Policybazaar for Business reports strong growth in Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance amid rising boardroom accountability and legal scrutiny.

New Delhi. Amid growing regulatory oversight and investor activism, a recent analysis by Policybazaar for Business reveals that Directors & Officers (D&O) liability insurance is rapidly gaining traction among Indian businesses. The data shows that 85% of D&O policyholders perceive increased exposure to legal and reputational risks, while 10–15% have already filed claims.

D&O insurance, designed to protect corporate directors and officers against personal losses arising from managerial decisions, is evolving from a compliance obligation to a critical component of modern risk management.

Demand for D&O Insurance Accelerates

The report highlights a sharp 25–35% growth in D&O policy sales across the industry, a trend mirrored on the Policybazaar for Business platform. Notably, 35% of policyholders are first-time buyers, signalling a shift in mindset among startups, SMEs, and mid-sized firms toward proactively addressing leadership risk.

Evaa Saiwal, Head of Liability Insurance at Policybazaar for Business, commented:
“The surge in demand for D&O insurance reflects a major shift in how businesses perceive leadership risk. It’s no longer just about compliance—boards are now viewing D&O cover as an essential safeguard against real-world liabilities.”

Real-World Liability: Claims on the Rise

Between 10% and 15% of D&O policyholders have submitted claims—highlighting the growing vulnerability of corporate leaders to legal action. The most common triggers include:

• Breach of Fiduciary Duty – Increased scrutiny of executive decisions.
• Litigation & Legal Defense Costs – High financial burden even when allegations are unsubstantiated.
• Regulatory Investigations – Especially in sectors like fintech, healthcare, and consumer services.
• Reputation Management – Crisis communication and PR support have become vital components of coverage.

Policy Renewals and IPO Influence

Approximately 85% of clients renewed their policies, either through Policybazaar or other intermediaries—indicating sustained trust in the protective value of D&O coverage. Non-renewals were minimal and largely tied to company restructuring, mergers, or operational shutdowns.

Additionally, the platform notes increasing adoption of D&O insurance among IPO-bound companies, which face heightened regulatory and public scrutiny.

New Coverage Trends

As awareness grows, companies are now opting for enhanced coverage features, such as:

• Side A-only excess policies: Popular among independent directors, offering non-rescindable protection in insolvency scenarios.
• Cyber and ESG-linked protections: Expanding scope of D&O policies to address emerging risks.
• Policy vetting by board members: Directors increasingly demand thorough policy reviews before taking up board roles.

Premium Snapshot by Business Size

Sample Premiums Across Insurers

Looking Ahead

With the legal and reputational stakes of leadership decisions growing sharper, D&O insurance is fast becoming a strategic necessity for Indian enterprises. The uptick in claims and the rise in first-time buyers highlight the urgency for businesses to protect their leadership teams against unforeseen liabilities.

As the Indian corporate landscape grows more complex and regulated, D&O insurance is poised to play a central role in boardroom decision-making—cementing its status as a key pillar of modern corporate governance.

A study by Policybazaar For Business

Cyber Insurance Policy Renewal Rate stands at a whopping 100%

Nearly 100% of cyber insurance clients are renewing their policies. Businesses now recognise the recurring and evolving nature of cyber risks, leading to regular policy renewals. Cyber insurance is no longer seen as an optional risk-transfer tool but as a core component of enterprise risk management. 

Companies with turnover over ₹10 Cr leading Cyber Insurance adoption; BFSI and Tech sectors at the forefront

Cyber insurance adoption is concentrated in five key industries, primarily among businesses with annual turnover exceeding ₹10 crore. The breakdown of industry-wise adoption is as follows:

● BFSI (35-40%): The financial sector is the largest consumer of cyber insurance, given its high exposure to financial fraud, data breaches, and regulatory scrutiny.

● Technology & IT (30%): IT firms manage vast amounts of customer and enterprise data, making them prime targets for cyberattacks.

● Startups (25%): Investor requirements and contractual obligations are key drivers of insurance adoption.

● Healthcare (5%): Sensitive patient data and ransomware threats are pushing adoption.

● Logistics (5%): As digital supply chains expand, cyber risks in logistics are increasing.

The dominance of mid-to-large enterprises (₹10+ crore turnover) in cyber insurance adoption highlights that businesses with greater revenue are more proactive in risk management. BFSI and tech sectors lead adoption due to their high regulatory and operational risks, while startups are increasingly purchasing cyber coverage to meet external requirements.

First-time buying companies make up 30-35% of Cyber Insurance clients

A significant 30-35% of businesses purchasing cyber insurance are first-time buyers, showing that awareness is expanding. The trend indicates a shift from reactive to proactive cyber risk management, especially among mid-sized enterprises and startups.

With nearly one-third of buyers being new customers, market penetration is clearly increasing. More and more companies, especially those that previously underestimated cyber risks, are now recognizing the financial impact of cyberattacks.

Business Interruption from Data Breaches contribute to 45% of Cyber Insurance claims

Cyber insurance claims data reveals the top reasons for payouts:

The fact that nearly half of all claims (45%) stem from business interruption underscores the increasing importance of cyber insurance as a business continuity safeguard. Companies are not just covering financial losses but also mitigating operational downtime.

