HCLTech Expands Guardian Partnership, to Acquire Insurer’s India GCC in $10.5 Million Deal

HCLTech has expanded its partnership with US-based insurer Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, signing a new seven-year agreement focused on artificial intelligence-led technology and operations modernisation while acquiring the insurer’s India GCC for $10.5 million.

As part of the transaction, HCLTech will acquire 100% of Guardian India Operations, the insurer’s technology and operations GCC, in an all-cash deal expected to close on August 1.

The acquisition will see nearly 2,000 Guardian India employees transition to HCLTech, where they will form a dedicated strategic business unit serving Guardian across technology, engineering and operations.

The engagement comes as IT services companies increasingly deepen client relationships through GCC acquisitions and AI-led transformation programmes, allowing them to secure long-term managed services contracts while gaining specialised industry talent.

Under the agreement, HCLTech will expand deployment of its AI service transformation platform, AI Force, to develop agentic AI capabilities for Guardian and support technology transformation across data, applications and engineering. The companies also plan to jointly develop AI-led products and intellectual property for the insurance industry.

The IT company said the engagement will cover Guardian’s group benefits, individual protection, retirement and wealth management businesses, with the objective of improving operational efficiency, reducing costs and accelerating product delivery.

Guardian’s Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Steve Rullo, said the partnership would help the insurer scale AI adoption across its enterprise while strengthening its operating model. 

“Together with HCLTech, we are strengthening how we operate to drive greater consistency and scalability while continuing to invest in the capabilities that differentiate Guardian, strengthen operational excellence, and create value for our customers, policyholders and distribution partners,” Rullo said in a statement.

HCLTech’s Chief Growth Officer and Global Head of Financial Services, Srinivasan Seshadri, said the expanded relationship would enable the companies to co-create AI-led products and strengthen HCLTech’s insurance capabilities.

According to HCLTech’s regulatory filing, Guardian India generated revenue of ₹578.8 crore in FY26, compared with ₹483.2 crore in FY25. The entity, incorporated in 2002, operates as Guardian’s India-based technology and operations GCC, supporting its insurance, retirement and wealth management businesses.