Home First Finance Company India Limited (HFFCIL) has announced a significant improvement in its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Risk Rating as assessed by Morningstar Sustainalytics. The company's ESG risk score has been revised from 17.4 to 13.6, placing it firmly in the 'Low Risk' category for ESG risk management.

Improved ESG Performance

The revised rating reflects HFFCIL's enhanced efforts in managing its environmental, social, and governance risks. This improvement is particularly noteworthy in the financial services sector, where ESG considerations are increasingly becoming critical for investors and stakeholders.

Discovery and Disclosure

According to the company's disclosure, the improved rating was discovered on September 24, 2025, at 3:54 P.M. IST, when company officials checked the Morningstar Sustainalytics website. Promptly following this discovery, HFFCIL made an official announcement to the stock exchanges in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Official Statement

Shreyans Bachhawat, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer of Home First Finance Company India Limited, officially communicated this development to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited. The disclosure was made under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.

Implications for Investors

This improved ESG rating could potentially enhance Home First Finance Company's appeal to environmentally and socially conscious investors. It may also reflect positively on the company's risk management practices and overall sustainability efforts.

About ESG Ratings

ESG ratings provided by agencies like Morningstar Sustainalytics assess a company's exposure to long-term environmental, social, and governance risks. These ratings are increasingly used by investors to evaluate a company's sustainability and ethical impact alongside its financial performance.

Home First Finance Company India Limited's move into the 'Low Risk' category signifies its commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices, which could potentially influence investor perceptions and decision-making in the evolving landscape of sustainable finance.

Home First Finance Company India Limited (HFFCIL) has announced a significant change to its board composition, with shareholders overwhelmingly approving the appointment of Mr. Sriram Hariharan as a Non-Executive Independent Director. The decision, made through a postal ballot, marks an important addition to the company's leadership team.

Appointment Details

The special resolution for Mr. Hariharan's appointment received resounding support from shareholders, with 99.89% of votes cast in favor. Out of the total 10.33 crore shares, 8.42 crore shares participated in the voting process, demonstrating strong engagement from the company's investor base.

Mr. Hariharan's term as a Non-Executive Independent Director is set for five years, commencing from June 26, 2025. This appointment is notable as it comes with the provision that he will not be liable to retire by rotation, ensuring continuity in his role over the specified term.

Profile of Sriram Hariharan

Mr. Hariharan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Home First Finance. His educational background includes:

• A Bachelor of Engineering degree (Mechanical) from the National Institute of Technology
• A Post Graduate Diploma in Finance and Marketing from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore
• Certification as a corporate director from the Institute of Corporate Directors in Toronto, Canada

His professional journey is marked by significant achievements, particularly in the banking sector:

• Joined ICICI Bank in India in 1996, holding several key management positions
• Led ICICI Bank's International Banking Group, overseeing all international operations
• Spearheaded the bank's Global Remittances and NRI business
• Served as Board Chair for both ICICI Bank UK PLC and ICICI Bank Canada
• Played a crucial role in establishing ICICI Bank in Canada in 2003
• Served as President and Chief Executive Officer of ICICI Bank Canada from April 2008 to July 2019

Recognition and Community Involvement

Mr. Hariharan's leadership has been widely recognized:

• Named in Canada's Top 40 Under 40™ in 2008
• Awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012
• Named Corporate Executive of the Year by the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce

During his tenure in Canada, he actively supported various business and not-for-profit organizations, serving on boards such as Toronto Global and the Conference Board of Canada.

Compliance and Regulatory Aspects

HFFCIL has confirmed that Mr. Hariharan is not debarred from holding the office of Director by any SEBI order or other regulatory authority. Additionally, he meets all qualifications required under the Companies Act, 2013, ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards.

The appointment of Mr. Sriram Hariharan as a Non-Executive Independent Director is expected to bring valuable international banking experience and strategic insight to Home First Finance Company India Limited, potentially contributing to the company's growth and governance in the coming years.