Choice International Limited has announced that its step-down subsidiary Choice Wealth Private Limited has secured a strategic contract from India Post Payment Bank (IPPB) to deploy a comprehensive digital investment platform. The contract was awarded following a detailed technical and commercial evaluation process, positioning Choice Wealth as a mutual fund aggregator and investment service provider.

Contract Scope and Service Offerings

Under this mandate, Choice Wealth will deploy a one-stop digital investment platform providing comprehensive services to IPPB customers. The platform will offer online mutual fund aggregation, robo-advisory solutions, and other digital investment services accessible through mobile applications, web-based platforms, and IPPB's mATM-compatible devices.

IPPB's Extensive Network Infrastructure

India Post Payment Bank operates one of the most extensive financial distribution networks globally, leveraging the vast India Post ecosystem. The partnership provides Choice Wealth access to an unparalleled nationwide footprint that significantly enhances market reach and customer accessibility.

Strategic Business Impact

The collaboration combines IPPB's unmatched national reach with Choice Wealth's digital and wealth management capabilities to create a powerful distribution-led investment ecosystem. This partnership is expected to significantly expand access to mutual fund and investment products, particularly among first-time investors and underserved communities in semi-urban and rural areas.

According to Mr. Arun Poddar, Group CEO of Choice International Limited, this engagement represents a landmark moment that aligns with the company's long-term vision of democratizing wealth creation across India. The partnership leverages IPPB's extraordinary last-mile reach with technology-led investment solutions to make investing more accessible and inclusive.

Technology and Compliance Framework

Choice Wealth brings deep expertise across capital markets, wealth management, and digital platforms, supported by scalable, secure, and regulatory-compliant technology infrastructure. The solution adheres to stringent standards of governance, data protection, and regulatory compliance, ensuring a safe and trusted investment experience for IPPB customers. The engagement aligns with India's digital transformation and financial inclusion objectives, supporting broader retail participation in formal investment products through technology-enabled access.

Patodia Properties Private Limited has filed a disclosure with stock exchanges regarding changes in share encumbrance for Choice International Limited under Regulation 31 of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011. The disclosure, dated January 1, 2026, details both the release of existing pledged shares and creation of new encumbrance.

Share Pledge Release and New Encumbrance

The promoter entity executed two significant transactions on December 30, 2025. Patodia Properties released a pledge on 84,70,000 shares representing 3.80% of Choice International's total share capital. These shares were previously encumbered in favor of a clearing corporation.

Simultaneously, the company created a new pledge on 13,00,000 shares (0.58% of total share capital) in favor of Aditya Birla Capital Limited. This new encumbrance serves as collateral for a credit facility.

Financial Structure and Security Cover

The new pledge arrangement demonstrates a conservative approach to collateral management. The encumbered shares carry a market value of ₹106,30,75,000.00 against a loan amount of ₹40,00,00,000.00, providing a security cover ratio of 2.66 times.

Aditya Birla Capital Limited, classified as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), is the sole entity involved in the new lending arrangement.

Promoter Holdings and Disclosure Compliance

Following these transactions, Patodia Properties maintains its overall shareholding of 84,70,000 shares (3.80%) in Choice International. The total promoter and PAC (Persons Acting in Concert) group holds 12,78,02,292 shares, representing 57.41% of the company's total share capital.

The disclosure indicates that the borrowed amount will be utilized for the promoter's personal use rather than for the benefit of the listed company. This transaction structure ensures clear segregation between promoter financing activities and the listed entity's operations.

Regulatory Framework

The disclosure was filed in compliance with SEBI regulations requiring transparency in promoter share encumbrance activities. Choice International's shares are listed on both BSE and NSE, necessitating simultaneous disclosure to both exchanges. The comprehensive filing includes detailed breakdowns of all promoter and PAC holdings, ensuring complete transparency for market participants and regulatory authorities.