, pursuant to the provisions of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, for the year under review was placed before the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on February 16, 2024.

Statutory disclosures

Directors state that there being no transactions with respect to the following items during the financial year under review, no disclosure or reporting is required with respect to:

1. Deposit from the public failing within the ambit of Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013, and Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014

2. I ssue of equity shares with differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise

3. Receipt of any remuneration or commission by the Managing Director/Whole-time Director of the Company from any of its subsidiaries

4. Significant or material orders passed by the regulators or courts or tribunals that impact the going concern status and the Company’s operations in the future

5. Buyback of shares

6. Maintenance of cost records as per sub-section (1) of Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013

7. Application or proceedings made under the Indian Bankruptcy Code 2016

8. Agreements subsisting as at the date of the notification of clause 5A of part A of para A of Schedule III, of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirement) Regulation, 2015

Acknowledgements

The Board of Directors wish to thank the employees of CRISIL

for their exemplary dedication and excellence displayed in

conducting all operations. The Board also wishes to place on record its sincere appreciation of the faith reposed in the professional integrity of CRISIL by customers and investors who have patronised its services. The Board acknowledges the splendid support provided by market intermediaries as well. The affiliation with S&P Global has been a source of great strength. The Board of Directors also wish to place on record its gratitude for the faith reposed in CRISIL by the shareholders, SEBI, RBI, the Government of India, and the state governments. In conclusion, the role played by the media in highlighting the good work done by CRISIL is deeply appreciated.