Kotak

Kotak is a term with several uses across languages. In Indonesian and Malay, kotak means a box or container and is used in many everyday phrases such as kotak surat (mailbox), kotak makanan (lunch box), and kotak cincin (jewelry box). Beyond its literal sense, kotak appears in compound names for small containers, packaging, and cash boxes. The word is also used as a surname in some South Asian communities.

As a surname and proper noun, Kotak is associated with notable Indian businesspeople and firms. The most prominent bearer is Uday Kotak, founder and executive chairman of Kotak Mahindra Bank. The Kotak Mahindra Group is a diversified financial services conglomerate, with activities in banking, asset management, insurance, and securities.

Kotak Mahindra Bank is a major Indian bank. It began in 1985 as Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd and was converted into a banking entity in 2003 after RBI approval. The bank offers retail, corporate, and investment banking services and operates across India and international offices. In 2015, Kotak Mahindra Bank acquired ING Vysya Bank, expanding its branch network and customer reach. Today, the Kotak group maintains several subsidiaries, including Kotak Life Insurance, Kotak General Insurance, Kotak Securities, and Kotak Asset Management, making it one of India's largest financial services groups.