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Kotak Mahindra International Secures UAE Licence to Sell Funds to Retail Investors.

Banking & Finance | Dated: 20 Aug 2025

In August 2025, Kotak Mahindra (International) Limited, the international arm of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL), became the first Indian company to secure a license from the United Arab Emirates’ Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - This landmark approval allows the company to sell investment funds and portfolios to onshore retail investors in the UAE, strengthening India’s footprint in global financial services.
  • - Kotak Mahindra (International) Limited’s approval from the SCA makes it the first Indian entity to receive such a licence, reflecting the deepening cross-border collaboration between India and the UAE in financial markets. This move also highlights the growing demand for Indian financial institutions to provide regulated investment solutions in global hubs.
  • - The new licence provides retail investors in the UAE access to Kotak Mahindra’s diverse fund offerings. By catering to individuals rather than just institutional investors, the bank is expanding its reach and supporting the UAE’s investment fund industry with broader retail participation.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The investment offerings under this licence can be accessed with a minimum investment of around USD 500, making them relatively accessible for small and medium-scale investors. This low entry threshold reflects Kotak Mahindra’s strategy to democratize access to professional financial management in the UAE.
  • (ii) Looking ahead, Kotak Mahindra (International) plans to launch funds aligned with its Luxembourg-domiciled Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) and India-domiciled strategies. These funds are expected to open for subscriptions from UAE investors by the final quarter of Calendar Year 2025 (Q4 CY25).
  • (iii) This development marks a major milestone in India-UAE financial cooperation, positioning Kotak Mahindra (International) as a bridge for global retail investors seeking exposure to Indian and international fund strategies under a trusted regulatory framework.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which Indian financial institution’s international arm recently became the first to secure a UAE licence to sell funds to retail investors?

Correct Answer: Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

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