Regulatory changes, contractual requirements drive Cyber Insurance growth

Over the past 12-24 months, demand for cyber insurance has grown significantly, driven by:

● Regulatory compliance – Data protection laws and cybersecurity regulations require businesses to enhance cyber resilience.

● Contractual requirements – Enterprises, particularly in BFSI and IT, require vendors and partners to hold cyber insurance.

● Risk assessments – Companies are proactively assessing their cyber vulnerabilities, leading to increased insurance adoption.

Evaa Saiwal, Head of Liability Insurance at Policybazaar For Business says, “The cyber insurance market has evolved from a niche offering to a business necessity in the last couple of years. This demand has been fueled by increasing cyber threats and regulatory compliance. It’s poised for sustained growth, not just among large businesses but also among SMEs and emerging industries.  The near-100% renewal rate signals the fact that businesses now see cyber insurance as an indispensable protection tool. Beyond financial recovery, cyber insurance is becoming a key enabler of business continuity, ensuring companies can withstand and recover from attacks with minimal disruption. As threats like ransomware, phishing, and data breaches continue to escalate, integrating cyber risk management and insurance will be key to building a resilient and secure digital ecosystem for businesses.”

The world of cricket is no stranger to groundbreaking partnerships, and the latest collaboration between T10 Sports and Punjab Kings is set to make waves. As a leading sportswear brand, T10 Sports has teamed up with the popular IPL franchise Punjab Kings, bringing innovation and style to the cricketing arena. But what does this partnership mean for both parties? Let’s dive into the details.

T10 Sports has been named the Official Kit & Merchandise Partner of Punjab Kings. The partnership includes:

• Branding opportunities for T10 Sports on Punjab Kings’ official jerseys and merchandise.
• Exclusive fan-centric merchandise featuring high-quality apparel.
• Joint promotional campaigns to engage cricket enthusiasts across platforms.

T10 Sports was also the Kitting Partner of Punjab Kings from 2018 to 2023, highlighting a long-standing association between the two entities.

T10 Sports is a well-known name in the sports apparel industry, providing high-quality gear for athletes across various sports. Known for its cutting-edge designs and technologically advanced fabrics, the brand has become a trusted name among sports enthusiasts. With a strong presence in cricket, football, and other competitive sports, T10 Sports continues to set new benchmarks in sportswear innovation.

Punjab Kings, formerly known as Kings XI Punjab, is one of the most dynamic franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With a loyal fan base and a history of exciting performances, the team has always been a crowd favorite. Over the years, Punjab Kings has built a strong brand identity, making strategic partnerships essential for its growth and outreach.

For Punjab Kings, aligning with a reputed sportswear brand like T10 Sports enhances its branding and performance apparel. On the other hand, T10 Sports gains immense visibility by associating with a high-profile IPL franchise, strengthening its position in the Indian market.

Fans are a crucial part of the IPL ecosystem, and this partnership aims to elevate their experience. Expect limited-edition jerseys, interactive social media contests, and in-stadium promotions, all designed to make the IPL season more exciting for Punjab Kings supporters.

High-performance apparel plays a crucial role in modern-day cricket. T10 Sports ensures players get the best gear to enhance mobility, breathability, and overall comfort, enabling them to perform at their peak. T10 Sports is committed to eco-friendly practices, utilizing sustainable materials and innovative fabric technology. This aligns with the growing trend of sustainability in the sports industry, making it a forward-thinking partnership. Expect to see T10 Sports and Punjab Kings making a splash on social media with engaging content, digital campaigns, and influencer collaborations. From behind-the-scenes training glimpses to exclusive product launches, fans will be treated to a host of exciting content.

Punjab Kings has collaborated with several brands over the years. However, the association with T10 Sports stands out due to its direct impact on player performance and fan engagement. The brand has previously worked with other cricket franchises and international teams, solidifying its reputation as a trusted sportswear partner. Beyond branding, this partnership is expected to drive significant revenue growth for both entities. The sale of exclusive merchandise and increased brand exposure will contribute to a larger market share in the sports industry.

Every partnership comes with challenges, whether in logistics, distribution, or branding execution. However, with strong brand alignment and shared goals, this collaboration presents immense opportunities for both parties. Industry experts see this partnership as a strategic move that benefits both Punjab Kings and T10 Sports. Media reports and public perception suggest an overwhelmingly positive response, indicating strong potential for success.

The T10 Sports and Punjab Kings partnership is a perfect blend of performance and style. As the IPL season unfolds, this collaboration will not only enhance team branding but also bring high-quality sportswear to fans. With innovation, sustainability, and fan engagement at its core, this is just the beginning of an exciting journey.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of the T10 Sports and Punjab Kings partnership?
   This partnership enhances team branding and provides high-quality sportswear for players and fans.
2. Will fans be able to buy exclusive Punjab Kings merchandise from T10 Sports?
   Yes, exclusive jerseys and merchandise will be available for fans.
3. How does T10 Sports contribute to cricket apparel innovation?
   T10 Sports uses advanced fabric technology to improve player performance and comfort.
4. Is this partnership limited to one IPL season?
   While initial details focus on the upcoming season, future collaborations are possible.
5. Where can fans purchase Punjab Kings’ official merchandise?
   Official merchandise will be available online and at select retail outlets associated with T10 Sports.