The addition takes the existing ESOP pool to 2.4 million equity options. Paytm, valued at over $16 billion, plans to award the expanded stock options to more employees during its annual performance appraisal. To attract and retain talented professionals, Paytm last year amended certain aspects of its ESOP policy, introducing performance-based ESOPs. These are given at the time of hiring or during the appraisal cycle and all key roles across different levels are eligible for it. It has linked ESOPs to individual goals that are reviewed and approved by the business heads with the flexibility to accommodate multiple scenarios and also meet employees' aspirations, the firm said in a statement.