GoI & Kotak Mahindra Bank Partner to Boost Investor Education through Digital Outreach

In a major step towards strengthening investor education and protection, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), operating under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, has partnered with Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL). This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), seeks to leverage Kotak’s vast physical and digital reach to disseminate key messages on responsible investing, financial fraud prevention, and investor rights, without any financial burden on IEPFA.

Why in the News?

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has signed an MoU with Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL).

MoU Signing Purpose

• To enhance financial literacy and protect investor rights.
• To educate investors on responsible investing and prevent financial fraud.

Role of Kotak Mahindra Bank

• Kotak will display IEPFA’s educational content on its ATMs, kiosks, mobile apps, websites, and social media platforms.
• The content includes digital banners, short films, and educational videos.

IEPFA’s Focus Areas

• Promote responsible investment behavior among the public.
• Spread awareness about fraud prevention.
• Educate citizens about their rights as investors.

Execution Timeline

• The initiative is set to be rolled out during the financial year 2025-2026.

Cost Structure

• The initiative involves no financial obligation on IEPFA.
• The partnership utilizes Kotak’s infrastructure at no cost to the government.

Infrastructure Reach

• Kotak Mahindra Bank has a network of over 2,000 branches and 3,000+ ATMs across India.
• This ensures massive and inclusive outreach to various demographic groups.

Key Officials Involved

• Smt. Anita Shah Akella, CEO of IEPFA and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, is leading the authority’s investor education efforts.
• Smt. Samiksha Lamba, Deputy General Manager, IEPFA, and Mr. Vishal Agarwal, Senior Vice President and Head, Kotak Mahindra Bank, exchanged the MoU.

Significance of the Collaboration

• Strengthens trust in the financial ecosystem.
• Encourages innovative collaborations for financial empowerment.
• Supports sustainable development of an informed investor community.

About IEPFA

• The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
• It is responsible for promoting financial literacy, safeguarding investor interests, and conducting Investor Awareness Programs nationwide.

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

• Kotak Mahindra Bank is a leading private sector bank in India.
• It serves millions of customers through innovative financial solutions and a large network of 2,000+ branches and 3,000+ ATMs.