Kotak Mahindra Bank, one of the major banking and financial groups in India, has taken a major step in its global expansion by obtaining a license from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). This Kotak forms Mahindra (International) Limited. The first Indian institution is officially authorized to offer investment funds and portfolio management operations in the United Arab Emirates.TL; Dr:
Kotak Mahindra becomes the first Indian institution to receive oneUAE SCA license for portfolio and investment fund management.- Bank will offer mainly
India-centric investment Options for local and regional investors. - Kotak plans to open membership in the United Arab Emirates by the last quarter of 2025, marking a milestone after the Financial relations of India-UAE.
Details of UAE Launch
Kotak Mahindra Bank’s subsidiary Kotak Mahindra (International) Limited (KMIL), is now fully licensed to provide a series of portfolio management and investment fund services in Emirates. The new license paves the way for the launch of UAE-domicild funds targeting retail investors, which is expected to be available from Q4 2025. Kotak will focus on offering India-centric investment strategies, allowing UAE investors to diversify their portfolio through both luxemburg-domiciled (UCITs) and India-based products.The move follows the increase in cross -border trade and investment between India and the United Arab Emirates, especially after the Custom Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Looking at the entry of Kotak, which monitor the market, looks as a sign of financial integration and deepening new opportunities for money management in the region.
About Kotak Mahindra Bank
Kotak Mahindra Bank is one of the largest and most diverse financial services companies in India. Established as Kotak Capital Management Finance Limited in 1985, the firm became a fully commercial bank after obtaining a banking license from the Reserve Bank of India in 2003. The group offers a wide spectrum of services, retail and corporate banking, asset management, investment banking, life insurance and money management. Kotak Mahindra Bank is listed in India’s major stock exchanges and is widely recognized for its strong performance, innovation and commitment to sound risk management. Its international presence is continuously increasing, especially in the Middle East.The first licensed Indian Investment Fund Manager as Kotak Mahindra’s entry into the United Arab Emirates is ready to increase India-centric investment options for customers and increase financial relations between two major economies. To broaden the investment scenario for retail customers in Emirates, it is expected to open membership of new Kotak funds at the end of 2025.
Fasting
- 1. What is the recently received milestone by Kotak Mahindra in UAE?
Kotak Mahindra (International) Limited became the first Indian unit to receive SCA license for investment funds and portfolio management. - 2. What services will Kotak Mahindra provide in UAE?
The bank will launch the UAE-Administrative Investment Fund, focusing on India-centric portfolio for retail investors. - 3. When UAE investors can subscribe to Kotak Mahindra’s new funds?
Membership is expected to open by the last quarter of 2025. - 4. How does this step affect India-UAE financial relations?
This deepens the CEPA after a cross-border financial flow and provides access to India-centric investment options to UAE investors. - 5. About Kotak Mahindra Bank?
It is one of the largest private banks in India, which is famous for retail and corporate banking, money management, and a growing international appearance.
